Finally. It's been on the shelf for a long time, but it is finally ready to be quilted. This is the Fat Quarter Shop's Designer Mystery Quilt from 2011. The patterns for the blocks and for the finishing kit are still available on their website. You should know that I did not follow the directions for finishing the kit, but instead swapped out the finishing instructions for Designer Mystery 2020 instead.
My quilt finished at 90 inches square. It is as big as a circus tent, I swear. I added a 6-inch floral border in the aqua print, which gives the quilt a great drop on my queen-sized bed.
I really struggled with pressing the whole gigantic thing perfectly, but I know it will look great once it is quilted.
And I did piece the backing!
That turned out pretty cute if I do say so myself. I haven't worked with such large pieces of fabric as this quilt top and the backing in a l.o.n.g. time. I won't lie, it was a struggle. And my next large quilt is going to have 108 inch backing for sure. I did not enjoy wrestling with all that yardage.
Thanks to all of you for your encouragement! Glad to check this UFO off as a "finish"!
Congratulations!! You should be very proud of yourself! The quilt is absolutely beautiful - love the border you added - great choice!
Posted by: Kelli | February 10, 2022 at 04:20 AM
An absolute stunner!!! Can't imagine the original finish could have been as beautiful as this. You should give yourself a pat on the back (or a long snuggle under your quilt when it's back from the quilter)
Posted by: Pam D | February 10, 2022 at 04:21 AM
You're not the only one who struggles with large quilts but I so enjoy them when they are finished and I really don't need another lap quilt. The large border is just what was needed and it doesn't detract from the center so it's a win - win. It turned out great.
Posted by: janet S | February 10, 2022 at 04:23 AM
Wow...how pretty and Congrats on the finish! Must feel great to have this done and now you will enjoy using this one.....Nice work Nicole!
Posted by: gailss1 | February 10, 2022 at 04:54 AM
It looks amazing Nicole! Job well done!!
Posted by: Wendy Currie | February 10, 2022 at 05:03 AM
Sure is pretty! Worth the wait. When it is quilted, I wish I could sew the binding for you...;)
Posted by: Carole | February 10, 2022 at 05:03 AM
Congratulations Nicole, it’s fantastic! Absolutely worth waiting 10 years for!
Hugs, Tazzie xox
Posted by: Tazzie | February 10, 2022 at 05:05 AM
It's beautiful, Nicole and perfect for spring!
Posted by: T Holzer | February 10, 2022 at 05:23 AM
Can't go wrong with Fig tree fabrics. This quilt is gorgeous! Great finish Nicole. I love your tweeks!
Posted by: KimS | February 10, 2022 at 05:29 AM
It is beautiful! And the colors--especially the green--are PERFECT for your room. Cant wait to see it quilted. And I love the tulip on the back. Good Job!
Posted by: mary in WI | February 10, 2022 at 05:41 AM
You are so right about large quilt backs. My least favorite part.
Your decision to use the suggested border fabric on the back was spot on. Your selection for the border is much softer. Wonderful.
Posted by: PamO | February 10, 2022 at 05:49 AM
Congratulations!!
Posted by: Nann | February 10, 2022 at 05:49 AM
Great job of sticking to it and finishing it! Those 108" quilts are so big to maneuver, but I can't afford to send them out so I manage to work it on my 11" spaced Janome. Every time I lay out a quilt hubby says but it isn't big enough! Once in a while I agree.
Posted by: sue s | February 10, 2022 at 06:00 AM
Just beautiful!! I am with you-I have started buying wide backs for the big quilts and it is a game changer!!,
Posted by: Jane Eilderts | February 10, 2022 at 06:11 AM
Very, very nice quilt! It turned out to be quite a beauty. Your way of assembling the blocks made this one so special. Good job!
Posted by: Lynn C. (NJ) | February 10, 2022 at 06:27 AM
It looks great. Definitely worth the effort.
Posted by: Jocelyn | February 10, 2022 at 06:39 AM
Ditto everything that has been said. It’s beautiful!
Posted by: Betty | February 10, 2022 at 06:46 AM
When you tweak a pattern or quilt kit to add your own touch, it just makes it more special. Your quilt is gorgeous!
Posted by: CarolE | February 10, 2022 at 06:51 AM
It looks wonderful, A beauty for sure. Fine job!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | February 10, 2022 at 07:25 AM
Beautiful! And all the nicer for making it to your tastes (which are excellent) and for actually being done!
As for huge quilts and large backings, I have one of those to deal with now. Don't love seaming and ironing such huge expanses of fabric.
Posted by: Debbie R. | February 10, 2022 at 07:43 AM
You have a beautiful quilt with your personalized changes to the pattern. I'm happy you pieced the back, too! It's more trouble but just gives a quilt a little extra surprise! And, you don't have a leftover flower to wonder what use it for! Congrats on the finish!
Posted by: Jan | February 10, 2022 at 08:19 AM
Your quilt is beautiful Nicole. I like the changes you made. Last year I made some draperies and struggled trying to press them. My husband made me a giant ironing board that slides over our Kitchen peninsula counter. It's just a piece of thin plywood with batting stapled on it, covered with fabric. It is about four feet wide and about six feet long, gives me plenty of irong space. I have used it several times on quilting projects. I slide it off and store it against the wall in our laundry room.
Posted by: Linda Enneking | February 10, 2022 at 08:39 AM
Looks fabulous! That block layout looks particularly good on a bed.
Posted by: Cathy | February 10, 2022 at 08:45 AM
Absolutely Gorgeous!! I enjoyed reading each blog post and seeing the final project. Congratulations!
Posted by: Clara Chandler | February 10, 2022 at 08:48 AM
Your quilt is really beautiful! Proof that good fabric doesn’t go bad waiting patiently to be used! Lovely!
Posted by: Sandra Evenson-Hagen | February 10, 2022 at 09:10 AM