The stripe for the binding fabric arrived on Thursday. During Project Runway, I made the binding and attached one side to the quilt by machine. Those are two of my little piggies standing guard. I collect pigs and have a ton of them around.
Yesterday (Friday), I pinned the binding around to the back and started attaching it by machine. I must have ripped out the stitches about 300 times. OK, slight exaggeration, but it just was NOT going well. I gave up and had some dinner. (Here's the back print, by the way. I've had this in the stash for over 8 years and am glad to be using it up!)
After dinner, I ripped stitches again and then threw in the towel, loaded up a movie on the DVR, threaded a hand needle and ladder-stitched the binding to the back by hand. For TWO HOURS. OMG. But it's done, and looks pretty darn good if I do say so myself. I'm not sure if I have the patience to ever hand-stitch a binding onto a bed-size quilt, or even another table runner. I'd rather perfect my machine binding skills, I think. This quilting stuff is harder than it looks. ;-)
I was planning to throw this into the washer and dryer to crinkle it up, but when I went to move the current load from washer to dryer, the washer was flashing an error code and the door was locked. WITH ALL MY FAVORITE CLOTHES INSIDE. Arghhh. Seriously, I can't get any of my clothes out of the washer. Yes, I've tried everything but the machine is making a grinding noise and is obviously broken, so I made a call into service this morning and an appointment is set for Monday. But in the meantime I have to wear UNfavorite clothes and glare at the washer which is holding all my good stuff hostage.
On a bright note, I'm alone for the weekend. The menfolk headed up to my stepson's in Jacksonville yesterday to send him off on his (SS's) new life adventure in North Carolina. I'm here on dog duty. And it's raining. Good thing I don't have to go anywhere because I don't have ANYTHING to wear. Sigh. Maybe I'll just wear my nightie all day. Hmprf.
Or, maybe I should go make a new top. But then what would happen to this quilting blog? Hahaha.
Excellent binding fabric choice. I'll be interested in hearing what the problem with machine stitching the binding was. I'm not a quilter, so I'm curious.
ReplyDeleteVery cute - I hand stitch the back sides of binding rather than machine stitch them, too hard. Even for a lot of bias tape application on armholes, necks, I blind stitch the inside. Probably why it takes me so long to finish anything :)
ReplyDeleteMeredith, the problem is that the stitching on the back kept wobbling instead of catching just the edge in a straight line. I thought I was getting better with the last project (wall hanging) but apparently the binding gods thought they needed a good laugh.
ReplyDeletesounds like the perfect day at home,no kids, no hubby can't get dressed to do errands yeaaa!!! Enjoy
ReplyDeleteVery Funny! This quilting blog. Go make yourself some new favorite clothes! Enjoy being on dog duty. g
ReplyDeleteHere's my favorite binding, use washable school glue to hold down the back edge while you machine sew, then wash it out. It is awesome.
ReplyDeleteOops, no link...
ReplyDeletehttp://www.sharonschamber.com/free%20stuff/images/Binding%20Class.pdf
Exact same thing happened to me yesterday with the machine binding. I don't mind hand stitching my bindings, so I'll stick to that. My quilt is still lying there waiting for the seam ripper.
ReplyDeleteThat runner is gorgeous!!! I am in quilting envy! I am just about to start quilting a full sized quilt and I expect lots of trials and tribulations.
ReplyDeleteOMG, the washer holding your clothes hostage is hilarious. Not to you, of course.
Your quilt is beautiful! I love it! Sorry about your clothes.....
ReplyDeleteI don't mind hand stitching bindings at all. Trying to pin the binding so that it catches all the way around would be so time consuming. I find hand stitching relaxing while I'm sitting watching TV or visiting. Too bad about the washer and your clothes. Hope they aren't too stinky when they come out and that the repair bill isn't too big either.
ReplyDeleteI vote for sewing in your nightie. We all need a good pajama day now and again. Home alone on a rainy day with the dogs is the perfect excuse, never mind the no clothes bit.
First: pj's all day sounds good to me!
