How to Eat an Elephant

....or make a king sized quilt.

Finally, I'm ready to start machine quilting my King George quilt today!   I'm sharing the steps I've taken to prepare this for quilting half at a time.

Here is the backing.  I just LOVE this fabric.   I bought it years ago when I first designed this quilt.


It sure is great to have a railing to hang 10 yards of seamed and pressed fabric.


I decided on this cable pattern for the machine quilting.  I taped 2 of them together so I wouldn't have to move it as much.  I wish they made these border stencils longer!  I marked a line on the stencil to place on the seam so it would be centered correctly.


I used the pounce marker that erases with steam.


I used my buffet table and started pinning in the upper left hand corner.  I checked, checked and CHECKED  all the measurements of the top, batting and backing and thought this was the best way to approach it.  (I usually start in the center and work out).  
 

I moved across to the next section.  I decided on a good 1/2 way point to stop.  I felt it best to stop mid-block not too near a main seam.


I folded back the top, took a deep breath then I carefully cut the batting away to reduce bulk while I quilt the first half.


I folded up the backing and top of the other half and used binder clips to keep it neat.  It was too thick to use safety pins.


After about a week preparing everything we all took a rest.


I plan to start in this afternoon.  Wish me luck!

A drive to Ohio this past week gave me a chance to work on my "car trip" doll quilt.   I've been working on it for over 2 years, lol.   I can't applique' in the car, but I can quilt.


I am taking a real casual approach to quilting this - no marking - no fuss.  If it looks a little crude, it will be just right for my little doll bed.


Good Luck to Hanna and her housemates - have a great semester!


I'll be back soon, hope you all have a great week.