It took a while, but the antique reproduction of Cheddarback by Sentimental Stitches is done! There was a real tough decision to be made at the end. Should I add one more row of large blocks just to the right of center and make it a queen size quilt? Much more useful for our family.So, the two sections went up the wall for a photo. As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. That photo instantly told me that this quilt did not want another row in between. So, the last seam was sewn and Cheddarback is a complete top.
Can you spot the impostor in the top row center? It was an orphan block made by my friend's mother, Mrs. Larson. It was in a box of leftover quilting fabric and sample blocks that was given to me. It was the right size and color, so why not give it a chance to shine? It takes the place of four smaller blocks that I chose not to make.
Here are some interesting things I learned: 1. This is a brilliant layout. The mixture of large and small blocks with sashing is very clever. I might do this with my own orphan blocks. 2. I still can't get the hang of paper piecing. 3. I had a hard time with most of these blocks. The cutting and piecing method was often not the same approach that I would have used, and I ended up re-making at least 1/4 of the blocks. But, I understand that Gay was being as true to the original as she could, and the original had some really crazy piecing going on.
The cheddar and white sunflower fabric I found for the back is fabulous, and I can't wait to start quilting. But, there are at least three quilts ahead of this one in line.
