Monday, February 28, 2011

February Clamshell Report





February turned out to be a very good clamshell month. Not only did I stitch down 35 clamshells, I also basted 135 more.  All the paper templates, except for around the edges, I removed as I stitched down the new shells.  I was nervous about doing this, but it worked out just fine and makes it so much easier to handle.  The clamshells also look much nicer with the basting thread gone.  I now have 138 clamshells pieced together.


Just out of interest, I started counting the minutes of the various stages of the clamshell process and concluded that I spend approximately 30 minutes with each clamshell.  Now, times that by 720 clamshells, I think I'm going to be busy for a very long time! 

Until next time.....happy quilting!

Karen

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24 comments:

  1. KathleenFebruary 28, 2011 at 12:12 AM

    Your clamshells look pretty awesome no matter where they are... all stitched together, or stacked in a basket, or flat all stuck with pins. That's a LOT of pins!

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  2. MerilynFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:58 AM

    Karen, All your work with your clamshells sure takes a lot of dedication, and by the time it is finished it will be just beautiful, well done, can't wait to see it completed and on a bed, but I guess that may take a while huh?!!!

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  3. RaewynFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:06 AM

    I think I would have been too scared to calculate how long one of my quiting projects would take me...mind boggling!! Your clamshells are looking great and you sure have made good progress---keep up the good work!!

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  4. Just One More ThingFebruary 28, 2011 at 4:33 AM

    Do you try to "beat" your own time? Your clam shells are awesome. I can't wait to see the finished quilt-- not that I'm rushing your. (lol)

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  5. katrienFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:07 AM

    Great your clamshells.

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  6. NarelleFebruary 28, 2011 at 6:48 AM

    Great progress for February ... they look excellent hanging down the wall.
    Timing projects can be scary! :o)

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  7. *karendianne.February 28, 2011 at 7:05 AM

    Oohhh by gosh how exciting!!! Sure glad I stopped in to see this delightful project growing. Yippie!

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  8. KarenFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:08 AM

    This looks like such a labor of love, this is such a visually interesting pattern. Great job so far!!

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  9. grendelskinFebruary 28, 2011 at 8:47 AM

    You've made wonderful progress, it looks fabulous! I finally made peace with the fact that 3 or 4 rows is going to be my monthly maximum so I will be working alongside you for many months! Your photography is also stunning, as usual.

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  10. CrispyFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:55 AM

    WOW 135 clam shells don't look like much hanging there in a long strip but I'm amazed on how long it takes for each one. The do look pretty though :0)

    Crispy

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  11. LuAnnFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:27 AM

    Your clamshells are beatiful and well worth the time spent. They are even pretty in the basket!

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  12. JossieFebruary 28, 2011 at 11:46 AM

    Wonderful progress. The shells look great Karen. And your work looks so very neat. Sewing the clamshells will go faster and faster. It is the preparation of the shells that take most of the time. I have a different update today. Quick and easy. Lovely in between project.

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  13. LoralynnFebruary 28, 2011 at 1:09 PM

    They look awesome! Just remember, nothing easy is worthwhile...this endeavor is very worthwhile!!!

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  14. AnonymousFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:53 PM

    Gosh so much work...so well worth the effort.

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  15. BetsyFebruary 28, 2011 at 2:55 PM

    They look beautiful. I would love to start one ,someday. Is there a tutorial somewhere?

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  16. Carrie P.February 28, 2011 at 4:51 PM

    Oh,the clamshells looks so pretty in the basket. I know we all spend lots of hours on our craft but it is fun!

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  17. JoanFebruary 28, 2011 at 9:42 PM

    How wonderful to see your progress - and what a huge amount of hours already. How many more to go !

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  18. Quiltpassion.blogspot.comMarch 1, 2011 at 8:39 AM

    They take much time, bit they are gorgeous!
    Greetings, Cisca

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  19. FunoldhagMarch 1, 2011 at 7:24 PM

    As always, your work is just wonderful. Have you figured out the approximate dimensions of your quilt? What a stunner it will be. Carol

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  20. Gerda HartmanMarch 2, 2011 at 11:10 AM

    Wow, lovely, so colorful.

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  21. CathiMarch 2, 2011 at 1:25 PM

    Your clamshells are really beautiful! The basket full of them is so enticing -- makes one want to dive in and start a clamshell project or get back to working on one!

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  22. Marion B.March 3, 2011 at 1:50 AM

    Hi Karen,

    Thank you for your nice comment at my blog, great to be back and see what the others have been working on.

    Happy stitching.

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  23. Jane in CumbriaMarch 3, 2011 at 4:06 PM

    Wow! I am impressed! That looks great!!
    Happy stitching
    Jane

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  24. MariekeMarch 5, 2011 at 3:06 AM

    And they look wonderful: every 30 of those minutes well spend! It will make a great quilt. Enjoy!

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