Today I dug around and found the backing fabric for the Christmas tablerunner (some Riley Blake), and also chose the binding (Flurry). I know, some people plan ahead and know what all their fabrics are going to be before they start but that just wouldn't be me now, would it?!
I stitched in the ditch round the hexies once the backing fabric was securely spray basted, and then I just did a line 1/4" in all round the border. The hand stitching holds the wadding in place additionally so I am happy to stick with this simple quilting. I just have to make and attach the binding now and then this will be done.
Meanwhile, I also came to a decision about One for the Birds. I decided that I good wide border would bring the quilt up to a nice throw size - it's about 48" x 62" now. I added a narrower Kona Charcoal border because I wanted the overall quilt to look like it was in a picture frame. I knew the look I was trying to achieve but not sure if I did. I don't love it, but I don't hate it enough to rip all those stitches out and think of something else. I am rather hoping it will grow on me.
The backing fabric I bought quite a while ago from Ikea as I knew as soon as I saw it that it would be perfect for this quilt. I cleared a space in the sitting room and went about the business of laying it all out, smoothing endlessly, pinning for England and then finding out that not matter how hard I worked at it there were still puckers on the back. I will get those out tonight while I watch some telly. I am hoping to get some quilting time in tomorrow. Fingers crossed.
Susan
love both projects the fabrics for the runner are fab love the backing ...........i always wobble ditching !!
ReplyDeletethe quilt is sooooooooooo gorgeous .
In the birds looks great - I love the frame!
ReplyDeleteThey both look fab, and I really like the picture frame look on the birds quilt- the backing is great too, I never understand why people are sniffy about Ikea fabrics I think they're ace, and at a great price. : )
ReplyDeleteI love it. I looks like a picture of a bunch of pictures, or like one of those picture walls.
ReplyDeleteThey both look wonderful.
ReplyDeleteThe birds remind me of the wall in Ingrid Bergman's apartment in "Indiscreet" ... 1958 w/ Cary Grant. Very cool.
I'm the same- sew top now, worry about backing and binding later!
ReplyDeletegreat post!
ReplyDeleteI love stitching round hexagons, they look so neat and perfect!
Burdie is really looking great susan, but I still think you should keep it.... lol xx
ReplyDeleteWhy didn't you spray baste the birdies?
ReplyDeleteLooks great though x
I think the birds look great with a frame :) And that table runner is just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteLove them both....birds look great with a frame!
ReplyDeleteI love the frame on One for the Birds, it looks great!
ReplyDeleteDon't know what your problem is they are both totally gorgeous! As ever!
ReplyDeleteLoving the charcoal frame - it just sets it all off somehow!
Double tick Susan!
Your on fire Mrs with these brilliant makes. Me I'm still faffing. Runner not even started. Hmmmm yeah may start panicking on that one soon...
ReplyDeleteI think your charcoal border is a great frame and gives the look that you want. Like you, I never plan the binding and backing ahead.
ReplyDeleteI love the birds, that charcoal border works so well. I can't believe you are going to give it away!
ReplyDeleteThe bird quilt is gorgeous. I saw that fabric at Ikea, well sort of. They had it on some shower curtains but not any for sale (it was gone). Good luck on the finishes.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see these two finishes!
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe of how much you get done! Do you have a secret time machine?
ReplyDeleteLove them both - the border on the birds looks lovely - i bet you will LOVE it when it is finished :-)
They both look fantastic, your partner us going to love the runner
ReplyDeleteI really like the dark frame - it's perfect.
ReplyDeleteI love the charcoal border, it legally finishes it and as others have commented, it makes it look like a wall of pictures hung together.
ReplyDeleteAlways love your hand stitching.
Loving them both! I think the birds look great in the grey frame.
ReplyDeleteLove the table runner and birdies is going to be nicely framed. Good luck with the quilting!
ReplyDeleteWhat a good idea to machine stitch the hexies on to the top layer. And then to have hand quilting as decoration you get the best of both worlds, in half the time. I just made 3 hexie mug rugs (I think you saw them) and I hand appliqued them on with teeny tiny stitches. They are almost perfect but boy did it take ages! I think I wil be machine stitching hexies next time! Your other quilt is looking great by the way :-) x
ReplyDeleteLove the dark frame around the birdies quilt and your runner looks fab too!
ReplyDeleteLove the quilt top Susan....
ReplyDeleteAll your fabric choices for the runner are great. I can't wait to see it finished. Birdies is really cool with that charcoal frame - I hope you like it better as you finish it, 'cos you've done a great job on it!
ReplyDeletePlan ahead? Now there's a concept. I usually forget that I even have to do a back and binding...
ReplyDeleteKeeping my fingers crossed for you, especially while I'm I. A training session on big energy week! Somehow I don't think it's going to be the same kind of energy!
ReplyDeleteI think your one for the birds looks perfect. I think it looks really fresh and clean and crisp and the triple border is perfect. If you don't fall back in love with it, feel free to send it my way.
ReplyDeleteE
Love what you've done to OFTB! Perfect design choice! Jxo
ReplyDeleteThey both look wonderful! And I like the dark border too.
ReplyDeleteI really like the frame for the birdies quilt. Can't wait to see more of the Christmas project. Di x
ReplyDeleteboth projects look great! The one for the birds is lovely and you might change your mind once it's quilted. How do you get puckers out?
ReplyDeleteI know you will be happy with both projects. Hopefully the puckers come out in the wash.
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the bird quilt!!! I'm also really looking forward to the grand ta-dah for the runner!
ReplyDeleteI think the border on the birdie quilt looks fantastic !
ReplyDelete