Cotton fabrics, sashiko thread. Hand-quilted, pillowcase backing.

Technical challenges:  This was my first quilt ever and I knew nothing. I certainly had no fabric stash yet, so this piece was made from a charm pack and some blue cotton purchased at Joann. (Had no idea how much to buy; there was enough left over to make living room curtains.) My first attempts with a rotary cutter were hazardously inept. Sketched and embroidered a few sashiko blocks for some variety. Most of the assembly was done with minimal measuring or precision. I didn't even own a 24" quilting ruler until most of the top was finished. Ray witnessed the entire process since it occupied our dining room table for weeks and when it was finally done he said, "Looks nice! ... but if it were a bridge, you might not want to drive on it."