Are you ready to see the last bits on finishing the 2023 Scrap Dance Quadrille Mystery Quilt Along? Today I’ll show you the final details. When we left off, the quilting was done and I had put some water on the blue marks, only to have them return the next day.

I was not happy that I would have to actually wash the quilt. I didn’t want to soak the whole thing as I didn’t want the crinkled look to a quilt for competition. I wanted it to be crisp and flat. But I also didn’t want any blue marks. I was also advised that if I didn’t get the blue completely out, and tried to iron it, that those blue dots would turn brown. Oh, great. So, I was forced into soaking it. First, though, I had to bind it. One thing I always do now is test fit the binding to the quilt so I can be sure the seams won’t land on a corner. This has the added benefit of keeping it off the floor while sewing it onto the quilt.

A little bit of Sunday slow stitching, and it was ready for the final task.

The quilt is not huge, and I found it would fit inside my top loading washer. Thank goodness I wouldn’t have to do this in a bathtub. I set the machine on soak, put the quilt in, and let the basin fill with water.

The soak cycle is 20 minutes, so I paused the cycle after about 10 minutes. Using my hands, I agitated the quilt very gently, turning it over, and let it soak. It stayed in the water for about an hour. Then I set it on the spin cycle to remove as much water as possible. This was easier than pressing out the water by hand!

Just for good measure, I did it again. I didn’t use any soap.

Another hour later, after spinning out the water, I took it to the workroom and laid it on a sheet on the floor. Starting at the top, I carefully blocked out the quilt as square and flat as my knees would allow.

Moving down, I blocked the next row. I couldn’t use pins or anything on the concrete floor, it just had to stay on its own.

I kept going until the quilt was completely flat. Then it was left to air dry for two days.

In the meantime, I made a label for it. I wanted to use the same backing fabric, so the label would be very subtle. I didn’t have a piece left that was big enough to hoop, so I used Sulky Sticky stabilizer.

Hoop the stabilizer, then score around the inside edge of the hoop with a pair of scissors.

Peel up the paper inside the hoop.

Then carefully lay the fabric on top of the sticky part, and smooth it out.

Ready to embroider. I had some trouble with the thread, and I have since learned that this kind of shredding is an issue with most reds from any brand, and some darker threads in Floriani brand.

Perseverance paid off, and the label did eventually get done.

Next was to attempt to iron the quilt. I have to say I had some dread that the marks would come back brown, so I began the ironing in a corner print where a brown mark wouldn’t be obvious. Before I began ironing, the quilt had that well used, crinkled and puckered look. Fine for a bed quilt, but not flat enough for me.

Pressing went well, no brown marks appeared, and the quilt is now crisp and flat again.

Next, it needed a sleeve for hanging in the show. I use my Temporary Sleeve Method to add one to the back.

All done, it is laying flat on the guest bed waiting for the fair in early September. In the meantime, I can enjoy seeing it as I pass by that room.

If you are interested in this pattern, click on My Patterns page to buy the pattern.

Did you enjoy this mystery quilt along? Do you like the pattern?

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Sulky has a new Merry and Bright Mystery Box! Celebrate Christmas in July and get ahead on festive projects to have made in time for the holiday season. The 14 full-size items in this box will make quite a few fun projects; take inspiration from all-new featured projects (two free patterns included!) and browse the Mystery Box Lookbook for more creative inspiration. When you open your box, find the postcard inside that directs you to the Lookbook and list of box items to know how to use your products and create with confidence. FIVE BOXES WILL INCLUDE a Sulky GOLDEN TICKET, and the recipients will receive a $50 store credit at sulky.com! It is all part of the 7 Days of Deals at Sulky! Sales end 7-31-23. While you are there, check out the great new additions to the Clearance rack!

See the adorable new Door Banner Block Kit of the Month at Fat Quarter Shop.

Shop new summer arrivals, and see the daily deal at MadamSew.

Visit C&T Publishing, and see the Best Sellers and check out the Gifts and Games section. Another fabulous class is coming on September 7, the Quilt Finishing Fest! Get a $20 discount on the class with my code, just click on Quilt Finishing Fest to see the class and have the code automatically applied. Quilt Finishing Fest is a live, virtual event of quilting and quilt finishing techniques taught by expert instructors. The opening keynote speaker, Christa Watson, will set the stage for the event by sharing the importance of prepping the quilt, basting, and making a quilting plan. Quilt Finishing Fest will have ten 40-minute breakout rooms. You’ll pick three you want to see LIVE and choose your own learning adventure with just a click. Recordings of the other rooms will be available to watch through your Creative Spark account.