Project Simplify - Day 5
April 6, 2011 Backing, binding & naming. Boring? I think not!
I'm a back piecer for a few reasons:
- I use up leftovers of almost any size (which helps on cost)
- I like how it gives the quilt a little extra personality
- It makes for a nice surprise - almost like a two-sided quilt
You like?
I tried a new technique ala Simplify - raw edge binding. I hadn't heard of it before and when I looked at the pictures was reminded of rag quilts. Now I don't have anything against rag quilts per se, they're just not my thing. But I did see a pretty nice one lately that's got me thinking a little differently about them - as has this binding technique.
So I was open to trying something new. Know what? It was super easy. And if you're going for a casual, fun look this is definitely worth considering. See? (I l.o.v.e. scrappy binding. Love, love, love it.)
When you're making, say, a baby quilt or don't have much time to make a little gift, a technique like this is great to have in your repertoire - no binding to hand stitch is a real time-saver. It only takes a few extra minutes to de-fray the fray ;) . (Right now I'm wishing I was a talented fibre artist so I could make something cool with this pretty mass of thread instead of just throwing it out!)
Now, what's in a name?
If you've ever had the honour of naming a living being (human or animal), you've felt the weight of such responsibility (at least that's what it was like for me ... twice!) Thankfully, a quilt won't resent you when it's a teenager. I always name my quilts. It's a reward for me. But I wanted my helper to have the fun and without hesitation she chose "Summer Day".
Perfect.
Alright. Let's see where we are.
- Make quilt in Chapter One for charity - check!
- Tackle free-motion quilting - check!
- Have fun with daughter - check!
- Meet lots of super-cool new people in bloggyland - checkity check check check!
Stash Redux:
- Weight loss - 4.64 lbs or 2.11 kgs
- Yardage loss - 8.14 yds or 7.44 m
Tomorrow I have a little surprise for you.
Project Simplify, Quilting 
Reader Comments (15)
I am in awe of this Simplify project. I too LOVE Camille's book and I am going to make each quilt in that book some day, but your goal is just amazing! I can totally relate to getting the fabric stash to reduce. I keep thinking the same thing! Your first quilt and it's name are perfect in every way and I cannot wait to see the next one....keep up the great work!
you are a SUPERSTAR!!!! I am so proud of you - and that quilt looks amazing ... great name and I love the binding - and your free styling ... WOW ... Keep it up girlfriend - but leave some Laura Ashley behind :)
Oh it looks lovely!
Can't wait for project 2... or for my 3 yo girlie to be old enough for this stuff!
Well - now you have shown me something I hadn't seen before - I've never seen binding done like that. I shall have to remember it for the next 'scrappy' quilt that I do.
A suggestion for all the bits of thread - trap them between two layers of organza and do some free motion quilting to hold it all together, then put it into an aperture card - very pretty (you could also add all those little 'ears' that you trim off triangle blocks!)
I have really enjoyed discovering your blog and following along. It's wonderful that you tried and feel more confident with free-motion quilting! I felt so inspired that I went out and purchased several yards of fabric... but that's as far as I got:)
I love this project of yours. I just found your blog some days ago and I am really loving it.
Thanks for sharing!
The perfect name for a perfect quilt!
Angela x
Love the name A.M.! Wish I had girls. Kristyne thanks for the chuckle each day. Talk soon.
Fantastic job! You are getting me inspired! I too, have Camille's book and sit and admire the photos for hours but haven't actually made anything out of it yet. I'll get there soon. Loving your blog! Great work!
I love the raw edge binding. I want to try it on one of my quilts.
Wow! The raw edge is so perfect for this particular Summer'd Day! Yay for easy too!! Hey don't throw your threads away! Look what I found on flickr last week - so cool!!!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/merwing/5577135496/
and this one:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/erica-svala/5352088856/
I'm impressed with the weight your craft room lost! She's fitting into her skinny jeans today : )
Your quilt turned out great! Love the raw edged binding - It looks really good!
Wow! It turned out great Kristyne -- and that name is perfect. LOVE those fabrics!!!
I'm so excited!! I can't wait to see which one you make next!
Hi there, I came over to visit your blog from Jilly's. I like pieced backs and bindings too.. I think it makes for a really fun quilt. I'm enjoying looking a round at some of your recent posts.