Autumn Maples is getting its turn (again) as my One Monthly Goal. This time the goal is to sew the binding on so it can become a finished quilt.
It seems like it shouldn't take long but there are 28' of binding--these always take me days--and I'll be spending at least a week with my daughter and her family after her surgery and another week with my other daughter, possibly vacationing somewhere--so it might be a tight squeeze to get it finished. I have part of one side and one corner stitched already.
I haven't quilted or hand-stitched anything for a while. My callouses are gone and I noticed that two of my fingertips are already sore. Liquid bandage is my quilting friend in situations like this. I paint it on before I begin sewing or quilting, let it dry, and it protects my fingers. It's a great help! Have you used it before?
I'm linking this post to
One Monthly Goal July Link-up at Elm Street Quilts. Thanks for hosting, Patty.
--Nancy.
Oh, this quilt calls to me every time I see it!
ReplyDeleteI take days to bind a bed sized quilt. I have come to terms with it--I will never be as fast as some people.
Yes, I have used liquid bandage. When I was in junior high and my Mom was teaching me how to hand quilt, she introduced me to the product. Someone had told her to try it and she kept it handy for years. I realized when she was quilting her last quilt about 6 years ago that there was no liquid bandage anywhere near her. I asked about it and she said she hadn't used it in years. I was surprised because it had been such a mainstay when I was living at home and quilting with her.
I'm so glad you like this quilt, Janet. And I'm slowly making my way around the edges, still hoping to finish by the end of next week.
DeleteIt's interesting that your mom quit using liquid bandage. Did she switch to something else to prevent sore fingers?
I have used it, but generally forget and end up with a sore finger. At least you will be done in time to enjoy Maple Leaf in the fall!!!
ReplyDeleteIf I don't have time to build up calluses I do end up with sour fingers but it's not so good for the quilt (if I bleed).
DeleteYes, Jennie, it will be fun to have this quilt finished before fall!
What a great tip. I'm going to go get me some liquid bandage. Your leaf quilt is so beautiful. I love it. Hugs
ReplyDeleteJust one thing about the liquid bandage, Cathy. If you brush it on after you already have a sore finger or a crack that goes deeper than skin level, it will string like crazy for about 30 seconds. I dance a jig when I put it on a crack, but after that pain's gone, there's no pain.Thanks for your kind words about the maple leaves.
DeleteI enjoy sewing binding. Maybe you can take Leaves along on one of your trips, so relaxing in the evenings. I do love this quilt! Is the back a solid red? I thought you had chosen a leaf or botanical backing.
ReplyDeleteYour trips sound fun!
I like sewing binding, too, Lizzy. It's so straightforward and rhythmic.
DeleteI thought about taking the quilt to my daughter's home but with 5 little ones there and my inability to keep my pins from dropping, I decided against it. I hope to have it finished before the very end of the month when my younger daughter is hoping we'll travel somewhere.
The back has a red rectangle in the center with the blue surrounding it. In the photo with this post the blue sort of disappears and looks like the floor, but if you look closely you can see it's an outer border around the red.
I have never tried liquid bandage--great idea--will definitely give that a try.
ReplyDeleteI love your maple leaves...such a lovely piece--hugs, Julierose
Thanks, Julierose. Just a word about the liquid bandage. If you put it on an open sore, be prepared that it will sting like crazy for 30-60 seconds, but if you put it on before then, no pain at all.
DeleteI love the fabric you have chosen for the binding. It really enhances the colors of the quilt. Have fun with your daughters.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin. I deliberated a little about the color for the binding and finally decided I wanted something that mostly just disappeared. I think it works like that for the front, less so for the back.
DeleteI use the small round leather Thimble Pads that stick on my second finger. Available here at JoAnn Fabrics, and possibly Wal Mart. I too had not sewn in a long time, recovering from surgery in hip, and broke wrist soon after. TODAY I SEWED again. A little.
ReplyDeleteI have seen the thimble pads but decided against them because of the reaction I get on my skin to adhesive tape (adhesives, in general)--an itchy rash that takes ages to go away.
DeleteSo good that you were able to sew the day you left a comment. I hope you're feeling better and are up and about, QuiltGranma.