Monday 23 February 2015

Me on Monday - 23 February

Ta dah! It's done! This is Me on Monday, having just done the final stitch in my Friendship Quilt.  I've been wanting to put it all together ever since the last square arrived but couldn't decide how to do it.  In my normal style, I did a bit of Youtube quilt tutorial watching, then a bit more, then just one more, then returned to the one I first saw which involved doing a bit of sashing with some colour corner blocks to tie it all together.  I do love it, and I really want to thank everyone who contributed to it, I can't put into words how much I've enjoyed taking part in this and can't wait to see everyone's finished works of art. 
I realised two things while doing the binding.  I love using striped 'ticking' fabric to finish off quilts.  No matter how patterned the rest of the quilt is, a subtle stripe really finishes things off.  I also realised that when it comes to binding, my favourite part is the corners.  I love mitres.  They scared me a bit when I did the binding on my first quilt but now I love them.  They're a bit fiddly but what can I say?  Stripey fabric and mitred corners - made to go together!

I found some tape which said 'handmade with ♥' and thought it would be fun to send a little strip of it with each square I sent off. Whilst attaching the backing to the front I suddenly remembered that I hadn't put any on my own quilt.  A quick bit of zig zagging and it was the finishing touch.


It's the first day back at work here after the half term week break and it's hard to get back in the swing of things.  Thank goodness Monday is only half a day for me!
How was your weekend?  Mine was pretty busy with decorating again.  Our daughter is having furniture delivered in her new home and wanted to get all the painting done in the rooms before it arrived.  Although she and her partner had put one coat of paint on all walls last weekend, some of them needed a second coat and he wasn't able to come down this weekend.   R was determined to get all the painting finished so we popped round in the afternoon to help and that was Saturday sorted.  Then she needed some lights put up on the wall, and a bathroom cabinet fitted, a mirror hung on the wall etc.  Of course they haven't got their own electric drill so it was a case of 'Dad, could you pop round and help?' Which briefly translates to 'can you come and do it?'.  Someone had offered them a spare double bed for free and that had arrived so Sunday I went round to help her build that too.  Two women.  A dismantled double bed with ornate metal frame in many pieces.  No instructions.  It felt like quite an achievement when we got it done and I do feel now that my work is done.  Whatever isn't done now, they can do themselves - It's all down to them now!
 
So with tired arms and an aching back I'm giving up a wave to Sian who suggested that we all share photos of what we're doing each Monday.  Hope you are going to join in too!

9 comments:

helena said...

Deb your quilt looks fabulous and extra nice that I know who made some from seeing the blocks appear on their blogs last year - I agree a subtle stripe is a great binding

Fiona@Staring at the Sea said...

Your quilt looks wonderful. It really warms my heart to see one finished. I just knew you'd be the first! Thanks for giving me a much needed smile today x

Sian said...

Ooh, you are so right! That ticking is beautiful. I even like the word, as well as the look. It's a really wonderful project.

Mind you, making that bed is some achievement too :)

Rachel Brett said...

Your quilt looks fantastic Deb! :)

Ruth said...

Your quilt looks amazing! Fiona had a brilliant idea when she thought up the Friendship Quilt swap. Fabulous!

Deb @ PaperTurtle said...

Your friendship quilt is just awesome, Deb! And I love the striped fabric for the binding too. Now that my niece's quilt is done I'm going to start working on my friendship quilt. It's so much fun to finally see one assembled. Way to go!!!

scrappyjacky said...

It looks wonderful,Deb.

Alison said...

It's great to see one of the quilts put together...and you've reminded me that I still have Denise's square to do...I must get it done when I go home xx

Barbara said...

Your quilt looks beautiful you must be very pleased with it.