Tip: The Ease of Adding a Label

I'm so geeked - so close to finishing my sister's quilt!  But I wanted to make sure I didn't rush the ending of it so today I focused on the label.  I've discussed tricks to creating decorative labels in the past, but, since the rest of the quilt is pretty "busy", I wanted something simple and sweet.

Here's my method for adding a label to the quilt. I perform these steps after quilting & trimming the top but before adding the binding.

1. Using leftover fabric from your backing (I normally used the strips leftover when I trim my quilt after quilting), sew 1" strips to each side of your label.

2. Using the edge of your white fabric as a guide, press the top and left edges of your backing fabric to the back of the label.  These will be your applique edges.

3. Align your label to the lower, right corner of the quilt back.  Pin in place.  Hand-applique the upper and left edges of the label to the back of the quilt.

4. Perform your normal steps for adding the binding to the quilt, catching the right and lower edges of the label in your machine stitching.  When you sew the binding down in the back, it will cover the raw edges of the label.

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This method has several advantages:

• Because you border all sides with coordinating backing pieces, the applique stitches blend in beautifully into backing.
• Also, since I'm not appliqueing the white square directly to the background, the seam won't "shadow through" to the front of the label.
• For those that don't enjoy appliqueing, you only have 2 sides to stitch down.
• The other two sides are secured in the binding. 

Binding in Solid Black

These eyes aren't getting any younger!

Too often, lately, I've had to use a black or dark blue binding on a quilt (love the way it frames it).  Do you know this trick?  Since the front and the back of the fabric is solid - you can't tell them apart - make sure you mark both ends with a yellow or white pencil.

That way, when you join your binding strips, you can place "right sides together" instead of sewing haphazardly and creating a serpentine mess!

Why does this matter?  You don't want to sew 7 strips together and then discover, when pressing, that some seams face up and some don't.  AARGH!

Happy Thanksgiving, all!

TIP: Threading the Sewing Machine Needle

Sometimes it's the littlest things... old trick but worth repeating.

SCENE: This weekend, late at night, when my eyes were tired but my spirit was high.

I was quilting a gift when I needed to change spools.  Well.... late at night, tired eyes, black thread in front of a black walking foot.... frustrating, right?

I glanced over and saw the white scrap of fabric.  It covered the black part of the walking foot, reflected the sewing machine light up, and made the needle eye more apparent.  Threaded it in the first try!

Sometimes if just feels like you've won the Super Bowl, and, yes, I did a victory dance!  Sometimes it's the smallest things.... 

Quilts as Comfort

I haven't quilted much in the last two years. I kinda lost interest after making quilt after quilt for others. Instead, I've spent most of my time outdoors, enjoying the sunshine and the freedom.

Funny when times get anxious one returns to the comfort of the quilt. It represents stability, comfort and warmth.

Here's the backing to my latest creation. I'm also eyeing two more that just need bindings... It's going to be a long winter.