QAYG, "Critter Comfort"

QAYG is a great technique to use up fabric bits (in case no one ever told you!).  It also eliminates the final quilting as it is machine quilted by sewing strings to the precut backing/batting pieces.  The backing pieces were already cut, cutting the batting pieces went fast, and sewing the kids prints/strings took 3 days - that's all.

Back in the '80s -- (that would be the previous century!!!!), I learned Quilt as you Go, from Georgia Bonesteel, the only quilt program  available on TV.  It was aired on the Public TV, coming from North Carolina.  She is responsible for this lovely addiction!

I'm trying this method, slightly modified from the original.  Many tutorials are available all over YouTube.  I've used strings, and the sewing goes to the edges of the block, and I will machine sew very narrow sashing to front and back, between the blocks.  That's the plan, but have NOT started that part yet.  Here are 49 blocks that are trimmed to 8 1/4 inch.  The only constant is the white diagonal.   I DID make a dent in my kids prints hoard as well as my batting scraps!  Blocks will be set 6 x 8 (one extra).  Some of the blocks look clever together, most are accidental - the white center strip gives the blocks continuity.  Bbacking squares are a variety of fabric.  

 

Here is kinda what they might look like when putting 4 together, without sashing for now.  Note, the cats and the cat food cans!  Toooooo cute!  

One fabric of green polka dots and monkeys was given to me by Kathy, a fellow resident and quilter, who passed away unexpectedly recently.  Thank you Kathy - I used it for good purpose.  

Kaleidoscope - Losing Control?

Whew - this is a HUGE project for a DSM, MQ'ed, in free form designs.  I am putting on the last 2 borders using Quilt as you Go, technique (thank you Georgia Bonesteel), to reduce the bulk  - this  quilt is abut 88" x 107".

As I was working, I had the feeling it was "getting away from me".  I don't know what that means, perhaps self doubt?  The border quilting keeps it all straight and true, flat, but I think the center quilting might need more.  Kinda late now for more quilting in the blocks, but I've been considering MQ'ing invisible thread between the blocks.   Oh dear, more work?  Suggestions anyone?  Perhaps blocking will reduce the poofiness I'm not really loving in those blocks.  I like the quilting swirl designs I showed recently on the plexiglas.  You can't see any poofiness in these photos. 

Has anyone else experienced a quilt project "getting away from you" or the feeling that you are "losing control"? 

The dark border on 2 sides is DONE.  2 more sides to go, then DONE.  I LOVE the dog/shark teeth!  They turned out well and were not difficult at all.