ReplyDeleteSecond: I tried machine stitching my bindings for a few quilts, but I just wasn't happy with how they looked. I now see the hand stitching as the final, cool-down step in making a quilt.
Third and most important: LOVE. THIS. RUNNER!!!
I always hand stitch the back of my quilts, placemats, etc. I find it sort of relaxing to do while watching a movie. Maybe you'll learn to love it?
ReplyDeleteI had the exact same problem with my washer this week. It's a front load whirlpool. I rescued my clothes by unplugging the machine then when I turned the power back on the door was unlocked. I hope it works for you.
Debbie, being a quilter for over 25 years has taught me a few tricks. What you need is some "Thread Fuse". Here's a link to a review I did of a quilt with photos and explanation of how to use it. I've used this method on probably hundreds of quilts and have won ribbons from judges who have complimented by machine binding. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteDuh...forgot the link!
ReplyDeletehttp://sewing.patternreview.com/cgi-bin/readreview.pl?reviewnum=17050&readreview=1
Such a pretty end product. I've been looking forward to see how it turned out! Thanks for the chuckles in describing your washer dilemma . . .
ReplyDeleteHi Debbie,
ReplyDeleteThat striped binding really makes the runner! I also have trouble doing a machine binding -- it usually makes me unhappy, and to avoid unhappiness, I just stitch the back down by hand. It always seems to look good that way.
p.s. I also love what you did with your leftover green pieces and the added flowers! Cute cute!
Vicky F
That is a BEAUTIFUL RUNNER ! I haven't ever quilted anything but want to try - one of these days.
ReplyDeleteSorry about the washer - my front loader is now 10 years old and I'm a bit paranoid about that day this is going to happen - gpglasgow had a good hint though, certainly worth a try (something like rebooting Windows ?!)
I wouldn't be wild about the backing fabric alone, but it works well with this runner. The stripe binding is brilliant! I really need to learn to attach binding properly.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! So cheery too. I think you should do a giveaway and, um, give it away. I'm number 20. 20 sounds like a winning number.
ReplyDelete:P
Love the finished product. The binding and backing are great. I do love me a day alone.
ReplyDeleteA washing machine that takes your clothes hostage, ROFLOL!!!
ReplyDeleteYour washing machine is only new too! Doubly evil.
ReplyDeleteDebbie, have you tried a crowbar on that washing machine? Posts like this one make it hard for me to relax on vacation!
ReplyDeletePeter, it's OK - you can relax. The machine is under warranty so all I have to do is wait until tomorrow for the repair person to show up. Until then, I do have other clothes - just not the favorites stuck in the machine.
ReplyDeleteBelinda - the machine is actually 5 years old now (time flies), but I did buy an extended warranty, so … whew!
Love the stripe!! CUTE CUTE CUTE!!
ReplyDeleteDitto the advice about fusible thread, haven't used it for binding, but have used it for heirloom sewing for scalloped hems. I've been doing a lot of girlie sewing for my 3 y/o niece, and do a lot of binding, attaching tims, ribbons and used a lot of info learned (stolen?!) from quilters. Here's another product: Roxannes Glue Baste It, if you don't want to use fusible thread, (great product I can't do without) As an aside, I discovered books by Kari Mecca, great girls clothing, and beautiful inspiration for using prints, stripes, florals and trims. (Not affiliated with any products) just wanted to share.
Love your sewing room, great space, I'm jealous.
chloeE
Love your rainbow table runner. The binding looks great! I loved striped bindings, and often cut them on the bias so the stripes go round like a candy cane.
ReplyDeleteLove how your quilt turned out. Your blog has so many cute, funny entries; its taking up way too much of my time.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the great read.
Belinda
Okay, so I know it took forever to finish, but the binding looks amazing! It really is the perfect finish for that runner. So pretty!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE the stiped binding...good choice!
ReplyDeleteI finally stopped laughing so I can comment now. By now, I hope that you have your clothes and a working washing machine. The runner looks great - front and back. The pigs are a nice touch.
ReplyDeleteUnplug the washer. It should let go of the hostages. Mine did.
ReplyDeleteLOL!
Beautiful runner!