Sew Day SJSA

 Last Saturday was Sew Day at BAM, and it was time to work on our group's current SJSA quilt. This is made from all the blocks that we added embroidery or other stitching to. I have to say, the work done on these blocks was very beautiful and so well-done. In many cases it made the message clearer to the viewer. 

BAM's wonderful project coordinator Cyndi is seen here with the arrangement we all chose for the blocks that were to be included in the quilt. Cyndi was in charge of distributing all the blocks, and then the harder part, collecting all of them from all of us in time for Sew Day. Well done, Cyndi! 

It was really great to have the founder of SJSA, Sara Trail join us that day to facilitate the whole process with our group. She brings a warm, inclusive and encouraging energy to the whole project. It was fun talking about the various blocks with her and sharing information about the topics they cover with the whole group.

This is a really nicely done short video about Sara Trail and SJSA.

After we'd all settled on an arrangement of the blocks, it was time to get sewing. The first thing we did was to add a smallish border frame around each block in green or various shades of brown. It is amazing how that one addition makes such a huge difference in the look of the quilt already. We then spent the rest of the time making pieces that will become the sashing in-between the columns of blocks. One of mine is the one seen on the far left. 

We were using fabric that was donated curtain weight woven fabric, and was not the quilting cotton weight or type of fabric that we're mostly used to using so it was a little challenging. As you can see we made it work and made a whole lot of sashing. I think having the more subtle, tone on tone fabrics will help really show off the blocks which are so vibrant and colorful. 

This is going to be on the big size once it's all put together. The next step will be assembling the whole thing.