A pincushion of the human variety rather was what I was today. I spent the best part of my child free hours out in the garden, mowing our grass, our neighbours grass (they're nice and I was in the mood for a random act of kindness) and then I got down to the pruning. The only bit of gardening that I have any ability in really. But those thorns. I could have done without them.
I don't have a natural affinity for gardening. I don't find it relaxing like some people do. But I do like sunshine, and one thing I have learned living in the UK - when the sun shines get outside, because who knows when it might happen again.
I did eventually return indoors though, full of vitamin D. And I got to working out how to do my backing for my Siblings quilt. The Ikea number fabric wasn't wide enough by a smidgeon. I contemplated getting complicated and then thought, 'Nah!' So I sewed a strip of charcoal solid down one side. I do have an idea in mind with the quilting to make this look like a great design solution rather than a cop out though.
It would have helped if I took my brain into the sewing space though. First I sewed the charcoal onto the wrong side of the backing fabric, which was a lovely 80" seam to unpick! Next I sewed the charcoal the wrong way round with the seam on the outside. Thankfully I realised that before I sewed over it so I could stop, unpick the seam and resew it correctly before continuing.
Eventually I got it right and proceeded to pin my backing to the floor. This quilt is too big to get the basting wrong. Got the wadding and quilt top on and started the process of pinning.
And that is where I am at now. In the middle of basting. The parenting responsibilities interrupted the process. I will finish it this evening and then the quilting can commence. Woohoo!
Susan
Oh how I hate basting, I don't have a floor big enough! I'm tempted by Emily Strawberry Patch's service I must admit.
ReplyDeleteAre you insinuating with that photo that you actually completely filled that garden waste bin today? Or has it been full since the autumn?
ReplyDeleteBig Bro
(the cheeky one)
Can't wait to see this finished and you're so right you do have to get outside when the sun shines as it's too good an opportunity to miss.
ReplyDeleteI'm with big bro there, no way that was empty this morning ;-)
ReplyDeleteOh the cutting sarcasm of an older brother - love it ;-)
ReplyDeleteI may just frame the lawnmower picture, as a reminder of what one looks like, it's going to be a looooong time before ours is pulled out. Boat and paddles on the other hand, eminent :D
ReplyDeleteAs an elder sibling I'm with big bro. *g*
ReplyDeleteI hate basting, too. But at least I have a big wooden living room floor to do it on. And I should be outside right now tidying my garden. But I've a belly full of meatballs and a cat on my knee so not bloody likely. I can butcher in the rain tomorrow.
I remember how when you first blogged you were often in the garden or showing pictures of it through rainy windows! Happy basting - horrible process!
ReplyDeleteYou are such a nice neighbor. My garden looks like a mess but I am not a gardener. You pin it to the carpet? great!
ReplyDeleteBlooming kids intervening!
ReplyDeleteAh, right, one of THOSE days, back off slowly everyone, away from the tired, hormonal woman!!
ReplyDeleteAh gardening I have no ability in that department. It's so nice to see the sun though.
ReplyDeleteWhile in the mood for a random act of kindness, can you come and mow my lawn, too? ;-) I don't mind any other gardening jobs, I don't even mind pin-basting or thread-basting, but the grass....
ReplyDeleteOh, you've had a busy day of it!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you've made the most of a sunny day. I've been tempted to do the same, but since we still have a smidgen of snow (hello snowy April!)... I'm staying inside to quilt today. ;o)
Good luck with basting!
That thorn looks deadly ... do you intentionally pin to the floor? or did I misunderstand?
ReplyDeleteOh dear...well hopefully it improves from here on in. In reality though, who has never sewn a piece the wrong way?
ReplyDeleteI hate basting and I have two quilts I need to baste this weekend. Well done on your random act of kindess-thankfully I have a neighbour just like you
ReplyDeleteBasting can be a bear. Love your solution of pinning the back to the floor.
ReplyDeleteGlad you got to enjoy some sunshine.
How exciting! Look at what amazing things Vit D can do for you :) May the sun shine tomorrow and your quilting be amazing.
ReplyDeleteOh man how I hate pinning quilts! How many more freckles did you get today! Tee hee! Jxo
ReplyDeleteI'd rather baste than garden!
ReplyDeleteI'd rather be gardening than basting. I need a basting slave. I wish Emily lived closer.
ReplyDeleteHate basting! Often puts me of finishing a quilt!
ReplyDeleteShould be out in the garden too - for more than just walking round with the pup!
Sounds like a productive day despite the sewing mishap! It's good to hear that even the most talented quilters (that's you) get it wrong sometimes!! Looking forward to seeing this quilt :-)
ReplyDeleteI'd rather baste with pins than garden, and I never use pins! (That's your Stitch Tease quilt not Siblings isn't it?) x
ReplyDeleteNot a fan of crawling on the floor basting. I hope that sun is shining in July.
ReplyDelete