Wrestling a python

.... a quilt python, that is.

Putting the binding on quilts is the one task I least like in quilt making.  So many of my friends say it is their favorite step,that  it is relaxing, and it means they are almost done.  To me it is a major wrestling match with the quilt.

My sewing machines are all set-ON-the-table types,  not set-IN-the table.  The one machine with a walking foot is a little Janome Jem Gold.  As a machine, it works fine, but I do have to help the quilt along. Quilts tend to get caught on the base of the machine or on the edge of the table and suddenly the seam is skewed.  I have tried setting extra tables and or ironing boards next to the machine table to support the weight of the quilts, but I still have to pull and push, and shift to keep everything straight.  The bigger the quilt, the more difficult it is.

Not only are the quilts likely to be unruly, the binding strips also get in the way, especially if they are left loose and long.  I have found that I can control them by accordion folding them and tying them with a strip of selvedge or skinny fabric.  I then pull out what I need and pin it to the quilt. When one side is pinned, I tighten the ties and the unsewn binding stays put in the accordian fold as I sew.

I just got the wedding quilt back from the quilter.  Marilyn did a fantastic job.  I'll show you soon.  That quilt is huge.  96 x 99 inches!  I decided I had to get the binding on now or it may be ages before I get it done, just because the job is so massive.  I took a deep breath.  With my husband's help, I rolled up the quilt and slung it over my shoulder.  All rolled up and being fed to the machine from a higher level than the table made it quite manageable.  I sewed up one side, unrolled the quilt, turned and pinned the binding , re-rolled the quilt (again with help) , slung it over my shoulder and sewed the next side, etc.  It looked like and felt like an enormous python, heavy and awkward.  But, it was worth the trouble.  I got the job done with only one skewed spot which was easily fixed.  Here I am... wrestling the python.

Next comes the part that literally puts me to sleep. ( I finish the binding by hand.)  I start yawning hard about 1/3 of the way down one side.  Then my eyes start watering.... zzzzz.   I need a visit from the quiltmaker's elves.  

As soon as I finish this onerous task,  I'll be taking close up photos of the quilting and will post for you to see; after I catch a few zzzzzs!

Face It!

I find that I try new things when I least plan for them or expect to.  That is my experimental nature shining through.  While I was quilting all the Pond Island house blocks, I knew that I was going to finish them individually, rather than sew them into one large quilt.  I had thought about binding each in a strip of black, as though it were "framed". Once I got home, I stalled.   What is wrong with that picture???  It is way too formal was my gut reaction.  I don't think I can look at a wall with 15 stark black frames, regardless of what is inside.

Then,  I remembered that Jean Wells discussed various finishing techniques in her book, Intuitive Color and Design.

Ah hah!  Among other techniques, she suggested a facing finish.  This was the answer!  I started  right in following her excellent directions and made facing using both mitered corners and triangle corners, just to see which one I liked better.  The triangle corners system is a bit more fiddly to make, but it does solve the problem of having a lot of seams and fabric at each of the four corners.  I ended up choosing to make most of my facings with the mitered corners anyway.  Easier and faster wins.

facing with mitered corners and hanging tabs

facing with triangle corners

two faced blocks,  one framed block.

I had no choice but to frame that one block shown above.  The fabric I  put along the top and the bottom is corded (woven) such that once its threads are cut, the cord quickly unravels.  It is also thick, so I cannot turn it to the back as facing requires.  

A facing, like the facing in a jacket or dress, isn't seen from the front.  It is only visible on the back of the quilt (or on the inside, if we are talking about garments.)  When I began cutting the strips, I was thinking of using only one fabric to make all the facings.  WAIT A MINUTE!  I have lots of fabric languishing in my stash.  Why not a little unexpected variety?  Out came some florals on dark backgrounds.  Now the process became more fun.  The fabric I chose doesn't make the process any different, but it provides the boost of making it more interesting.  I cannot wait to sew these  facings to the blocks that are piled on the table!

SOMETHING NEW!

I am one of those quilters who cannot complete one project before beginning something new.  Once an idea starts brewing, I gotta go with it.  I recently saw a similar quilt made by  Ashley in Film in the Fridge . That was my inspiration.  Thanks, Ashley!

This is the start of a baby quilt.  I need to sew all the blocks together.  Once I do that, it will shrink quite a bit, but that is as big as it will be.  I make "little" baby quilts.  Why?  The parents can use the little quilt right away, while the baby is tiny.  It would fit in a pram or stroller, or car seat without getting bunched up in the wheels or straps, etc.  Once the baby gets too big for the quilt, it can be "graduated" to be their own little quilt used to tuck in their dollies or teddy bears.