This summer has been a busy time for me with my quilt making. I have done several donated quilts and this is the third free Quilt of Valor pattern in my series. It can be completed using a panel or large scale fabrics. Visit my link here to see several projects you can sew and donate.
I was lucky enough to have this panel gifted to me for the purpose of sewing a quilt to be donated. The panel was not totally intact so I did get creative with using it in the corners of the quilt. The printed squares were 16 inches finished so this one was very easy and quick to piece together. I also used the narrow areas in the borders of the quilt. All other parts of the Quilt Of Valor were from additional fabrics my friend sent along with this panel.
There was even a block in the fabric I received. It became a focal center of the quilt with patriotic sashing and cornerstones. You could instead use a large scale print or part of your panel for the center. Remember it is your quilt so do what makes you happy. The pattern shows the measurements required for cutting all pieces but you are the designer.
Here are the borders using the remainder of the panel. Careful placement in the middle of each side really shows off the text.
Do you press your quilt top and back before loading it on your longarm frame? This really prepares your quilt in a way that makes it easily accessible. I will mark the top left corner of the front and backing with a safety pin also before hanging it on a hanger. The back is squared nicely so there is an even edge to pin to the leaders. Orienting large pieces of fabric that have been marked already ensures they are loaded properly on the frame cutting down on prep time. Seeing this hanging next to my longarm excites me so much more than a rolled up wad of fabric and batting that has to be measured, trimmed and pressed. Your longarm quilter may require this as a step so make sure you read their fine print when sending your quilt off to be finished.
Quilted and trimmed right on the longarm frame. Ready to be bound. This top goes very quickly because of the 16 inch block sizes. Using a panel or large scale fabric and pulling solids from your stash will be so satisfying.
Simple, but sometimes less is more. Have I inspired you to sew a Quilt of Valor using a panel in your stash? Get the Free Pattern here. Look for my first QOV1 free pattern here and my second Free One Block Picket Quilt Of Valor Pattern here. Watch the video below showing this panel project from beginning to end. I hope you have enjoyed this post, share what you learn and are generous with what you create. Someone will appreciate your hard work.
