Tuesday 3 September 2013

LEGO Star Wars Quilt – the big reveal!

EDIT: Character block patterns are available at payhip.com/quietplay

So I have been talking about the epic LEGO Star Wars paper pieced quilt for months now. Literally months as I started this insanity back in June. This project was originally going to be four blocks made into a cushion for my kidlet’s birthday. But each time I had characters ready to go, he’d ask me “What about (insert yet another character’s name here)?”. So back to EQ7 I’d go to draw another character until I finally drew the line at 16 characters blocks + a light saber block for his quilt. And here they are – all together and rather epic if I do say so myself.

LEGO star Wars quilt in the space shuttle

I snapped this shot mid flight on my recent trip to space. The lengths I go to for good quilt photos, honestly.

LEGO Star Wars quilt gets spacey

Do you know how difficult it is to hold a camera in zero gravity while trying to make sure your child doesn’t jump into the space buggy and take off without you?

LEGO Star Wars quilt goes to space

Fortunately our local friendly astronaut was around to catch the quilt before it drifted off into a galaxy far far away.

Ok kidding aside. We recently did a trip to Sydney and I made my long-suffering cousin hold my quilt up at various places around the Powerhouse Museum until I got a photo I was happy with. Don’t feel too sorry for him. My original plan for these quilt photos was to use a life-size statue of Darth Maul that my cousin had in his lounge room (no joke – the thing was freaking terrifying at 6 feet tall). But that cousin of mine… he sold the statue a few years ago. How inconsiderate. He should have considered I’d one day plan a LEGO Star Wars quilt and require it for a prop!! So as penance, I made him be official quilt holder for the day.

Of course two days later, I found an even better prop  - life size LEGO displays of R2D2 and C3PO right in the middle of the LEGO section of Myer. But of course…. I did not take the quilt with me that day. It’s possible my inner 2 year old surfaced at that point and pouted and whinged that it wasn’t fair and why didn’t someone tell me about this display and it’s really not fair. So this is the best you get.

LEGO Star Wars with LEGO displays

So my friends, forgive the long wait for the big reveal. But after putting so much work into this quilt, I really wanted better photos than my boring hanging-on-the-clothesline shots!

How about some details on the quilt – you know, in case you haven’t heard enough about it yet. All the characters are paper pieced – each block took 2-3 hours each. I used Sketch and Color Weave in all the blocks to add some texture amidst the solids. The flesh tone is Kona Ice Peach and the background is Kona Robin’s Egg Blue. Details/faces  were added with fabric marker :)

LEGO Paper pieced R2D2

Each block is 10” finished. Here’s R2 with his little buddy minifigure (no it's not the real R2D2 minifig, it's another astro mech apparently!) for scale. And Yoda with his minifig too!

LEGO Paper pieced Yoda

My son’s favourite character in LEGO Star Wars is the clone trooper Commander Rex. We don’t have his official minifigure yet – J is getting it for his birthday on Saturday. But here’s the next best thing! Some other blue clone trooper minifigure!

LEGO Paper pieced Commander Rex

With a rather extensive LEGO collection (and the kid’s not even 6 yet!!!), it took me awhile to find the appropriate minifgures. I’d better not let my boy see these photos or he’ll think I play LEGO all day while he’s at school.

LEGO Star Wars paper pieced quilt

I backed the quilt with red polar fleece so it’s a really snuggly quilt for my kidlet. Red is his favourite colour hence it featuring in the sashing on this quilt. I thought the black binding however pulled it all together nicely and makes for good “Star Wars colours”.

LEGO Star wars quilt with backing

I had a Star Wars panel which I was rather pleased was the perfect size and colouring to use as a label on the back of the quilt. I’m not so great at coming up with labels so this made me happy that it worked just perfectly!

LEGO Star Wars Paper Pieced quilt Label

Because it’s always fun to see the original sketch and the finished quilt, here’s the EQ7 version and the fabric version side by side. Not bad hey?

LEGO Star Wars paper pieced quilt

So there it is. The epic LEGO Star Wars paper pieced quilt is complete, and has already been tested by my kidlet. I caved and gave it to him a few days before his birthday. Well it was hard to try to keep it a secret when I was traipsing it around the city on our holiday! He loves it and wants to show everyone. That’s my thanks right there. That and the big hug and my kidlet telling me I’m his best mum. I’m also his only mum, but I’m totally taking that compliment in the spirit it was intended.

