Echo Star Quilt Progress

quilt progress
Oh…this quilt…. I love it so much. What began as a painting, then became a pillow, and now this large version. It has been so incredibly nice to just hunker down and work feverishly sewing this up during the drear and drip of winter. Somehow it feels so cheerful to me. Edited to add: This quilt is now completed, and available as a PDF pattern!

quilt progress
I cut and pieced it all over the past two weeks, now it’s almost ready to quilt. I’m trying something in the basting process this time around, I purchased a small pile of these camp table clamps to use for holding the backing firmly and smoothly to all four sides of my studio tabletop. I’ve heard they work, and I would love to baste effectively on my tabletop. I usually tape the backing down to the floor, and would love to save my knees! I’ll let you know how they work.
quilt progress
 
quilt progress
quilt progress
What are you working on today?

18 Comments
  • Dorie

    March 5, 2013 at 6:08 am

    love this quilt, and thank you for the calendar!

  • jess

    March 5, 2013 at 6:11 am

    http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100161744?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&storeId=10051&N=5yc1vZc266&R=100161744#.UTX8tzCG18E
    I have a bunch of these clamps (in green (: ) that I use for attaching my quilts to a table for basting. It really does work, and totally saves the knees.
    Loving the bright colors of your quilt!

  • ann at thevelvetaubergine

    March 5, 2013 at 6:13 am

    Graduated colours in quilts are so beautiful!

  • ara jane

    March 5, 2013 at 6:20 am

    it’s amazing how much this really does look like a painting! it must be the subtle color gradation. so lovely.

  • blair/wisecraft

    March 5, 2013 at 8:00 am

    Thanks Arajane! My husband says I am doing a series… I guess I am!

  • kat

    March 5, 2013 at 8:34 am

    Loving the colors and those pieces of monochromatic texture.

  • blair/wisecraft

    March 5, 2013 at 8:44 am

    You're so welcome Dorie, thank you!

  • Annette

    March 5, 2013 at 10:08 am

    This is lovely. Especially that floral fabric in the center. I’ve been thinking about trying the table basting method myself. I’ll be anxious to hear how it works for you.

  • blair/wisecraft

    March 5, 2013 at 11:37 am

    Thank you! I will let you know how it goes!

  • erin

    March 5, 2013 at 5:26 pm

    gorgeous, blair! i can’t wait to see it all finished.

  • Blair

    March 5, 2013 at 5:44 pm

    Wow! Impressive, I haven’t quilted before.

  • blair/wisecraft

    March 5, 2013 at 5:46 pm

    Ooo, that's a good tip, I'm gonna look into those too! How many do you use?

  • Ajaire

    March 5, 2013 at 6:05 pm

    My mother always used the clamps and they worked a treat. I can’t seem to stop using tape and buy some clamps even though i know how great they are 🙂
    The quilt (and original painting) is lovely.

  • blair/wisecraft

    March 5, 2013 at 8:27 pm

    I totally agree!

  • regina

    March 6, 2013 at 7:49 pm

    Love this so much! The colors are perfect.

  • Lady Wulbits

    March 7, 2013 at 12:21 am

    Hiya. I just discovered your blog last night and am loving it. The quilt’s looking fab. I’m always pretty in awe of quilters. I’m working on a few crochet projects at the moment. My granny blanket that’s at the very early stages (6 squares – hehe) keeps getting put to one side as there are a lot of birthdays (and Mother’s Day) coming up so I’m beavering away making various pressies (mainly crochet). Keep well x

  • Jennie

    March 7, 2013 at 8:51 am

    I used to baste on my dining table top with big binder clips and it worked well. Better than the floor, actually. Our new dining table is too thick for clips, which means I’m back on the floor. Just don’t forget to put your cutting mat underneath your quilt sandwich to keep the table top scratch free from the safety pins.

  • Jessica

    March 7, 2013 at 10:26 am

    Blair, I always love your quilts so much. The colors, the prints you choose – you have a real eye for all of it. What a gift. Plus, getting to see your progress along the way!
    I look forward to hearing how those clips work. I swear, the backbreaking basting-on-knees has held up the progress of many a new quilt on my end, let me tell you!

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