handbinding, upstairs and down

 

although i took a break for a bit to work on some sunny and citrusy march projects, i have not been neglecting all those quilts i prepped for handbinding in january. i work on the sunday lap quilts on sundays, naturally, and have two others also in process in two strategic locations.

if i'm downstairs in the family room, i might find some time to work on my original crossroads quilt. i have it draped on the arm of a comfy chair so i can snuggle and stitch when time permits. the last bit should be completed today. i'm waiting for the golden hour when light pours in on this spot and turns it to magic.

this is going to be so good to have around when it's washed, crinkled, and ready to go. the navy binding works really well with the navy couches in this room, a happy coincidence. i did think maybe i should not have used the touches of navy blue once the quilt top was complete, but they've grown on me and do make this quilt more at home in this particular room, where it will be housed and used.

but sometimes i'm upstairs and have a minute or need to bargain myself into doing housework, so i've recently started work on "aunt bet's mother's day" quilt in my bedroom. (as for the bargaining - if i complete a short, designated project i don't want to do, i give myself permission to sew one thread length of binding in place. it helps keep me balanced between life and sewing.)

today, oldest daughter and her two littles ended up sitting in the window and hanging out with me while i put some stitches in. that window is a lovely place to be this time of year as the weather is so perfect and the tree just outside it is beginning to bud.

the last few nights i've slept under this quilt, making sure to safely tuck the needle in first. i'm enjoying that, but it does have a bit of stiffness to it since the spray basting hasn't been washed out yet. i'm definitely anticipating the softening and crinkling of a wash.

a few stitches a session, a session or two a day, and it all adds up. that's how quilts get made.

i'm on a bit of a roll, so look for a finish or two coming up!