The big sleeve

My quilt guild (Stray Threads) is hosting it's first-ever quilt show this month. Woo hoo! It is not only exciting for my guild, but for me too-- I've never entered anything into a show before, and this seemed like an awesome opportunity. As it turns out, the show is taking place the same weekend the baby is due (April 24-25), so I have a feeling that I may not even get to go. But I decided to go ahead and enter a couple of quilts anyway, one of which is my Star Quilt Along quilt from 2008, Tyger! Tyger! Burning Bright:


It's not a judged show-- more of a showcase of members' works. Since I love this quilt and am still so proud of it, it seemed like a natural one to enter. Of course, had I known at the time that entering it would require adding a sleeve to the already completed quilt, I may not have done it. But, because the forms were already in when the committee decided they wanted sleeves on all of the quilts, I bit the bullet and did it...


...all 85" of it. At least it didn't take too long. Less than hour to make it, and then a couple of hours to stitch it on. But, that's what I spent my sewing time on yesterday. Not particularly glamorous, but I'm happy it's done!

Another requirement for the show is to submit entries in a "securely closed and labeled fabric or clear plastic bag." Though I know a fabric bag would be best, I didn't want to have to take the time to make one. So, I headed to Bed, Bath, and Beyond and picked up a couple of those giant comforter storage bags. (I really wish they came in smaller sizes too.) Then I used some vinyl and single-fold bias tape to add a pocket for my contact info:


Simple but effective, I think.

The other quilt I decided to enter was a long lost UFO I was motivated to finish for the show. I think it deserves a post of its own, so I'll share it with you tomorrow.