I recently finished hand piecing, yes hand piecing this Winding Ways quilt top I started about 16-17 years ago, soon after I began quilting.
Hand Pieced Winding Ways – Fabrics Circa Mid 1990’s
I remember cutting out plastic templates and joyously hunting through my local quilt shop’s fat quarter bin to find just the perfect fabrics. I had no stash at the time so I had to create my own “scraps.”
I forgot about it in a closet for a good 10 years at least. Then, when all these awesome modern quilters starting embracing hand-work, I decided it was high time to get it out and do a little hand stitching myself. You can definitely tell the difference in my stitch quality between then and now, but it has been relaxing to work on while watching TV with the family or going away on a family vacation.
You can see the hand-marked seam lines. Yes, that was a lot of work!
Now I’ve got to decide how to quilt it (by hand of course) and get it basted. Suggestions anyone?
While I wait for my Winding Ways quilt top to tell me how it wants to be quilted, I’ve decided to start on something a bit more modern. This is my version of an improv quilt.
I started with a sketch my hubby made on his ipad and started interpreting it in fabric. The improv part is that I’m not exactly sure how long to make the strips or how far apart to space them, but it will be a fun exploration. I’m really stretching myself with this quilt, but so far, I like what I see. 🙂
Christa Quilts 
A winding ways quilt is in my future … the pattern “speaks” to me…too bad I am so afraid of curves! It might have to be my next hand work project. Yours is lovely. 🙂
I love the secondary circle pattern on this quilt!
Wow Christa, your quilt is so beautiful and hand pieced as well – I’m inspired, amazing!
Thanks for sharing your Winding Ways finish with us, Christa. I have always admired that pattern and your top is gorgeous! Outline quilting is the only suggestion I can come up with. Your husband’s quilt design is looking good, also! Mine can’t draw a straight line.
Christa, your Winding Ways top is so beautiful. Congratulations on that finish that was so long in the making! The design for your improv quilt looks really cool too. Can’t wait to see more on that!
🙂 Kelly
Wow! Hand pieced. Congratulations. It’s beautiful. I’m also liking you new design too. 🙂
Wowzas! Congrats on completing it! My favorite quilts are always hand pieced, but I know that I do not posses the commitment to finish one. I’ll just enjoy yours! 🙂
I had to smile when you wrote that you had started it 15-16 years ago cuz just last night I pulled out some Y2K blocks to work on. I kept thinking man this is my oldest unfinished project (from 1999)…I wonder if I’ll ever get it done. I know I will…I wonder if I’ll still be blogging when I do and brave enough to tell how long its been. LOL!
Your Winding Ways top looks wonderful. Way to go on finishing!
Great job Christa!! Can’t wait to see it quilted. : )
your quilt is beautiful!! and well aged I have some of the same fabrics in my stash and quilts
Wow! Way to finish a UFO! You should get a medal or something. Cherish this one.
Love the winding ways and the old fabrics in it. Way to go! It will be interesting to watch the improv quilt go up.
Your EPP is amazing! I love the secondary pattern of the interlocking circles! I’m intrigued how you’ll piece the modern one?!
That deserves a hand. (sound of clapping). I’ve been so tempted to try this pattern. Well done, its beautiful.
you did a great job on this quilt. since i do all hand piecing and hand quilting, i would quilt on both sides of each seam a scant quarter inch. i am impressed with you tackling such a challenging quilt. keep up the great work. blessings, barbara babscorbitt at gmail dot com
Debi’s comment (quilting suggestion) is what struck me, also. Reinforcing the secondary pattern of circles would be a stunner!!! Really love where the mod/improv start is going!!! Hugs……..
Good job on the finish! Soon it will be keeping someone warm : )
That’s so pretty! Good for you for finishing it. I love that design.
Thanks! It felt pretty satisfying to complete that top 🙂
I like what I see too.
Wonderful finish! It will be such a treasure! The improv quilt looking good too!
Wowzer…that winding quilt is amazballs!! This new improve quilt will be equally beautiful. How fun.
OMG! I want to congratulate you on another fantastic quilt. I hand pieced a crib size pinwheel quilt too many years ago to say..so I appreciate the hard work you have done. You asked for suggestions on how to quilt it…well trust me I am no expert, nor do I claim half the experience or skill level you have but one thing hit me square face with this quilt…Circles. Why? I first saw the picture on my phone and when I saw smaller image all I saw were the blocks… but ENLARGED or ZOOM In then the secondary design appeared. Circles. That is just an idea.
I think that’s a great idea. That’s kind of what I was thinking too 🙂
Congratulations on the epic finish! I wish you lnots of fun with the improv quilt!
Esther
Oh wow! Good on you for finishing it! I love the idea of a full-sized hand pieced (like your’s or EPP) quilt, but I just do not have the patience! Maybe one day….