If you’re up for earning some major parent brownie points yourself, all these patterns are available free in my shop at payhip.com/quietplay. The awesome LEGO group gave me permission to share the patterns for personal use only (due to copyright, so you can make stuff for the LEGO fans in your life but you can’t sell things made with these patterns).

And one last photo… can’t finish without the traditional clothesline shot hey!

LEGO Paper Pieced Star Wars quilt outside

May the force be with you.



I've entered this in the Blogger's Quilt Festival, so if you're so inclined, would love a vote! Just need to click the little heart in the top right corner of the pic of my quilt on this page. If it turns red, you've voted! And thanks! :)

97 comments:

  1. R2D2, Chewbacca and the storm trooper are my favorite. An amazing finish that your son will love for ever.

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  2. You are so awesome Kristy! I loved reading this post. And that really is such an epic quilt. All the faces look great too!

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  3. Wow, that is just wonderfully fabulous!! I especially love the pictures at the museum.

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  4. Your son will treasure it forever, and you are a wonderful mum.

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  5. Wow you have done an amazing job with this quilt. hugs

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  6. Wow you have done an amazing job with this quilt. hugs

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  7. Fabulous! I'm adding it to my list to do when I finally (if ever) master paper piecing.

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  8. Ha ha, had to laugh that you finished your post with a clothesline photo! Your quilt is AMAZING! I love that you found a fitting location to photograph it too!

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  9. Well you have done, impressed am I. Sorry, just had to channel my inner Yoda there. Love the photos and the real life version is even better than the computer designed version. Definitely up for the award of Best Mum Ever!

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  10. Epic is right! This is a true 'out of this world' quilt ; )

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  11. Awesome - glad it didn't get sucked into the black hole while you were in space.

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  12. Truly EPIC ... I'm in absolute awe ...

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  13. it's just awesome! ♥
    Thanks for sharing with us Kristy!

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  14. such a great quilt Kristy, and such a fun place to do a photo session - really love it!

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  15. Your pictures are fabulous!! It sure did finish up perfectly!! Definitely a labor of love and so worth it to see J so excited and proud showing it off to everyone!! Great job Mum for the best birthday gift ever!!

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  16. Congrats! Good idea for the picture taking. I also like those with Lego figures! I'm so glad there are no fans of Star Wars in hour house :-) I wouldn't have the patience to do such epic thing.

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  17. Wow! Love the pictures taken in 'space', great background for a great quilt, fantastic!

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  18. Well the wait was worth it, you really topped the clothes line shots with the Museum location. The life size figure sounds like it would have been perfect, how inconsiderate of your cousin not to hold on to it until after you had your photos :)

    The quilt is stunning you should be milking your Best Mum status for all its worth!

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  19. An absolute labour of love, it's brilliant.

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  20. Well done, it looks fantastic! I bet you got a few strange looks taking pictures of it in the museum though!

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  21. What an amazing post for an amazing quilt! That's a family heirloom right there!! I LOVE the Powerhouse Museum. We actually went back in 2008 (because we live in Perth!) when the Star Wars exhibit was there. Such fun!

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  22. Well done - well worth the perfect location wait. You started it in June but it is only just the beginning of September I think you've worked at an amazing pace.

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  23. Incredible!! Worth the wait for those great pictures! Such a lot of work and he will love it forever :)

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  24. Epic indeed! You're a superstar. Glad all the work earned you "Best Mum" status. What ranking were you before? ;)

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  25. Amazing work Kirsty........I have been watching this quilt unfold from afar! You are so talented. Thanks for sharing Marie (mlismore@optusnet.com.au)

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  26. That first photo is amazing - go you for taking your quilt out and about. I wonder if there were some disappointed children who saw the quilt and wished it was theirs! You've done an amazing job and totally deserve the best mum accolade :-)

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  27. I can't stop giggling at this post! So awesome! And how cool to take it to 'space' to have it photographed ;)

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  28. Yes.... Epic quilt! Love your photo shoot too. It just turned out wonderful and worth all of labor (of love)!

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  29. Well done, best Mum! It's absolutely incredible! It has been fascinating watching the quilt grow.

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  30. That's epic allright! wow, and the pictures really do justice to this incredible feat. Awesome work!

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  31. It's fantastic ~ love the photos!

