Hi Everybody,

This post is not so much to tell you what I have been stitching, as what I have not, and why.

I have almost finished my most recent project with the blocks that go round and round the quilt. This is my favourite quilt so far, in that it was such a pleasure to make. The fabric is by designer Cori Dantini and is called ‘The Sweet Life’. I have really enjoyed following the the lines in the fabric with embroidery stitches and embellishing the dresses that the girls are wearing. I have used mainly running stitch and stem stitch.The quilting was simple enough, too, just double lines of running stitches about four inches apart.  These run at right angles to each other, following each of the blocks around (see pic below). The centre block is quilted more closely, down through the blue and green stripes, and I have added blue, green, yellow and pink French Knots at intervals along them.

Here is the back of the quilt (below). I have used a co-ordinating fabric, made up of small panels that echo the larger ones on the front, only this pattern goes from the top to the bottom of the quilt rather than round and round. I realise, as I write this, that I could have had it going round and round, which would have been fun and would have echoed the front rather nicely, but I didn’t think of it at the time.

So, it’s almost done. However, I still have the binding to do and I have to admit I am avoiding it. Up until now my bindings have consisted of using the backing material folded to the front and stitched down. But, in experienced quilting circles this is not a ‘proper’ binding and I think it’s about time I learned to do one. I do think it’s important to learn how to do things the way received wisdom says is the best (ie most durable) way, even if you go back to doing it the easy way later on, to suit yourself.

My fears are manifold: I have no idea how wide to make the binding, how to cut the binding, whether I need to put the fabric through a bias tape maker and if so what size I should use. I see there are posts on Pinterest showing you how to cut continuous binding from a fat quarter but I am putting off trying this in case I ruin my fabric, as I haven’t got any extra. The thought of hand-sewing both sides of the binding, instead of just one side, does not excite me much either but at least that bit is straightforward. I know how to sew a seam down. It’s just going to take twice as long.

So what HAVE I been doing lately? Two weeks ago I offered to help out a friend who was going on holiday to the States for a month and hadn’t found anyone to look after her cats.

The problem was that one had just had kittens and the owner didn’t want her separated from her six-month old buddy. So I said I would have them all. I mean, how hard could it be? I already have four Siamese cats of my own.

Well, I don’t know where the day goes. There’s feeding and cleaning (a LOT of cleaning) and tickling  tummies, and playing ball, and fitting in photo shoots. There’s trying to do all this without my own cats getting wind of it (which is early in the morning, at intervals while they are asleep in the day and after they are in bed in the evening). So far, it has been very busy and tiring, fitting all this in among my usual household chores, and I find I am thinking about their needs most of the time. Quilts are not getting a look in. Two weeks down, three more to go. And there is an extra bit to tackle soon: The weaning and the litter training of six little babies. I have no idea how all that is going to go but I am in touch with the owner via Facebook and I have my ‘Complete Cat Care Manual’ to refer to. Despite the worries and difficulties, these little visitors have already brought me so much pleasure that I wouldn’t have missed the experience for anything. I mean who could resist six of these?

After the 22nd August, when I have recovered, I will take another look at binding this quilt. Or I might avoid it a while longer and turn my attention to another new project while I muster courage. If anyone has any advice for me about binding this quilt, or a link to share, I’d be grateful. I really don’t want this quilt to end up as another UFO.

Until next time……