Quilt

Bella's quilt is almost done. I've just got the binding to sew on, which is a favourite job of mine. I don't know why, but I find hand sewing quilt bindings one of the most relaxing things to do.
I've had quite a few people ask me how I get my bindings so straight and to be honest I've wracked my brains and just can't come up with an answer. I assume that I just do the same as everyone else!
But just in case I don't, here are the basics of what I do.
I always use a straight grain, double thickness French Binding, which I cut 2.5 inches wide and then fold in half and iron. I then sew it on to the unwashed quilt, with the raw edge of the binding sitting flush with the raw edge of the quilt. Then I handsew it on to the back of the quilt with small, even stitches.
See, nothing special at all. I think it's just a case of practice and I guess that enjoying it helps. What I really need to do is try a continuous binding - that sounds very cool.

Whenever Bella sees me making something she asks if it's for her and I always feel guilty for saying that no it isn't, it's mummy's work. So it was lovely today when Bella not only decided that we should both spend the afternoon in my studio (with her very happily watching our favourite Elmo dvd) but also being able to finally answer that yes! This quilt is for her.
Of course I expected her to tell me that she didn't like it (remember the dresses?) and steeled myself for the crushing disappointment. But no! She looked at it again and looked at me again and asked if it was really for her. And then asked again. And again. And again. And again. And again. And, well you get the picture...
In fact I'm feeling very loved and appreciated by her at the moment, because not only has she decided that her work is the same as mine, and that she loves her new quilt, but she has also stolen the topsy turvy doll from my armchair and taken it to bed with her. So sweet.
It is lovely suddenly feeling that Bella kind of understands what I do, not to mention that she is getting happier and happier for me to work a little whilst she entertains herself.
Which of course begs the question of why on earth am I going to get myself back to square one in 4 months time?

Comments

[kali]

Bella's quilt is delicious.
It sounds like your little girl is growing up so fast day by day, and the bond between you both is so precious.
It's going to be crazy/wonderful when the wee one arrives, but I'm sure you wouldn't have it any other way.
Take care...

[LauraJ]

Lovely beautiful pink sweet quilt! I too like to hand sew the bindings like you described. You can do a continuous bindinf...practice practice practice!! You could start with doll quilts for practice and go from there.
It's wonderful when we make something for our little ones and they love it. And we get to see them loving it for years knowing we created that love! It's a wonderful talent we have! :D

[meg]

OK, once I tried continuous binding, I never looked back. It's not hard to do and you'll be so happy with your nice little corners. Love it.

Speaking of love: Love Bella's quilt! That Amy B. print is one of my favorites.

As for starting again at square one, well, I think about that all the time (but not too much, because I'd very much like to have more children.) Just think of how many more opportunities you'll have to bring them around to loving and appreciating Mom's beautiful work through the years. ;)

[Lissy]

The quilt looks just beautiful :) I love the fabrics...we have baby too coming in about two months and it is a bit daunting :) my other girl is nearly 4...

[Anina]

Heavenly pink!

[Tsoniki]

I love the moment when kids realize what you are doing is fun and enjoyable and want to do the same thing. It's hard to go slow to teach them, you want to rush and have them absorb it all so quickly.

Beautiful quilt!

[jeanetta]

thanks for the explanation. i've been trying to get some bindings right and this just sort of clarified everything

[Sandi Henderson]

Oh, that is very pretty! I hope you show the finished binding!

Sandi

[Melissa]

Hello from square one. I just had a baby in July after having a 9 year old and a 12 year old who can do just about everything for themselves. It's rough. Not much sewing these days, but you know what? It's worth it. My baby is such a doll and I'll have plenty of time for sewing later. This stage of life is so brief. Enjoy your little ones :o)

[Wendy]

I've been back to square one twice. There are four years between each one of my kids. You know what? Just as you're getting wistful about the older one leaving a lovely stage like "helping you work", the younger one is entering it.

The quilt is beautiful and I'm so thrilled for all of you.

[Emy]

Oh that floral fabric in the top picture (top left) is soooo beautiful. I'm loving your Bella quilt.
I feel the same way about going back to square one. It's a scary thought! Cale can talk and practically take care of himself! But the good thing is, he's old enough to understand the needs of a baby, and to help out. And I'm so excited to see him interact with the baby. I guess that makes up for all the stuff I won't be able to do.

[janet clare]

When I had #2 (Henry) I realised how much new borns sleep and how much harder I had made everything for myself with Joe- I used to hold him all the time, never let him cry etc. Wouldn't have changed that for the world, but Henry got treated differently (not worse) because he had to be, and guess who my easy, placid, independent, willing to occupy himself son is?

[Belém]

I always use a bias strip for binding but I will try the straight grain next time. Thnaks for sharing.

[Qalballah]

Oh the small years fly by so quickly. True insha'allah you'll be back at square one in 4 months but thereafter company for Bella and they'll be busy playing/killing each other while you quietly nip off to your studio to make restraining devices for them. In pink.

Mine are already fighting. Must dash....

[Jude]

Aw! How cute is that. I made an Archie doll a couple of days ago for a friend and Lily just couldn't accept that it wasn't for her. I kept having to go and retrieve it from her room.

[Joan Gibb]

No wonder that Bella is thrilled with her quilt--it's beautiful. She's such a lucky girl.
The amazing thing about my second child is that she was so entertained by the first. He is 3 and a half years older and she just loved to watch him even when she was just an infant. I was the entertainment for #1, so this was a pleasant surprise. She's turning 20 this December--how did that happen?
Joan

[laeroport]

Oh, but what a joyous trip back to square one it will be!

Lovely quilt. Can't wait to see what you've got in the works for the wee one. ;)

[lina]

Her quilt is gorgeous...how special that she loves it as much as she does. Soak it up while it lasts!

[Sam]

The other day I was trying to do a quilters knot (yes, I really am a TOTAL novice!) and I was struggling quite badly (yes, I am also not very gifted in the textiles dept!) when I discovered the joy of mini quilting lessons on youtube! At the touch of a button you can watch and learn from experienced quilters - for free! I'm not sure how extensive their library is but they have had everything I have needed to know so far. p.s. i am green with envy at the quilt!

[celine]

This closeness to your daughter, well let me tell you: it's going to get better and better. As for the 2nd one, it'll add a new dimention to your family that you can't even imagine! (well, you won't feel that way the first few months...but it'll come!)

[Clare]

The quilt looks lovely - glad Bella thinks so too!