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  32. Kristy this is just all kinds of AWESOME!!! I love everything about it and the photos :)
    Amanda

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  33. Love this!!! It's been so fun to watch it's progress!!! LOVE your pictures...they really made me smile!
    val from myplvl.blogspot.com

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  34. it is just amazing. I've really enjoyed watching you sweat over this quilt! Congratulations on getting it finished and making such an epic quilt

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  35. There are no words to talk about this quilt. So many work, very proud you must be ;)

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  36. Dropping by from Better Off Thread. Your quilt is incredible, as is everything about your post - the photos and your writing, you have put so much thought and love into this. I'm so thrilled for you with how it's all turned out and you've made me laugh and also be a bit tearful this morning thinking how pleased your son must be with his 6th birthday gift. :)

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  37. Amazing!!! This quilt is absolutely fabulous! My hat is off to you, girl.

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  38. WOWZA! Color me impressed! This is a fabulous quilt! You are definitely the best mom ever (for right now, at least). You should send a photo to the Lego company :)

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  39. This is such an amazing quilt! Be sure to share it in the upcoming bloggers quilt festival - I think it would get rave reviews!!

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  40. And I love your prop pics - they made me smile :-)

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  41. It's not something I say often, but this is freakin' awesome!!!!

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  42. You should get 'Mum of the year' award for this quilt - it absolutely rocks!!

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  43. Beautifully epic. What a great treasure for your little man. SO COOL!

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  44. Beep boop beep! I think this quilt will be treasured by your son forever! Amazing job, Kristy! Love it!

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  45. This is amazing!!! Your son is going to love it!! If you like to link up I'm cohosting Tell Me Tuesday at www.craftdictator.com! This is such a great quilt!

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  46. It is amazing and fun and sew special! I love the light sabers border!!
    This a treasure for your son!

    Susie

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  47. This is by far the most epic quilt ever in the history of quilts! You know how much i've loved this one since the beginning but to see it all together and in the perfect photo shoot location... amazing! And amazing just isn't a good enough word here... i'm at a loss... really. So unbelievably fantastic!

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  48. You send us all to space with this quilt, I was just showing my 3 yr gandson my craftsy and what I will make him one day.. he loved them.

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  49. It's amazing and so is your story. Love! Glad I was able to test Yoda for you :)

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  50. Your quilt is just fabulous - I think the R2D2 is my favourite:) Love the photos too!

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  51. One of the most awesome quilts ever! My kids loved this post :)

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  52. Oh, Kristy, it is EPIC! Way to go!

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  53. Absolutly epic and freeking awesome! love the reveal photo's :) no doubt he is in love with it!

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  54. Amazing!!! I am not sure I could let anyone touch this:) Worth the wait, great pics! I bet a lot of fans out there would love to have this one.

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  55. That is a wonderful quilt! And what a special keepsake for your boy. I would like to make one for my son, and he is 29!

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  56. Awesome photo shoot! Epic and amazing are perfect words to describe this quilt. Best birthday gift ever!

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  57. This is amazing! Thank you for the free patterns!

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  58. Amazing! My 5-yr old has multiple Lego minifigures and watches the Lego Star Wars cartoons. I'm thinking at least a pillow is in order for him.

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  59. So glad it got finished on time! It's awesome!

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  60. Hooray! This is incredible! Lovely finish! :)

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  61. Kristy, you absolutely amaze me! This quilt is so awesome. The details that you captured with each character are so fantastic!

    Thank you so much for sharing this at Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  62. Well & truly epic. Well done

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  63. HA! an amazing project and an amazing post! thanks for linking up! :)

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  64. What a wonderful job! Of course you are the best mum! Terrific pictures, too!

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  65. So awesome!!! Definitely epic! I love to play the Lego games myself so I can appreciate this quilt on multiple leaves. Someone is VERY lucky to have this made for them. I really like the light sabers, too. Just fantastic!

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  66. Completely awestruck. And now my car quilts that are still not done for my boys seem so little kiddish. My twosome would love this! And thank you so much for the patterns. I will be off to download them as soon as I am not mobile.

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  67. Completely awestruck. And now my car quilts that are still not done for my boys seem so little kiddish. My twosome would love this! And thank you so much for the patterns. I will be off to download them as soon as I am not mobile.

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  68. That is epic! Such a wonderful quilt. Love the photos in the museum! Very clever of you.

