Borders and Backing

I picked up some solid slate blue for the inner border, on super sale.   I also got the backing.  I was planning to piece the backing, using the rest of my blue scraps (there are more than enough!) but on a whim decided I'd prefer some part of this quilt to look ... not chaotic.  (Also, the 108" backing was $9 a yard!)

Eh, you'll have to click on the picture to see it better.  The big border I was planning to use on something else.  It's currently my favorite fabric ever.  But thought it looked too perfect with this.

Here's the backing.  I tried getting a picture without the cat, but that was love at first sight.  Sorry Andy.  I promise to wash it before you get it.

I did a weird size on this.  I was planning to do something normal, like Full Size, but got carried away, so now it's a plump 88"x73". 

Now I have to pick up some batting and get the real work started.

Teeny Project

I started this yesterday and just finished it.  I have so many small scraps that seem impractical to keep around, but got the idea to do doll quilts.  It gives me a chance to practice machine quilting and binding, which have always been my weaknesses.  Plus, I've always wanted to make something for my neice Kailey, and was unsure of what I could do that I wouldn't flake out on.

The backing fabric was one of my most beloved scraps.  It's got some nice metallic gold in there.

Turns out, on a tiny quilt, all the flaws are the same size as a big quilt, so UTTERLY noticeable!  But I've already learned a few lessons from this, and may now be brave enough to attempt a table runner.

One with a Deadline

I have my brother's name for Christmas this year.  He said he would like to have a quilt.  He's in his early 20's and doesn't really have one right now.  You know bachelors and their ways.  So I focused on one particular scrap heap in my possession.

My sister-in-law donated some of her old jeans for the project, and after two sewing machine break-downs, a couple trips to the Sears repair center, a borrowed machine, and several blisters from cutting up jeans, I finally did this:

It's not the best jeans quilt I could imagine, but I love blues, and I really think he'll appreciate it.  This weekend I will need to find batting and something for the border.  I have a LOT more fabric from this stash, but I don't know what I'm going to do yet.  All I know is that it has to be completed by July 20 so I can take it with us to California.  I will not spend money on shipping!

Hello!

Here's a little about me before I start posting my projects.

I've been married for about five years, and have a 10 month old son.  We live in New Mexico with our two cats.  My husband and I were born in California, but fell in love with NM (and the cost of living) after our first extended visit.  We moved here in 2008 with almost nothing, but both managed to find jobs and build a pretty neat life.

I call myself a quilter, but I've only actually finished a couple of quilts.  I have such a love for fabric and color, and have only recently learned enough about the quilting process to start actually finishing the tops I've started.  So I wanted to sort of catalogue them as I go.  Hope I don't lose momentum!