Quilt On-the-Go, Finished MARY MANNAKEE, wedding quilt #2

We've been traveling again (big surprise). Our month long trip to
New Zealand,

Australia

and Indonesia

took me away from blogging but not quilting. Days at sea were spent hand quilting Kathi's bed runner which she now has on her bed in Arizonia.

After a week of taking care of the grandsons, we were off again up the
West Coast.

We returned home to the exciting news that our oldest son and DIL are expecting their first (It may curb our travels a bit after November). Another baby quilt to design! Boy or Girl?

On to San Diego to spent 3 days with our younger son, DIL, and boys.
Oh what fun.

Next, Jack was sent to lobby for special education in Washington DC. My week was spent visiting museums (found only one quilt shop). I went to the DAR but still didn't get to see the Mary Manakee (You'd think that they would display a quilt that they sell the pattern for in the gift shop?!)

My biggest news (next to my new grandchild) . . . in between travels I managed to finish Mary Mannakee.

I washed it with just clear laundry detergent, Zout on minor bleeding from some of the reds and several Ritz grabber sheets. ALL markings and bleeding came out! Its gorgeous. 
This quilt will be put away for my Grandson, Noah, as you can see above, he is only 3.  DID YOU KNOW? I was told to fold a quilt on the bias to prevent permanent creases.

Busy Hand Quilting

I have finished quilting the medallions on my Mary Mannakee and am now working on the grid. The boarder will be last. I thank Janet at Quiltsalot for challenging me to do this quilt. It has been such a learning experience.



When I started the grid, I wasn't excited to use pencil for the markings but I think it was the best choice. I have researched how to remove them in the end. A soft eraser takes most of it off but sometimes I missed the mark and I had to draw again, making them either darker or have an extra line. Do you have any suggestions for treating the marks before washing?

Disappointed but pushing ahead

I was excited to visit the DAR museum in DC and see the Mary Mannakee quilt up close only to find the exhibit hall closed for installation of a quilt show for April... I was so disappointed. I have enlarged jpgs but cannot see how it was quilted. I'm almost done with the last side of the border and ready to sandwich. Any suggestions? Where can I look?

Here are the only quilts I found on display in DC:

Fredrick Douglass' home


Museum of American History




I'm making headway with my Strips 'n Curves. About 1/3 is cut, planned and some sewn. This is my makeshift planning wall. The flannel backed tablecloth hangs curved over my bookshelves with velcro. Its definitely better than having no design surface.

Ready to take along

I wasn't idle these past few weeks. The borders are ready for hand sewing. I'm planning to take it along on our next trip in March. I will also be visiting Washington DC while Jack is on business. I'll have the opportunity to visit the DAR Museum and see the Mary Mannakee quilt. Its my hope to duplicate the way it was hand quilted.

HOME SWEET HOME

We are finally back from world travels and glad to be home for a while. We had a great time exploring new vistas,
making new friends
and absorbing new cultures.I finished the last 11 blocks for my Mary Mannakee replica. The center 25 are done and now for the borders (that seems simple after the center is done.) Before you think I did nothing but sew, just remember we were 30 days on the ship and lots of opportunity to sew while sitting, listening, or waiting for something to happen.

I was busy on our trip.

I completed 9 more blocks for the Mary Mannakee quilt on our last trip. Applique is a great take along project. 14 down and 11 more to go then the border appliques. We will be on the go again and I'm busy prepping the rest of the blocks.







We didn't plan to be traveling back-to-back-to-back but when our best friend had major heart failure, we postponed this upcoming trip from March to now. I hope to be able to blog onboard without it costing an arm-and-a-leg. See you on-line.