For my QAYG, I made a quilt using Kaye Wood's pattern "6 Hour Quilt" (
http://www.kayewood.com/item/6_Hour_...ew_Format/2029) which has you start in the middle and build out and around similar to a log cabin block. I took the idea and started doing it in rows. I will try to explain but don't have any pictures right now, so if you have questions I will try to answer them.
1st I sew the blocks together into rows. Then I cut batting and backing to the same width as the rows. Some people cut them the same length (like you do when adding borders--pinning in the middle working your way out). I personally just leave about an inch of batting and backing on one end and then pin together and trim excess on the other end, then when the quilting is done on each row I trim to size...I have done it both ways, but guess I am just lazy since this is how I finish almost all my quilts.
Your 1st row...I have started with the middle row and worked out and also just on one side and worked across the quilt. You sandwich quilt top (QT), batting (BT) and backing (BK)...both fabrics right side showing. Pin the three layers together and sew with what I call a "skinny" stitch (approx 1/8")...use a thread that blends well...down both long sides.
At this point I do any quilting on the blocks I want to...never very much; either a big "X", SITD or echo quilting. I don't do FMQ at this point so don't know how well that would work. I pin the layers together for bigger blocks. I hold the layers flat to minimize any puckering. My quilts are for family so I am not a perfectionist about it.
Next take your 2nd row pieces...put QT RS together on 1st row QT, put BK RS together on 1st row BK, put BT on top of BK and pin 6 layers together. Pin well on the side where the row goes....if you miss a layer it is a pain to rip out and get it tucked back in, especially if you don't notice until the next row is on! This time you will sew with a 1/4" seam. I use my walking foot. After sewing to the end you will flip open the layers and row 2 is attached. Check front and back to make sure you don't have any missed layers. To finish pin the open edge and use a skinny stitch to hold together.
**Some people skip the skinny stitch step, but like pinning well, I have learned I have less mess if I take the time to do it. Just think about it this way...when you get done with this part all you have left is the binding since the quilting is done!**
I quilt this row of blocks and then pin on the next one...either to row #2 or the other side of row #1 depending on where you started. For Rosie my blocks are on point so my "rows" are at a diagonal and have different numbers of blocks in them and also have two "corner rows" to finish the rectangle. My middle row has 5 blocks but the corner rows each just have 1 so I started in the middle.
When your rows are all together trim the ends of the rows if you didn't as you went along and sew a skinny stitch across. You add your borders the same way as you do the rows. Sometimes just for fun I will use a different fabric for the backing of the narrow border since you have to sew it together separate anyways. I have also alternated fabrics on rows...great way to use up bigger strips of scraps used in the quilt top.
Hope this all makes sense! I woke up before 4 and couldn't get back to sleep so decided to check out the boards and write this. Good thing I have time for a nap today!
Oh and if anyone wants a picture of any of the steps I can try to get a few later today.