Last week, during Virtual Retreat Holiday Edition, I worked on the Quilt of Valor top. I needed to get this done so I could move on to the quilting. When we left off, I had the basic idea for the design, fabric choices made and most of the stripe blocks made.
I made the rest of the stripe blocks, then sewed together the ones that would be placed below the panel. I needed to sew a border onto the panel to make it large enough for the blocks below to fit. Then I added the blocks to the left side to complete the stripes.
At the top, I added a plain, white background block to fill the space.
Next, I put the final red block in alignment, along with the final white background block, and determined how long the star print would need to be.
Then I sewed the third column to the right side of the panel section.
The last part was to put the print across the top so the design would be complete. I didn’t have a lot left, and the width was only 11 inches, so I sewed it on with that width.
It just didn’t look right. The proportions are off, and it is too square. I decided to piece together more of the star print so the quilt would be more rectangular.
Then I added the blue border. Now it looks right.
On a rainy day yesterday, I finished loading it on the longarm and began the quilting. I’m using the same star and loop quilting design as I have used on the others called Blue Star. I hope to finish that this week so I can have the binding done by the end of the month.
Then I just need to get the other three quilts from my two QOV buddies so I can put the labels on all of them prior to February. Totally doable, if I can get the other quilts in early January. I have to have them all together so I can determine which one will go to which veteran. So, all is on track for the ceremony in February.
What are you sewing this week?
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From My Carolina Home 
beautiful work of art.
Lovely, Carole. This will mean so much to someone.
QOV quilt is lovely 7 very creative. This week I’m working on Christmas gifts.
Merry Christmas,
Beverly
This is beautiful, Carole…a true work of art!!
What a unique way to finish the QOV panel! Very eye-catching. I completed my second quilt for December & have almost finished a scrappy top. I love using scraps & making up my own quilts, but it does take longer than following a pattern. Once the top is done, I’m adding to my UFO inventory. I always finish one at a time so I never get to join UFO challenges – this year I’ll be ready LOL.
I like your use of the panel. It makes a unique quilt. I like that you piece fabric as needed to get the look you want. I’m finishing up a charity quilt this week to get it off to my longarmer friend. Enjoy the holidays.
Adding more to the top definitely helped out with the proportions and was the right choice. I’m glad everything is on track!
that’s a beauty, Carole! The split 9 patches really complement the panel section. I agree – the final darker border frames everything up nicely!
you were right about the rectangle and the final blue border really works. I made a star red, white and blue quilt for my army daughter when she promoted to major
Very eye catching Carole. I snap pictures of ideas I like for future quilts and my virtual folder titled Quilt Ideas is bursting. My friend and I are co-hosts for our guild’s Christmas party and we’re busy making aprons, cookies in a jar mix and a few other prizes for our games. Merry Christmas!
I love the quilt. I’m sure a veteran will love it!
Love the “wave” of the pattern – and the top being “softer”. Not sure how to say it but it’s really stunning and I’m sure the Vet will love it and the family can treasure it for years to come. Thanks
The final blue border really puts a nice finishing touch on this QOV top! I just ordered the blue star pantograph from Urban Elementz as it is a perfect complement to patriotic quilts.
Will be working on sewing and embroidering Christmas gifts.
Enjoy the festive season!
Jo Anne
That looks so nice. It’ll be a great quilt for a deserving vet.
Love hearing about your design process for your quilts. This one is right on point.
That’s a cool QOV. I’m back to quilting veterans quilts this week!