Bound and Beautiful

I missed my goal of posting this yesterday, but here I am first thing this morning to share the final phase of my Dreamy Stars quilt. I did attach the binding on Monday as planned, but posting yesterday took a backseat to some fun I was having with the Frankfort Girls. We had a sewing day at Terry's. More about that another time.

Dreamy stars is now ready for use! There's a very good chance that this is going straight onto our bed. Those colors are so calming and restful, don't you think?

The binding is a part of the quilt-making process that some quilters detest. I would not be one of those, however. I rather enjoy this part, and I enjoy it even more now that I know to use a walking foot. I always used to have such awful problems with puckering. The culprit was my using the wrong presser foot. I also have gotten better at machine stitching the binding, and while I know it doesn't look all that consistent from the back, it looks fine on the front, and for most of my quilts I am perfectly satisfied. If I were making something really special, I would allow the extra time to stitch it down by hand for a more polished, pristine look on both the front and back.

The polka dot backing looks great with the two colors on the front. It is almost as if I planned for that gold star fabric to go with this backing. I did not however; it was a happy accident.

I could point out a few flaws with my new finish, but I don't think I will. I am more satisfied with all the goodness in this finish than I am disappointed in those minor flaws. I rarely make a quilt that is intended for contests or judging or competitions. I make them mostly for me. I take great joy in the making process; I anticipate the elation of finishing; most of all, I love feasting my eyes on those gorgeous end results. Flaws come with the process, and I am fine working with them, mostly.

One more look at Dreamy Stars on the bed; lovely, just lovely. I am so thrilled with this layout of the stars, and I have my friend Sharon to thank for it. In the very beginning, I could not decide how I wanted this to go together, so I sent her pictures and collages of different options under consideration. I sent this layout almost as more of an afterthought, actually. I was surprised when she said she liked it best; what a good decision! It is the perfect setting for the blocks. Thank you for your valuable input, Sweet Sharon!!

Speaking of Sharon, do you remember the sign board she gave me for Christmas? I hung it in the longarm room; here's a link to the post. Well, I changed out the saying. This will serve to inspire me for a month or two.

Happy Quilting, Friends!