Monday, February 1, 2010

I'm In A Bind!

Don't get me wrong. I love to quilt. I love the fabrics. I love the patterns. I love the colors. I love the friendships I make. But I do not like to do the bindings. It's a big, clumsy pain to me. I have the binding sewn onto the quilt I'm working on for retreat this weekend. I just have to hand stitch it down and I'll be done. Yea! It only took me two and a half years to finish!!



I've finished the top my black and red quilt that I told you about earlier. The pattern is called Chinese Coins, but since it's to be donated to a cancer patient, I'm calling it Prayers and Pennies from Heaven. This evening I'm quilting it on a long-arm quilting machine like this. Then add the binding (ugh!) and it'll be done.

The rest of my week is going to be spent getting ready for my quilting group's, The Busy Bees, annual February quilt retreat in the Caifornia foothills. This will be our ninth year at the same fabulous facility. Yesterday four out of the eleven in the group and I met and spent the day cutting out our projects so we can get started sewing as soon as we arrive. I still have some cutting out to do as I usually take three or four projects to work on. You never know what you feel like working on or how fast something might go together. Then I need to gather all my sewing supplies, a good book, some movies to watch in the evening while we do hand work and my new scotty flannel pajamas which I wear all weekend and I'm good to go.

I'll tell you all about it when I return. Have a wonderful week and tell someone you love just that, that you love them!


*Happy Birthday Paul! I miss you every day with every beat of my heart! - Aunty Jean

10 comments:

Nicole said...

I don't know why I procrastinate over bindings either. They aren't difficult. I have a such a nice quilt I need to be using, that has been waiting for its binding for a year.

Brenda said...

Looking good! Sounds like a lot of fun coming your way! Hubby bought me Scotty jammies for Christmas. But alas they are not flannel and not very warm.

Unknown said...

Boy, I sound like you! I just applied the binding to a quilt that has been in the works for about 2.5 years. But, I have to say that I love doing the binding. I find it quite relaxing. The place you are having your retreat at looks just divine.

A Gardner's Cottage said...

Hi Miss Jean...I have been lurking around your blog. Can I say...it is so cute. I also have a scottie (Libby) who is a lot like your Maggie in personality. The quilts you are working on are beautiful! I know they will bring much joy to those who recieve them. Enjoy the retreat! -Nancy-

Dawn said...

Hello Miss Jean, I'm afraid I haven't been by in a while. I think I mentioned before I started several quilts when I was younger and never finished one. I did send several poorly pieced tops to Good Will though!

As soon as the wind blows my hubby takes down my flagpole. He's afraid it will break a window if it goes! Great weather lately though!
Hugs,
DAwn

Thimbleanna said...

No binding??? I love doing bindings Miss Jean -- I wish you lived next door and I'd do your bindings for you. Your quilts are beautiful -- I hope you have a wonderful time at your retreat!

Mumzie said...

Oh you have been a busy bee Miss Jean. Looking good! I can remember making binding for clothes and it's not easy task. Do you make your own from scratch? I can't wait to see the finished product. Yvonne :)

Hand Quilting Nana said...

The binding is my favorite part. I am a hand quilter and when I am ready for the binding I just get excited that I am almost through.

I guess it helps if you like hand work!!

Linda

Anonymous said...

It sounds like you're having lots of fun! I have been busy with guests and a conference and more guests! Guess what I did yesterday? Started pulling down the wallpaper in the dining room! I have more guests coming next week to stay several nights but if keep waiting for a quiet house it will never get done so away I go!!

gloria g. said...

Yes I just love doing bindings. I always have. Small ones, big ones, it doesn't matter. If I lived near you, I would do every single one for you! Enjoy your blog. gloria g.