Project No. 7 - A Galaxy Far, Far, Away.

A Journey of Firsts with Vader & his Troopies.

When my husband, Mr. Kraft, joined me on one of my early trips to the fabric store, he picked out fabric specifically for a quilt he wanted. Although I had a queue of projects lined up ahead of his, he patiently waited while I honed my skills and completed those. This week, as I finally finished his quilt, I couldn’t help but think he was glad he waited.

The Quilt of Firsts

This quilt marked several firsts for me as a quilter:

First Time Following a Pattern: Until this project, I had been improvising and designing my own quilts. Using a pattern required a new level of precision and attention to detail. It also simplified the process up front. I should have started here. That’s what I get for being creative rather than starting with a quilting class.
First Time Making Flying Geese: This classic quilting technique adds a dynamic element to quilt designs. Learning it was challenging but rewarding.
First Time Making 8-at-a-Time Half Square Triangles: Efficiency is key in quilting, and this method was a game-changer. It taught me how to maximize my efforts and create consistent blocks quickly.

These skills are essential for any quilter, and I was excited to learn and apply them to a quilt for my husband. Plus, he picked out a super cool binding fabric, which added an extra layer of personal touch and flair to the quilt.

Adapting for Size

Those who know Allie know he’s quite tall. Unlike me at 5′ 8″ on a good day, he’s 6′ 5″. To ensure the quilt was long enough for him, I added borders to the top and bottom. This not only made the quilt more functional but also gave me a chance to experiment with adding extra length to a project—a valuable lesson in customization and adaptability.

The Finished Quilt

The quilt turned out beautifully, featuring a blend of Star Wars-themed fabrics and swirling patterns. The combination of flying geese and half square triangles created a dynamic and visually appealing design. It was a fun project that involved a lot of learning and growth, and I’m thrilled with how it turned out.

What makes this quilt even more special is that I’ll get to see it around the house every day. It’s a tangible reminder of my journey as a quilter and the skills I’ve acquired along the way. And who knows, I might even get to sneak and use it from time to time!

Reflecting on the Experience

Creating the quilt was a milestone in my quilting journey. It pushed me to step out of my comfort zone and try new techniques, all while making something special for someone I love. The process reinforced the importance of patience, practice, and the willingness to learn from each project.

Quilting is a craft that evolves with each stitch, and this quilt is a testament to my progress. I’m grateful for the experience and excited to continue exploring new patterns, techniques, and designs in future projects. This quilt is more than just a blanket; it’s a piece of art that tells a story of creativity, love, and dedication.