My February ‘19 One Monthly Goal was to finish the quilt top for the 52” x 52” quilt I am making to commemorate my friend, Kristen’s fantastic accomplishment in getting her Master’s in Social Work in May (while working full-time and being a single mom who is doing an awesome job of raising her 10-year-old son). Read on for more details, but cutting to the chase, today I am able to share a finished quilt instead of just a finished flimsy.

Kristen is a kind and loving young woman, but she also has an edgy side that she totally embraces. I’ll give you an example. Back in 2015 when we were working together, I told her that I was thinking of starting to write a blog called Quilting is in my Blood to chronicle my quilting journey but also in homage to my mother who was an avid quilter. Kristen loved that the name of my blog honored my mom, but she also liked that it had the word “blood” in it for its edgy factor.

The flimsy went together quickly, especially as I was able to use my AccuQuilt strip cutter to cut all the 2 1/2” strips that were subcut into different lengths for the 16 log cabin-esque blocks used to make this quilt top. I was able to send it off to Amy Ellis of Amy’s Creative Side to quilt it for me on 2/11/19 and received it back from her on 2/19/19. Amy occasionally offers long-arm quilting at a very good price. I’ve sent two quilt tops to her, and I’ve been so pleased by how quickly she returns the quilts as well as her quality craftsmanship. Below is a close-up of the quilt which shows the “edgy” element to this quilt: the “Broken Glass” quilting pantograph.

This the first time I’ve made an entire quilt from Art Gallery Fabrics. Their slogan is “Feel the Difference,” and I have to say it is the softest quilt I’ve ever made. Below is a photo of the back of the quilt featuring the scrumptious Hazy Daisies in Scarlet fabric.

I finished binding this quilt last evening and was so pleased to wake up today to a sunny morning, so I could take the quilt outside to photograph. I was going to duct tape the quilt to my side fence, but I was afraid the fence might be slightly moist from a dusting of snow yesterday and even more concerned that the fence might be dirty since the quilt has a fair amount of white fabric. I wiped the fence with a paper towel, and it was filthy! So I went with Plan B. I grabbed the old aqua comforter that goes underneath whatever quilt is on my bed, hung it over the fence, and then pinned the quilt to the comforter. I have to say Plan B worked pretty well since I got it photographed in 20 minutes and didn’t even have to leave my yard! Of course the aqua comforter went straight into the washer when I was done!

I’ve decided to call this quilt, Commemoration. See my Feb ‘19 OMG  post for information about the pattern and fabrics used in this quilt.

Linking up to Elm Street Quilts: Feb ‘19 OMG Finishes. This was my “iffiest” 2019 Qtr 1 Finish-A-Long Goals, but I’m so glad I got it done in plenty of time for Kristen’s graduation. Linking up to 2019 Qtr 1 Finish-A-Long Finishes.