Binding.....What and How to?

First let me say thank you so much for your nice comments about my Jubilee Quilt.  It was very rewarding to hear such nice comments. Often in the modern quilt world, this kind of old fashioned hand quilted quilt goes a bit unnoticed, so I can't tell you how much it meant to hear from you.

Here is my new little dolly quilt:  Baby Bow Ties (I see the camera focussed on Mr. Starbuck)

It measures 17 inches square and I used this pretty fabric on the back.

It was made with the little bow ties I received from the bow tie angel in the civil war swap.  I only had to make a few of my own.

At the recent quilt show I was penalized points because I used 4 separate pieces of binding and made "straight corners" (it's not here to photograph).  Since when is the mitered binding THE ONLY binding that is considered good?.  I was also criticized for not using more and smaller stitches on my Jubilee binding.  what?  seriously?  seriously?

So on this new quilt I worked very hard to make good corners.  They are straight and square and secure.  I think on an old fashioned quilt it actually looks more right to me; more appropriate somehow.

The other thing the judges criticized was when the print on the binding was not fussy cut (this was on someone else's quilt).  Wow.  I don't think I've ever really considered it before.  I do pay attention when using a stripe on the bias for that barber poll look we all love, but on small prints?

So here I attempted to "fussy cut" my binding.   The left side turned out great.

The one below, not so much.  Sometimes the print was not printed straight, so how to cut it I wonder?

How do you handle and approach your bindings?  I'd love to hear about it.  Let me also say this is the first time I had heard these comments.  I also don't want it to discourage anyone from entering quilting into shows.  I like to share my quilts,  which is why I have this free sharing blog.

I'm working out my quilting plan for the Alice Payne quilt.  I definitely want to start quilting by January 1st.

The Constant Quilter hosted a scrap give away and I won!  Thank you, Wendy, for the wonderful package of scraps and also for your wonderful blog posts.

I've decided to pay it forward.  If you would like to win a box of scrap pieces just leave a message and I'll pick a winner on Friday.  Who knows maybe we can keep the sharing going.  Based on the weight and postage US shipping only this time.

I'm keeping Paris and all of France in my thoughts this week.

Planes, Cars and Boats

Howdy.  I recently returned from a very busy Labor Day getaway with Mr. Fun.    While away I was able to have a little photo shoot of this quilt that I made for Hanna in 2011 for her high school graduation.  It's called Tropical Breeze.  You can see the original post here (which has better quality photos).

The pool at the farm with the hibiscus seemed a good location.

I finished my Alice Payne Eagle block at 25,000 feet on the way to Seattle.  I was surprised that my stitching turned out so well after drinking a WHOLE BOTTLE of wine lol.

While in Seattle we had an awesome power boat ride, an exciting sail and some paddling in a kayak.  My Brother and Sister In Law have a wonderful fleet of boats and water toys.

Here we are sailing to Bainbridge Island.  You can see Seattle on the right.  Look how far we are heeled over - yikes!

We stopped at Pioneer Farm in Illinois for a few days.   Here is a InstaGram collage I posted.  So happy that the implement shed has a new sleeve.  It looks like new!

I'd say this corn is as high as an elephants eye - I'm 5'3"

Bow Tie Swap Update
Looks like everyone is doing well with the bow tie blocks.  I know some people who are making them even though they are not in the swap.  They are so fun and fast.  I'm starting to receive them and they look great.

Civil War Swapper, Barbara, posted these 2 cute bow tie quilts she made for her twin grandchildren.  Pop over and visit her blog to see what else she has including a stunning star quilt she's working on.

Katy who is also a swapper posted this great bow tie quilt on her blog.  She is a very prolific blogger - check it out here.

Did you know that I have a designated Fun With Barb Facebook group?  Everyone is welcome to join.  It is a place where anyone can post photos of swap blocks and quilts.  I'll be posting my fall schedule there soon.

Thank you all so much for your wonderful and generous comments on my Reconciliation Quilt post.  It is so encouraging to hear from so many readers!

Block Swap 2015!

Both Swap Groups are closed - thanks everyone!  I'll be back to regular blogging.

Modern fabrics should be bright - no pastels
Civil War prints should be medium to dark.

Here we go!

If you want to be in this years swap, you must send me an email at barb.vedder@gmail.com.  I will send you a confirmation.  Sign ups will close when I get the limit or September 1st, which ever comes first.

This year we will be swapping, 4" finished bow tie blocks.  You'll be making blocks and sending them to me.  I'll swap them and return to you.

I'm going to limit the groups to 40 in each.  If we get that number, then we'll be swapping 80 blocks for each group.  I won't know the exact number until I close the sign ups.

Once again we'll have two groups; Civil War fabrics and Modern fabrics.

Modern blocks will use light grey low volume print or solid grey with a bright modern fabric (no pastels).  Please use only good quality, 100% cotton.   Here are some blocks that I've made.

If you are wondering what I mean by low volume grey here is a pinterest board to give you the idea.

Civil war blocks will use muslin with one civil war reproduction medium or dark print.  Any off white muslin will work and work well with others.   Please use only good quality 100% cotton fabrics.   Here are some blocks that I've made.

Instructions:

Cut:
2 - 2 1/2" squares of printed fabric (the bow)
2 - 1 1/2" squares of printed fabric (the bow)
2 - 2 1/2" squares of background (muslin or grey)

Mark a line diagonally on the smaller square.  Take care, you may want use a sandpaper board as the pieces are quite small.  I glued sandpaper to a clip board for mine.

Sew the small square onto a corner of your background just to the right of the drawn line.  This allows for the tiny bit you loose when you press.

Press toward the dark side.  I like to use a hot dry iron for this as steam sometimes causes skewing of the fabric.

Trim away the background and the first layer of printed fabric.

Sew the 2 1 /2" printed patch to the to the background patch.  Press toward the bow fabric- please don't skip this step!

Sew the two units together.  Press the last seam OPEN.  Please press this seam open so they lay flat.  Last time a few swappers who didn't do this step.

Now admire your little 4 1/2" (unfinsihed) little bow tie block.

I added this information to a tab at the top for easy reference.

Here is some inspiration - but remember to use our swap fabrics~

You can see more on my Bow Tie Pinterest Board.

In Review:

• Send me an email and let know which group you would like to be in.
• Civil War Era reproduction fabrics with muslin.
• Modern Bright fabrics with grey or low volume grey print.
• I am setting a limit of 40 for each group.
• Follow my instructions carefully and use your very best sewing and pressing skills!
• Deadline:  in the mail to me on or before October 31st - no exceptions.

I hope you'll join!  I think it will be great fun!

I will send an email after sign ups close with all the details on final block count, etc.