![ready for handwork](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-Fpqnk4S/0/a1c03477/M/IMG_6205-M.jpg)
January ended, and I didn't finish a quilt. (My goal again this year is one per month, and I didn't accomplish this same goal in 2022.) But I am making considerable progress, and I'm having fun in the process. I really love this project.
![perfectly stitched](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-2kwTzWR/0/59f06f5f/M/IMG_6200-M.jpg)
I finished enough curved flying geese for a half circle and finished cutting out all the pieces for the second half of the circle. Before I sew them together, however, I decided I'd better put the blocks together so I can get an accurate measurement for the center block.
![all cut out](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-V6qPLbH/0/a1f4d4d6/M/IMG_5938-M.jpg)
I may need to shave along each flying goose on the flat side to provide a tighter curve. But I want to make sure I have the proper measurements first. I don't want to have to redo any of this!
![half circle complete](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-QF4hdSG/0/728e3b23/M/IMG_5942-M.jpg)
I think Hawaiian Punch is my oldest WIP, and the fat quarters I used are either the first or second fat quarter bundle I ever bought - nearly two decades ago!
![pretty selvedges](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-2tFSqnH/0/6dd3e49f/M/IMG_5939-M.jpg)
I've been anxious to piece these blocks together for nearly 20 years! But now comes the hand sewing, which I really enjoy, but takes longer than machine sewing. I stitched the quilt-as-you-go blocks together without catching in the backing, and then I pinned the backing closed.
![blocks seamed together](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-hL4DMLd/0/e885097a/M/IMG_6201-M.jpg)
Now I will hand-stitch the backing down on each block, and then I can cut the backing fabric for the compass and geese block. Once I know exactly how much room I have for the geese, I'll be able to put them together quickly, then it will be more hand-sewing to complete the circle and attach the compass. I haven't decided yet if the center block will be hand-quilted or machine-quilted.
![putting blocks together](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-HgVWXg8/0/8894b2c6/M/IMG_6198-M.jpg)
One thing I do know for certain is that if I ever make another quilt like this (which I'd like to do one day, after I've finished most of my WIPs, of course), I will start at the center and work my way out instead of making the outer blocks first, then trying to come up with a center block that fits. I think that would be so much easier! And probably way less math, ha ha!
![folding over](https://photos.smugmug.com/Quilts-Plus/In-stitches-quilting-too/i-HQkSwBj/0/63ad7b28/M/IMG_6204-M.jpg)
Linking up with Alycia Quilts and Confessions of a Fabric Addict.
Deb, this is just so beautiful. I absolutely love these colors. You should enter this somewhere when it's done!
ReplyDeleteSue, you are WAY too kind! Judges would not be. The compass is going to be a little poochie in the middle because I decided not to redo it. So not contest worthy. :)
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