Almost there
Sunday, April 18, 2010 at 5:35PM
Time to clear the decks. There’s only so much crawling about on the floor I can do.
With the enemy laid out on the table, it was time to beat it into submission with a few carefully placed pins and a steam iron.
The instrument tray was assembled, with new needles and sharp scissors. A last minute change of plan replaced the orange thread on the spool with a brighter, shinier cotton perle which had a little more zing.
In no time at all, the first of 56 buttons was stitched in place. the other 55 followed on and were all done by lunchtime.
But it didn’t seem to be enough. I felt further work was needed to join the layers together and, though I’ve shown you the corners which look like the one above, for every one that looks like this, there is another which is more like
this.
I’d already been though the cream button collection in my stash and knew I didn’t have enough for the centre of each pieced square. Anyway, Marianne’s wise advice about overuse of buttons was in my mind as inspiration struck.
I tied the centre of each pieced square together using the orange thread and felt pleased with the look.
What’s more, a multitude of quilting sins are concealed in those little ties. But hey, who’s going to be looking? This is no competition quilt for sure.
By the end of the afternoon, all is tied, the edges trimmed and tacked in place ready for binding. I’ve taken the precaution of applying a tiny spot of fraycheck in the centre of each knot too, just in case. All the pins are out and it’s holding together nicely.
So am I.
Reader Comments (4)
It is such a cheerful quilt. I am so pleased you found a suitable fabric to substitute the lack of backing fabric. I love the coloured threads you have used for tying. Adds that little something!
Love the "quilting" great idea. My corners never match, hence being an embroiderer not a quilter I guess. Bet you can reach the centre of the tables from BOTH the side and end? I can just reach the centre but not to do anything useful! (and that from the short side). Will have to get a step made when I'm back to my own place - like the sort they have in museums for kids to stand on :)
Looks fantastic - beautiful colours and 56 buttons by lunchtime - impressive!
It is so happy looking!!! I am so glad you chose the darker buttons, I like the effect. Really sharp.