Stitching Right Along
It was a six in the morning cup of coffee for me. The three kitties and I walked the acre to check things out. In places the grass crunched under foot.
Dennis’ nephew from Windom stopped in for a visit and by nine, I left the fellows to talk shop and I went in and down to the studio.
I have been stitching on a quilt top called “A Long Time Ago.” I haven’t rushed at it. In early spring I was busy transplanting Hosta and then doing some stitching in the afternoons.
On a side note . . . I so enjoyed the cool temps to be out getting my fingernails dirty. That was the ultimate for me. Since the temps have climbed and bugs are out, I am not outside other than in the mornings.
Back to stitching. All of the various blocks in this pattern have been sewn. Blocks today were then sewn together to make up quarters and then into halves of the quilt top. Dennis would check on me from time to time and give moral support. So many 1/4 inch seams to match up. So many seams to press. So many 1/4 inch seams to press open to make less bulk, without burning the fingers.
This mid afternoon it was time. It was time to lay, with the right sides of the project, bringing both halves together. In my head I was doing a drum roll. 
Over the course of months and eyeballing the 1/4 inch seam allowance, how much would I have to fudge to make this union work? The grid for the top of the church tables that Kevin and Kersten got for me has been priceless. Laying things out on it for the common good, leaves little to the imagination. Armed with pins, I pinned each end and worked towards the middle. I was astounded. Both lengths of the halves were joined in perfect harmony.
That was it! I shut everything down for the day. I had achieved my ultimate goal which has been in the works for several months. When next I return to the studio, the two halves will become one. A border of 4″ will be sewn on all four sides making for approximately 64″ x 64″. The folksy orange flowered print that was used in joining blocks as it was called for in the pattern, will also be used in the border as well as the backing. I knew I had saved this yardage of Mom’s for the perfect project.
I let Dennis know we now would be going on a road date to Bird Island in the near future. My gift certificate that has been waiting for me will be used in part for the batting of “A Long Time Ago.” It will be the prime time to have lunch at the Athman’s Café.
I have had a great rewarding Saturday.
Be well my family and friends. Be kind to yourselves and each other this long weekend.