Sunday, November 2, 2008

Binding Philosophy

I love sewing on binding. Many people see it as one more labor intensive step before the quilt is done. Not me. I like to think of it as a celebration at the end of a big project. I snuggle under my almost finished quilt and revel in the work of my hands while I add the finishing touch.

I especially love it when the binding is red.

Whenever I use red for binding I think of Mamie from Gone With the Wind. Isn't there something in Gone With the Wind about Mamie getting a red taffeta petticoat from Rhett Butler? She doesn't approve of him giving personal gifts to Scarlett but then he gives her a red taffeta petticoat and she can't resist it. He knows she likes the petticoat he gave to her because he can hear it swishing as she walks by. Whenever I add red binding to a quilt I think of it as a beautiful red petticoat barely peeking out.

Whenever possible, binding should be BOLD. It should be a crisp frame around your beautiful work of art. My other favorite choices for binding: stripes, polka dots (of course), leftover strips of scraps, orange, purple or really anything to add contrast.

My plans for tonight include catching up on my TV shows from the past week (Office, Chuck and a few others) with my hubbie and finishing up my Joseph Smith Quilt. I'll post pictures of the completed quilt later this week.

6 comments:

Andrea said...

hi...I came across tour site and just had a question. I want to start making quilts...but don't even have a machine. What kind of machine do you recommend? I don't want to get a cheapo machine but neither do i want to spend a ton of money on a machine that has so many features I won't even GET it as a beginner? Let me know what you think! Thanks!

Julia said...

I can't wait to see the Joseph Smith quilt! Could you tell me where I can get the pattern for it? I would love to make it.

Jen Kershner said...

Erica- Hi! Thank you so much for leaving a message on my blog. I love your blog. I love quilters and wish I was one of them! I took a class many moons ago and it just didn't take to me. I think one day I might try again though.

I'm sorry my latest post made you cringe. Let me assure you that I would never judge any one on anything other than how they treat people and what kind of person they are. I had never met any Mormon's until I moved to Indiana 5years ago. There are quite a few here and I'm happy to say that I have only had good experiences but even if I hadn't I wouldn't assume it anything to do with them being Mormons? Does that make sense? Anyway! So lovely to "meet" you.
Jen

Elizabeth said...

I agree. Bindings should be bold. I love stripes on the bias. In fact, I've done so many I'm now trying to branch out. Polka dots work well too as they are a small print. I can't wait to see your quilt all finished.

Nanette Merrill said...

Binding is an excuse to just sit. I love that. I like your philosophy on binding too!

Susan @ Blackberry Creek said...

I love sewing on bind; but I hate making it.