I have finished a top in one day, but I don't think I could make a top, quilt it and bind it in one day.

I doubt if I could get a top--even a small one--done in a day. I have this terrible habit of redesigning as I go--which usually increases the difficulty, and time of course.

LOL! I agree with Tartan!! :) I like to enjoy the process and try different techniques. I have a friend that prides herself on how fast she can make a quilt and she does complete a quilt in one day. She uses up fabric faster than anyone in our guild!! This is great for her style and enjoyment but it's not for everyone - her patterns are all large pieced rectangles and squares that are just rearranged to make very large blocks. Unfortunately, my list of more intricate patterns grows significantly after I've gone to a quilt show or taken a class and have had my creativity sparked!

I think 'Quilt in a Day' is a company name, figure of speech, just like 'Better Homes and Gardens'. LOL

http://www.maryquilts.com/quick-strippie/
I have done one quilt start to finish in a day. This pattern was one of my first quilts. (I did have a full time job then by the way.) My DS has been sleeping with this quilt every night for almost 3 years now. It is a simple pattern, but I made it with his school colors and mascot and he loves it. I did simple SID quilting and rolled the backing forward and machine stitched it down. Fast and satisfying for a beginner.

I think maybe the phrase was coined to encourage those that would like to try making a quilt but "don't have the time". Many of the techniques are timesaving and do show that you CAN make a quilt quickly. I can and have made quilt tops, esp. baby quilts in a day but i like the process of piecing and quilting and don't mind spending the time needed to make one.

Years before I started quilting my late DM made me a Trip Around the World queen size quilt. It ws a Quilt in a Day pattern. She did make the top in one day, but I will tell you it was a looooong day.

Usually I don't sew fast, but there are times when you need a quilt really fast and you do what you have to do.

I would probably need help and have everything cut and ready to go.

I can make a Jelly Roll Race quilt with two borders in 3 1/2 hours. Start to finish.