Well, it's certainly been a learning experience and there are a lot of flaws, but I've finished my first quilt. After what I have read since I started it, I sure did it the hard way!

Anyway, my husband is a Civil War History nut, so I made this as a surprise for his birthday (April 10). The man can't even thread a needle, so I know he won't notice anything - and even if he did he would be too kind to say so (or too wise after being married to me for 39 years). The underside is a beige print with small American flags on it.

Thanks, ladies (and gentleman) you have taught me a lot.

Now, to take what I learned and going on to the Texas Bluebonnet!

Well, I think you did an awesome job and I also think I have some of that backing fabric you talked about!! I put some in a quilt for my dad (who is a WWII vet!)

Very nice, from a NY yankee

Nina,
I downloaded your picture so I could enlarge it to see if the stars were a fabric or appliqued on. (Nosey!) Nice job.
I love the quilting also. The hand quilting doesn't show in the smaller picture and I recommend everyone download the picture and look at that great quilting! Awesome!
Looking forward to seeing those bluebonnets come alive!
Happy Stitching!

Nina, that quilt is just fabulous! Wish you could send up a picture of the look on your husband's face when he sees it. Wow!

Yvonne, the stars are appliqued with a satin stitch. So are the stripes. I tried to piece them and couldn't make it work. Have been looking on the web for instructions for stars but have not yet found them. Haven't had too much time to look, though because I have a major craft festival I participate in every April and am hustling getting ready for it.

Leslee, our older son said he expects to be in town (unless the Air Force sends him on another one of those short notice trips out of state) and offered to take photos. If one comes out, I'll be glad to show you.

You guys are very supportive of everyone on the site. It really helps those of us learning. Thanks.

quote=Nina] Have been looking on the web for instructions for stars but have not yet found them. [/quote]

Ask and you shall receive.

http://desktoppub.about.com/od/paper/ss/5pointstar_4.htm

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/539.page

Your quilt is wonderful. Who are you trying to kid thats its your first quilt. You realy did an awsome job. Keep up the beauitful work.

No way is this your first quilt!!!! I love patriotic themed quilts. I know I have that same backing material in my stash and have used it in several quilts.

I am jealous!!!!! Mine are never that pretty! Great Job!

Thanks for the star site. Will be very useful. You guys gave me the encouragement to go ahead and start the second one. Would love to see more of what ya'll have made. Am logging off because severe weather is headed our way - including tornados on the ground in Dripping Springs.

Secure the fabric!!! :wink:

At least, you have your priorities right. Keep looking up. I've been praying for all of these tornadoes to lessen and not hurt anyone.

That is beautiful!!! Tell me more about it, please? Nine patch under the stars and stripes or what? I live in the south and have a lot of the kids that I taught in school and in Boy Scouts that are re-enactors. They would love this. You did a fabulous job!

Norah, I have a dear friend living in OK, too. Nell and Jim have no storm cellar and no room set up to escape the tornadoes. I pray daily for everyone living in the danger area. It's bad enough to have the hurricane threats and damage, but we know there IS an end. There's no end to a tornado, they just build up again and come when they want.

God protect everyone in their path!
Sharon

Actually, I printed out a Battle Flag in the full size that I wanted to use and cut paper templates to match each angle. I have since found that I could have just sewn the smaller triangles to the large portion of the squares and then cut off the excess (which would have been much easier than cutting each little piece and pinning and holding the two diagonals and sewing the angle). A learning experience for sure. The stipes are appliqued - I checked the degree of the angle on an actual flag and matched it. Placed stars in same angles as on the flag, too (also appliqued). Sorry I can't give more details - was more a "cross your fingers and hope it works" project than anything. And was complicated by trying to keep what I doing hidden to maintain the surprise. Hubby hasn't even found out that I have tried quilting yet.

I'm sure there is an easier way to do it. If I did another, I would probably applique some of the smallest pieces vs piecing.

We have looked into the possibly joining the SCV re-enactors, but will probably join the group that re-enacts the Battles of the Alamo and San Jacinto first, because of proximity. It's great how they show and teach history to children. My husband and I worked with Boy Scouts for 20 years - loved it.

Oh, it is BEAUTIFUL! Your first quilt? awesome...
My first quilt (I still have it, too) was a Lone Star. After that one, I thought I would never want to quilt again in life... but something hooked me. Your husband had to truly love this quilt with all of your effort (and love).

Thanks. We'll find out on the 10th. He saw me trying to cut out a quilt this weekend. I told him (lying, of course) that I had just decided to try to quilt and that I didn't know if I could do it or not. He gave me encouragement and tried to hide his 'oh no, not another' look - well justified after all that I have put him through with crocheting, crosstitch, ceramics, sewing, quilling, gardening, etc. He asked me later how it went and, again I lied, and said I couldn't seem to get the hang of it.

My father-in-law was a sweetie and didn't say a word. He played watchdog while I was making the Battle Flag so Ed wouldn't find out.

The Lone Star really looks complicated, but oh so beautiful. Someday I would like to make it all in blues.

Wow!! what a great job!! I have only ventured into smaller quilts but you got right into a large one first things wonderful job!!!! Keep going your doing great!!!