almost a quilt

Here at last is a sneak peek at the quilt

very nearly a full functioning bed adornment.

 I really didn't enjoy the number of hours it took me to remove the papers,

though their flights of fancy round the garden amused me.

 I have to say I've never enjoyed a good iron so much!

And if I could I would have left this top as flat as a pancake,

but needs must.

SOAP BOX WARNING!!

 I have backed it with a piece of old duvet.

Before any one wants to lecture me on the
rules of quilting,

(I've had this happen)

I would like to say that quilts 

were originally made from recycling old unusable fabric,

there were no 'quilt shops' back in the olden days.

I like using one whole piece of backing,

I'm not into back piecing,

for one who's going to see it?

and two I've just made the quilt top,

you really think I want to make a back piece?!

I remembered this old duvet cover that we stopped using,

it's fine, it's recycling it's turquoise and it didn't cost me a penny!

Okay I'm done..I thankyou.

 When basting I need the television!

It's too uncomfortable and dull not to have 

some kind of distraction.

Mine was a recorded programme
about British landscape artists,

I love art and I've decided to gain more
arty knowledge this year,

I may even go back to college.

 Anyway with the Augustus John thing on

I began.

Wadding wise I am using

heirloom 80% cotton 20% polyester.

(the lemon meringue sample)

from the cotton patch

First I pinned with safety pins,

then tacked it together with thread,

folding it over as I sewed.

 With the pins removed I got on to quilting.

And here we have the dilemma.

After many hours of research I came up with a
straight line..

Before you all gasp in horror,

(believe me I've done a lot of gasping)

let me give my reasoning, before casting judgement on my wicked ways.

 1. This is my first big attempt at machine quilting

2. I am still very much a novice

3. I had a stinking cold, 

so not entirely responsible for my actions

4. I'm a lazy a@s

5. The real reason:

after basting I found a few seams had pulled apart,

due to 

some rubbish sewing!

 the vintage/new mix of fabrics.

I felt it all needed some secure quilting,

I fear this quilt is a little fragile

and certainly will never be machine washed!

 So here it is..

I do feel a bit peeved annoyed

with myself, for not waiting.

But you know when the moment takes you,

even with a fuzzy head full of cold.

I think with the reasons I've given 

I should be able to forgive myself.

And at the end of the day it's still a nice quilt.

So I was going to sew diagonals the other way too,

what do you think?

I'm swaying right now.

Just binding left now,

I think it has to be turquoise or white,

I'm not sure?

I'd love to know what you think?

If you love this quilt pattern 

there is a group on flickr

if you would like to see more.

Jessica from life under quilts

is writing an update this week and is also sewing an awesome

hand pieced quilt!