The Racetrack Quilt is finished! It feels like so much has happened since I posted about the flimsy finish last week. Warning: photo heavy post!
Racetrack Quilt
On Sunday afternoon, I finally got around to looking through my stash to see if anything I had on hand would coordinate well enough with the Racetrack Quilt Flimsy to work as the backing and binding. I didn’t really have high hopes, which is why I waited a few days after finishing the top before even digging around. Lo and behold, I found fabrics the coordinated perfectly! Once again I have to thank my mother-in-law for her awesome yard sale find fabrics that she passes my way: the outer border print with a bit of gold fleck in it was gifted from her to me back in November.
Racetrack Quilt – Closeup of Backing Fabrics
The backing came together so fast that I went ahead and loaded the quilt on to my long arm on Sunday night and got it basted and ready to start quilting on Monday.
Racetrack Quilt – Loaded and Ready to Quilt!
I chose to use 50wt Aurifil 2610 for the quilting. It blends in perfectly with the gray fabrics, and contrasts nicely against the darker fabrics.
Racetrack Quilt – Aurifil 2610
I had a lot of fun with the quilting. I started by outlining each large block and the “track” in each block. Then I filled in quilting detail inside each track and used a coordinating, but different, pattern around the outside of the track. In all, I used 12 different patterns and repeated them (but in a different arrangement) top and bottom. I really love how the track fluffs up and is visible as a texture from the back of the quilt. The first photo in the quilting detail mosaic below also shows that I used the same pink from the backing as the binding for the quilt and just how well the fabrics coordinate front to back.
I am really pleased with both the pattern and the finished quilt. And I know just the perfect home for this quilt, too! I will be gifting this quilt to friends who are expecting a little girl in April. I am excited to pack it up and get it shipped to them. 🙂
The fat quarter bundle of fabrics used to piece the quilt top were curated by Cheryl @Meadow Mist Designs for Alyssa @Pile O’Fabric.
- Kona Cotton in Nautical
- Kona Cotton in Baby Blue
- Kona Cotton in Windsor
- Kona Cotton in Ash
- Kona Cotton in Punch
- Kona Cotton in Candy Blue
- Midnight Flora in Navy (Cloud 9 Fabrics)
- Dottie in Jean Jacket (Cotton + Steel)
- Script Watermelon (Art Gallery)
- Line Scratch in Blue (Carolyn Friedlander)
- Sketch in Fog (Timeless Treasures)
- Branches in Blue (Carolyn Friedlander)
Racetrack Quilt – Trying to Snap Outdoor Photos with Wind is Hard!
Quilt Time Statistics
- Total Time: 14 hours
- Fabric Prep: 1.5 hours
- Piecing: 4.5 hours
- Backing: 1 hour
- Quilting: 5.5 hours
- Binding 1.5 hours
I like how just using the fabric I had on hand I was able to make a pieced backing that sort of echoes the pattern on the front. As someone mentioned, the Racetrack pattern also looks a bit like a lovely, decorative photograph frame. The backing “frame” might be a little less decorative, but I can see a similarity.
Racetrack Quilt – Backing
- Quilt Size Statistics
- Flimsy Finish: 48.5 inches wide by 64.5 inches long
- After Quilting / Squaring: 47.25 inches wide by 63.25 inches long (~2% shrinkage)
- After First Wash: 43.5 inches wide by 59 inches long (~9% shrinkage)
Racetrack Quilt – Post Wash Crinkle
I have been working on touching up the pattern based on my notes from making the quilt top and other ideas that I have for expanding the pattern out in usefulness (cutting instructions for fat quarters and quarter yard cuts, modified block instructions to make placemats, alternate piecing options for fun and different layouts…). I will have the pattern ready to release soon!!
Linking up with TGIFF hosted this week by From Bolt to Beauty and Oh Scrap! (for the scrappy backing). Buttons to the right.
Its a great quilt Yvonne!
She’s a beauty! Love how the quilting makes those racetracks pop! What a fabulous finish, Yvonne!
This turned out really nice and I think the back works perfectly!
I really want to know your secret on how you accomplish so much sewing AND still find the time to blog lol! Completely jealous 🙂
The colours in this quilt are so great. I really like the back too; my first though on it is it makes a nice plain “background” for a playmat (like where you can set up all your separate green lego mats and your own town over it , without there being a lot of busy stuff).
You’re really rocking your longarm now, aren’t you?! Awesome quilting!!
The quilting really brought some extra life to this quilt! Those fabrics on the back look like they worked perfectly, isnt’ it great when fabric finds it’s way to the right quilt as though we have no control over it?!
Great job. The quilting is, of course, beautiful.
Beautiful finish! I love how each part of the block has a different quilting pattern and the track stands out. If you need someone to read through your pattern let me know 🙂
Great job!! I’m sure this was a great project to really learn a lot of new skills with your long arm. I wish I could see it in person!
So cool, I really love how you did the quitling!!! I also think you need to do a table runner version of the pattern, I think that would look really cool.
Looking good. Congrats on your finish and I’m like ohhh, it’s not even Friday yet 🙂
It looks so good. I love that you used twelve different designs and that the back mimics the front.
From beginning to end, your quilt has come to life and it is awesome as always with anything that you make. I REALLY like how you mimicked the back to replicate the front! I need to get better at sewing my stash instead of more more more! haha. Here is to #sewmystash2015
Love the fabric choices and the quilting!!
You are ah-mazing Yvonne! After seeing yours, I am planning to get some pins made saying “Quilting at the speed of a snail”…LOL
You did a wonderful job on this quilt Yvonne, it is a great pattern and your quilting really is the cherry on top!
I really like the quilting you have done. It gives the quilt great texture and visual interest.
It’s beautiful, Yvonne! I love the fabric you found for the backing, and that you chose different designs inside and outside each track.
Glad to hear you have another pattern in the works!
I think I should start watching out for yard sales (which are garage sales in our version of English) in my area.
Congratulations on a great finish!
Terrific quilt. I love the technical details you provide with your finishes. If you ever need a proof reader for your patterns or for that matter another tester add me to your list.
As to Antsy…it happens all the time. I attribute it to Quilters Attention Deficit Disorder (rather than old age). Joanne
Great quilting, and I love the back too.