This has been a productive week. I am coming along nicely with MY NEXT LIFETIME QUILT, aka Old Italian Blocks. It's been less than a year since I started this so that is good progress. The 3"blocks were made as Leader/Enders, using reproduction fabrics from my deep stash.
There is a very organized color plan although it may be hard to see here. First, I sorted all the blocks into basic color groups: dark blue, light blue, dark green, light green, black/brown, yellow/rust/orange, red/pink, purple, gray, lights. I was striving for NO repeats, but, alas, there may be a couple.
Once I cleared the design wall and placed all 289 blocks exactly where I wanted them, I knew I had to sew the complete top as quickly as possible to use the design wall again. Here is the layout:
The top row isn't quite right because I can't quite reach the top of the wall on my stepstool. Falling off is a possibility so I have to be very careful or get a bigger ladder.
Once I sewed several rows the wall looks odd and it's hard to be sure I have the blocks in the correct place. I have to get back on the stepstool to move them all down into position:
After a lot more sewing it was time to really move everything down into position so I can reach all of them with the stepstool AND be sure all are in the right spot:
I have been asked to explain how I keep the rows organized as they come off the design wall and go to the sewing machine. It is a bit of a challenge but not really hard.
Here is the most recent row I added. Using the first photograph, the "official layout", I carefully check that each block is in the right place while still on the wall.
I carefully take each block off the wall and lay it on one of my large design boards, being sure to keep them in the proper order. The perimeter triangles are placed on the board to help me keep track of which side is left, which right:
Paying attention, I add a solid square to the right side of each block, then join them in pairs, then fours, etc. I have found it helpful to take a picture of the board before starting to sew--it is EASY to get one or two of the blocks turned around, so out of order.
After careful pressing, the sewn row goes back on the design wall and I make the next row. After making 4 rows, I join them in pairs, then into fours, then they go back on the wall. Once I get the first half done, I will switch to the other side to complete the other half. That way, the entire quilt is only under the needle for the final seam joining the two halves.
This is a replica of an antique top I bought in 2014--read about it HERE--same link as above.
A yellow border wasn't my cup of tea. After getting started on this, I searched my closet and found the perfect border and binding fabric. This dark red, printed on the diagonal, will be just fine:
I am eager to get this top complete. At this point I expect there is a solid week of piecing to get it done. Then I can move on to other things and the design wall will be usable again.
For those interested, my DESIGN WALL is two sheets of 4' x 8' foam board, covered in Warm and White cotton batt, mounted to the wall. Blocks stick to the batting easily without pins. Only long rows once joined into larger sections need a few pins due to their weight. I've had this wall for 25 years. It is covered with strings--they are hard to remove because my husband used a squirt bottle of Elmer's White School Glue to adhere the batting. In hindsight, mixing a thinner solution of that glue/water might have allowed it to be painted on, keeping the batting more firmly in place. I still love my wall and use it every day.
If you want more information on how to make these fun blocks, in 3 different sizes, see my SUMMER SEW ALONG 2025
Let's quilt.
Barbara