Tuesday, October 21, 2008

I'd Rather Not

Quilting...actual quilting...can be such a chore. I really don't care for it. Studying a pattern, buying fabric, washing, cutting, piecing, ironing, and assembling are all fun and games, but when it comes to the real quilting part, I seem to always find something better to do with my time (i.e. start a new quilt). From day one I promised I wouldn't be one of those women who made quilt tops but never finished them.

And so, last night in my attempt to keep this bargain with yours truly, I forced myself to baste three pieces I'm working on and actually do the quilting on two of them. What a total drag it was. I'd really rather not do the actual quilting and desperately wish someone else could do this part for me (or that I could pay them to do it). I managed to successfully get through it with little to no mistakes. Both are now ready for their binding which I also prepared last night. I'm hoping I can knock them both out tonight and be done.

15 comments:

Melissa said...

You go, girl! You can do it...just think of how completely gorgeous they'll be, the look on someone's face when they receive one, and the sense of accomplishment you'll feel from FINISHING! I, for one, would buy one of those puppies...do you have an online store? ;)

Anonymous said...

Looking good! I'm in a quilt swap right now and I'm almost finished with the one I'm sending to my partner. Not relishing the binding part, though!

Alissa said...

Oh what a shame that you don't enjoy that ste. I find the quilting part to be my favorite step of making a quilt! Do you free motion? I enjoy that SO much more than straight lines... and you could pay someone if there's a local shop with a long arm machine? It's not cheap but the patterns they can do on those machines (vs. a standard sewing machine) are SO amazing! Looking forward to seeing these completed quilts!

Anonymous said...

They look like they will be wonderful! I think I can safely say that I am not capable of quilting. I opt for the projects that can be finished in one night. :)

simplicity said...

They look so good. And I noticed one in particular that I am really excited about :)

Anonymous said...

You'll fall in love with the victory of accomplishment when you are done. You can do it. It's a wonderful thing to give a gift of something like this to someone knowing all the hard work that goes into making one. Good Job!
Keep it up!

Sarah said...

Yeah, I love being done with them and have finished many a quilt...I just hate the final stages! I wish I had the cash to pay someone off to do it.

Amy said...

I am so with you on this one. Last week I bit the bullet and took a STACK (seriously, a stack) to Little Red Quilt House to be quilted. I don't even mind the binding - I'll do that myself. Some of the tops I took in were four years old. I kept thinking that I couldn't actually consider them handmade if I didn't quilt them. But I've given in. If they just sit in a pile then they most certainly aren't handmade! Check it out: http://www.lrqh.com/

Sarah H said...

Those quilts are way too pretty not to be finished! Even though I've never quilted, those finishing touches can be such a drag.

Lindahl News 2 said...

One of the top reasons I like (tolerate) winter? It's so I can cozy up hand quilting! Perfect for this time of year with the added benefit of extra layering on your lap!

However, it is tedious when you have so many tops in brain and current construction.

amylouwhosews said...

I can't wait to see the finished products! I'm with you - I had a quilt finished for a couple of years before I finally put the binding on it. I'm so used to being up and go go going that to sit and just do that? That's hard.

Anonymous said...

Hi hon! So I'm guessing you machine quilt and not hand quilt? (Because to hand quilt two quilts in one night would be unimaginable!). So what do you use to quilt? Your regular sewing machine? I would love to try on my machine but I have no one who can show me how, and everyone I ask and everywhere I have looked, all the messages are so confusing!

Would love it if you could drop me an email at: sjcd84@hotmail.com and explain to me how you do it.

Take care, Sam xoxoxox

Jessica said...

I feel the same way---I like to make the tops, but quilting and binding are not my cup of tea. Luckily my mama has a long arm and the actual quilting part is her love, so we make a good pair!

Anonymous said...

I know your pain. It will look beautiful, and you'll be so proud!

Forum Farbstoff said...

you could send your quilts over to me, I love the quilting process so much, that I actually invested in a home long arm ;-).
I'd love to enhance your wonderful treasures. Just check out my service www.qdservice.de
Well, I know it sounds kidding, cause I am not located in front of your door - anyway: I love what you are doing and your personal style.