Edge finish

I decided to describe a little more how I do this edge finish. After the comments yesterday I see this finish is one that many haven't tried. I only use it on placemats, tablerunners, baby quilts, and on some lap quilts. It isn't as sturdy feeling as a regular binding. It is a fast finish for a quilt that will be used and washed often.

First, the quilt has to have straight edges. If it is wiggly and wavy this doesn't work very well. I do my basting and quilting first. Then I trim the batting even with the edge of the top. Then I slide a cutting mat under the edge and start trimming the backing to the same width all the way around the quilt. If your narrowest piece of backing extending is 3/4" then you trim to that size all around the quilt. In other words, plan ahead. If you want to trim to 1" make sure you have that much extending on all sides. I do not press or pin. I start at one corner and turn the cut edge in to the edge of the top and then turn in again and start topstitching. You don't want to pull the edging toward yourself as you do this or you will stretch it and have to work pleats into it. Overhandling the fabric is a beginners biggest mistake. A light touch turning it in twice and then stitching is all it needs. The corners are folded into miters. Practice it by making coasters or potholders.
I made another batch of these pieces last night. I really want to get back to that one and get it sewn together. When I went out to the kitchen to press these blocks I noticed my security light was on in the back yard, and lo and behold, the possum was out there. He scooted away too fast for me to get a picture. This morning I saw a baby bunny along with 6 squirrels and lots of birds. I have my own little wilderness right here in town.
Two more days of low 60's and then we are supposed to warm up. I have the heat on again this morning.

BRRRR

It was in the 30's this morning and I had to turn the heat on to take the chill off the house. There was a brisk breeze yesterday and cooler temperatures. We get spoiled with a couple really nice days in the upper 70's.

I quilted this little quilt while watching the season finale of Desperate Housewives. I did all ditch quilting in the center and free motion in the border.
I think I will just fold the backing over the edges for the binding so I have trimmed the batting even with the quilt top. Now I just need to trim the backing to an even width and then fold in twice and topstitch. The free motion is a series of loops and swirls.
I have to finish up with a picture of the mourning doves. I have several pairs of them living near me.

Latest blooms

I have 4 Wigelia bushes. When I bought these 2 the guy at the nursery said to keep them trimmed back every year. I haven't done these for 3 years so this year I will have to be ruthless with them. The pink ones bloom first. My other 2 bushes must be a different variety because they aren't growing as fast. They also bloom at a later time. These 2 bushes are always overloaded with blooms.
I did the porch pots last night. I snapped off some of the geranium blooms hoping the plants will fill in instead of growing taller. In another 4 weeks they will be looking better.
I have the border on the store sample now.
I decided on footprints since there are cats, monkeys and parrots in the prints.
The sun is shining but it is supposed to only reach 60 degrees today. It is my youngest granddaughter's 12th birthday today.

Finally some quilting

Last night I cut some pieces for another store sample. this pattern is called Fractions and I'm using some Laurel Burch fabrics, some from the store, some from my own collection. I need to make the store samples small because of limited wall space so it is 3 blocks by 4 instead of 4 x 5. I'm ready to sew the blocks together and I will go back today and pick out a border. Early spring flowers: forget me nots. Also a little creeping Charlie to keep it company.
Hardy geranium.
This bird came back to visit so I could take a picture with my new camera. He is so elegant looking and struts around like he owns the place.
Today I will plant my porch pots. One of the nursing homes in town had a fund raiser selling plants Thursday and Friday. I got geraniums for $3.75 and got several different varieties.

Bird fun, no sewing

This little guy was on the bush right outside my kitchen window. I didn't see the yellow spot on his head until I took this close up photo. He is a white throated sparrow. He is brown speckled all the way up to his striped head. The white crowned sparrow has a lot of gray around his neck area below his striped head.
The blue jay was up in the tree near the house so I grabbed the camera and hoped he would stay long enough for a good picture. As soon as I got the camera turned on he started to fly away and then he turned and landed on the ground right next to the house.
I think he wanted to pose for me!

Small town

I live in a fairly small town, not quite yet in the building boom that has been moving its way out from Chicago. There is a family owned grocery store 7 blocks from me, no Jewel or other large chain. Yesterday afternoon my dad and I were at the grocery store and I saw my nephew. After the graveside service on Sat. he and his family and I were talking about all of our bird sitings. I was telling him at the grocery store how much fun that was. When I got up to the checkout line, the guy behind me says "I heard you talking about the birdwatching" and he and I struck up a conversation about all of the birds we have seen. He and his wife just live about 10 blocks from me. I don't know if this happens in a large town/city or not, but I like the friendliness of our small community.

The quilt below was my store sample for the kit we had cut at the store. Two of my students chose that kit for the class yesterday but changed out the large flower print for another dotted fabric. I had never gotten a picture of this sample so I took the opportunity yesterday to do it. I liked the way the striped fabric looks in it and needed the reminder to do that again some time.
How could anyone not like this cute little guy? I realize some areas are over run with them but they are my little entertainers in the backyard year round.
Is this plain beige bird just a female of one of the spotted species like sparrows or does it have a name of its own?
I LOVE my new camera!