Quilting Progress

I have done lots of hand quilting since January 2nd. I have all 20 blocks outlined and working on the third block for diagonal stitching.

The top photo is how I'm doing my method of marking. I usually make my quilts for competition and one thing that keeps you from winning is pencil marks showing. I use the ruler to line up my 3/4" masking tape and just eye the distance between each piece of tape and then quilt between the tapes. I reuse the tapes 2 or 3 times and then get new pieces, and as I pull off each tape I stick them to the table next to me. I fianally decided how to quilt it and it will be done this way: one block lines going bottom right to top left and the next block bottom left to top right. Planning on going back and adding another quilted line in between each line after I get all the blocks done and will do straight lines out to edge on borders. I think this will give it more of an antique look as many were heavly quilted. I also use the big 23" hoop so I can get the whole block in the frame and it helps keep the blocks straight and will change to the 18" or oval hoop when I do the borders. Products I'm using, YLI quilting thread, natural, Colonial size 10 quilting needles and silver thimble by Thimbles by TJ. I had the good forunte of having her move only 1/2 hour away from me, so of course I have several of her thimbles that are made just for me. If you can treat yourself to one of her thimbles that are fitted just for you, it's worth every penny.