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  69. This is certainly an incredible quilt. I fell for the paper-pieced blocks long before I saw this quilt finished and now I know I'm ready to start piecing it for my 10, to be 11 by Christmas, grandson who is a LEGO Star Wars kid. He'll be so thrilled. Thank you, Kristy!!!! You rock!!
    marsha(dot)hodgkins@yahoo(dot)com
    http://quilterinmotion.net

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  70. This is insanely amazing. You did such an incredible job and as both a seamstress & a massive star wars fan I am in total awe of you! My 4 year old Vin is obsessed with Jango Fett, and your little guys' thing with Captain Rex made me laugh. Little guys and their obscure characters ^_^

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  71. Are you selling the pattern? Were having a baby at the end of march and doing a lego star wars/super hero nursery. Megshafer@gmail.com

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  72. This is AMAZING! Oh, if I had the patience to make it for my husband :) sherri@threadridinghood.com

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  73. This quilt is amazing. You did a fabulous job and the photoshoot at the museum turned out spectacular. What an heirloom.

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  74. what size did this quilt finish at? How wide were your sashing strips? I'm thinking about making this for my boy's playroom, but wondering if it's too big/big enough?

    Thanks so much, this is such an awesome quilt!

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    1. Hi Amber - you came up as a no reply blogger so hopefully you will pop bak here and check for my reply :)

      My finished quilt is approx 50" x 60". The sashing strips are 2.5" wide. With these patterns, you could definitely change the size by adding/removing blocks, skipping sashing or making it wider etc. It's pretty individual :)

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    2. Thanks for replying! I don't know how to make it so people can reply to me!

      I am working on this quilt pattern for my boys for Christmas, I'll try to send you a link to pictures when I post them!

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    3. Pop over and have a look at this link to help fix the no-reply blogger thing (or just google no-reply blogger :) ) http://sewcalgal.blogspot.com.au/2010/11/are-you-no-reply-bloggerleave-no-reply.html

      Hope you enjoy making the quilt! I'm sure your boys will love it for Christmas!

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  75. Ooo, I'm going to have to make this for my brother (but better not show my husband or I'll have to make one for him too). Thanks for the inspiration. Let's see how many years it takes me to finish it!

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  76. I'm so impressed! I'd love to have the skill to do this for my 5yr old who is Lego SW obsessed! Well done!

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  77. OMG . . I LOVE IT!! I'm going to attempt making this for my 26 year old son, who is 5 years old at heart!! Thank you for sharing!! GREAT JOB!! We are all Star Wars fans!!

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  78. This is the best ever quilt I have ever seen. My son would be happy to see this quilt. He is so crazy about Lego brick games.

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  79. Making this quilt for my grandson who is 6 going on 36. Have completed Darth, Storm Trooper, Yoda, Leia, R2D2, CPO3, Chewy and Luke. What about the eyes?!? Looks like you bravely took pen in hand and just drew them on free hand. I am not that brave or that talented. Why not some applique patterns? I hate, hate, hate to paper piece work so I don't want to ruin these labors of love by using a marker. (Maybe you hate applique as much as I hate PPing! Wouldn't that be ironic?)

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    1. I actually do hate appliqueing!! I drew the faces onto the quilt first with a frixion marker (then I could iron them off if they weren't correct), then went back and went over it with permanent fabric marker.

      I have seen others' versions of this quilt and they have appliqued or embroidered the faces - it's all down to personal preference!

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    2. My quilt is almost finished! 3 blocks across, 4 blocks down. I designed "Legos" to sash the blocks. Awaiting the border fabric (Star Wars space ships) and the backing (large, colorful planets) so I can get it to my long armer. I have enjoyed making this and have even developed a certain perverse fondness for paper piecing! Now, I am starting a new quilt for the other grandson. This time I am doing the super heroes. Batman is done. I promise to get someone to post a picture when the Star Wars Lego quilt is done. Now, BTW, could I talk you into designing a green lantern!?

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  80. My 25 year old son and his best friend have requested this quilt...lol. It will take me forever, I am sure but they have their nerdy little hearts set on it now. Love it!

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  81. Making this quilt and enjoying every minute (almost). Thank you for the pattern. I plan to use the polar fleece for the back as well. Did you put any batting or fabric in the middle?
    pattyraz@verizon.net

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    1. The first version of this quilt I just had the quilt top and the fleece backing. But I remade the quilt (unpicked this one and made it bigger) I used batting in the centre. :)

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  82. Then did you quilt closer than 10" apart? Because of this I am considering putting a layer of fleece as the batting as well as fleece for the backing. Thanks much.

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    1. From memory, I just quilted around the squares, which would have been a little under 10" apart. My son's had the quilt on his bed for over two years now and haven't had any problems with the batting shifting. Hope that helps!

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Thank you so much for taking the time to leave a comment. I read each and every word! I'll do my best to reply to them either via email or here on the blog, when time permits!