Celebrating Your Quilting Triumph: 10 Ways to Mark the Finish Line

1. Admire Your Masterpiece: Pin your finished quilt top on your design wall and brew a cup of your favorite tea. Set a timer for 23 minutes and use this time to simply stare at your creation. Marvel at the color combinations, precise stitching, and overall beauty. Let your mind wander, daydreaming about quilting designs that would enhance the quilt top.  Thnk about your quilt backing and binding.  What would enhance the quilt top?  

2. Stock Up on Essentials: As you search online or at your favorite quilt shop for the quilt backing and binding, don’t forget to replenish your sewing supplies to ensure you’re well-prepared for your next quilting project. Invest in some high-quality variegated threads, a fresh pack of rotary blades, a set of sharp machine needles, and an iron cleaner. A well-stocked arsenal will keep your quilting experience smooth and enjoyable.

3. Maintain the Momentum: Don’t lose the momentum you’ve built while working on your quilt top. Continue to dedicate at least 23 minutes of your day to sewing, even if it means pulling out an project that is half done, a PhD!  Planning and completing a PhD will call for a celebration of its own.

4. Host a Quilting Gathering: Invite friends and fellow quilters to a celebratory gathering to admire your quilt top. Share stories, tips, and quilting ideas over a cup of tea or coffee. It’s a great way to connect, find encouragement, and celebrate your achievements together.  While it may feel awkward at first to draw attention to yourself, starting this tradition of celebrating quilt tops will encourage and empower other women to feel the same sense of accomplishment. Be a role model by taking pride in your beautiful work!  

5. Document Your Journey: Create a quilting journal or a digital scrapbook to document your quilting journey. Record your progress, design ideas, and the emotions you’ve experienced throughout the project. Looking back on your accomplishments can be an incredibly rewarding experience.  Your quilting journal will also be a treasure for future family members who will love reading about your quilts.  For more about quilt journaling, read the blog post HERE.  

6. Explore Rotary Cut Applique Techniques: Visit Sue Pelland Designs to explore a variety of online courses that can elevate your quilting skills. Take some time to dream about your next Rotary Cut Applique project and gain inspiration from a rich selection of resources.

7. Join the Community: Consider becoming a part of the quilting community by investigating the “Ahead of the Curve Membership” at Sue Pelland Designs. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with like-minded quilters, gain new insights, and receive valuable support for your endeavors.  You can even schedule a chat with Sue Pelland to discuss your future applique goals.

8. Give Back: Consider alternating between heirloom quilts for your own personal artistic growth, and comfort quilts to donate to a local charity or hospital. The joy you’ll bring to someone in need is a heartwarming way to celebrate your quilting accomplishment.

9. Take a Quilting Workshop: Sign up for a quilting workshop or class to expand your knowledge and skill set. Learning something new can be a great way to celebrate your accomplishments while setting the stage for future projects.  Some excellent online choices include learning to use EQ8 with Kari Schell, learning to machine quilt with RaNae Merrill, and discovering how to do Brilliant Bindings with Debbie Wendt!

10. Pamper Yourself: Finally, don’t forget to treat yourself! After all your hard work, you deserve a little self-indulgence. Whether it’s a spa day, a new quilting tool, or simply a moment to relax with a good book, celebrate your triumph by taking some time for yourself.

As you reach the final stitches of your quilt top, take a moment to acknowledge your dedication and passion. Celebrating your accomplishments in style not only honors your hard work but also fuels your enthusiasm for future quilting adventures. Quilting is a labor of love, and every finished quilt top is a masterpiece worth celebrating. Enjoy the process and relish the journey!