I have spent the last couple of weeks putting the finishing touches on my 'Dear Prudence' Hexagon Quilt. It spent just over a fortnight stretched on the frame while I 'quilted' the layers together. I had to mark my spots with pins so that I could keep track of which parts I had done.
It looked strange.....all these pins stuck into the quilt.....but it worked a treat.
I then trimmed off the border. I had made it wider than I needed on purpose.....it's a lot easier to cut it back than to wish it was wider. After laying different fabrics down along the edge, it was a unanimous decision (me and Russell) that I use the cream for the binding. So on the morning of Tuesday 26th April the end was reached. Russell captured the moment.....the last stitch
..... I just wish I was dressed a little better other than in my work clothes!
I still have to make my quilt label (which will include just a 'few' more hexagons).......and also stitch the hanging sleeve down.......but the entry form has been posted off for the exhibition. It is now out of my hands and I await to hear whether it will be accepted into the exhibition.
So after 54.5 weeks........1,300 hours........17,977 hexagons...........approximately 500,000 stitches..........my journey draws to an end.......THE quilt is now finished. I'd like to thank everyone who has supported and encouraged me along the way ....... especially Russell. He has been so supportive and patient with me, has offered his advice and done the maths along the way. I could not have done it without him.
Linda :)
It has been a great honour to watch this quilt grow, from those first hexagons to finally seeing the completed project. It is a truly amazing effort, and I feel so privileged to have been there along the way. I never had any doubt that you would complete it in the time limit you had. I cant wait to see it hanging in the Melbourne exhibition, Congratulations to both you and Russell!!!
Posted by: Lenora | April 28, 2011 at 09:05 PM
congrats on finishing THE quilt, can't wait to see it in all its glory!
Posted by: Julz at Simple Stitches | April 29, 2011 at 07:31 AM
What an excellent effort. It looks fantastic
Posted by: Dee | April 29, 2011 at 09:17 AM
wonderful effort and looking forward to having a preview on monday
Posted by: Betty Seuren | April 29, 2011 at 09:44 AM
Fantastic effort Linda (and Russell)....thanks for sharing your journey - putting that last stitch in must have been an interesting moment - relief/elation/pride...but ....what now?? I guess it's like savouring the ending of a really good book....always hard to find something that measures up to follow it up....!
Posted by: Lorraine | April 29, 2011 at 09:54 AM
You are amazing !!! (and the quilt is stunning)
Posted by: jodie | April 29, 2011 at 06:56 PM
Thanks everyone for your kind words, however Linda's entry to the psych ward is still pending.
Russell
Posted by: Linda | April 29, 2011 at 07:43 PM
You are amazing to complete this in the time frame - I would need 10 years. Must go to the Quilt Show now - was going to give it a miss this year!
Posted by: Nanbet | April 30, 2011 at 03:24 PM
Congratulations Linda.......and Russell too; the most beautiful quilt, you are an inspiration and thank you for sharing this journey with us :)
Posted by: Carol | April 30, 2011 at 11:17 PM
Will definately be going to have a look at this amazing quilt in the "flesh" and hanging with it's most deserved prize card on it.
WELL DONE LINDA
Posted by: Marion Prime | May 03, 2011 at 02:21 PM
well done Linda, I missed the posting of the completion of your amazing journey as i was overseas. cant wait to see this in the flesh too. when is it being shown?? are you finding you have time on your hands now its done? lol
Posted by: Bootcampquilter.blogspot.com | May 08, 2011 at 02:03 PM