New binding

I started hand-stitching this binding today. It’s my niece’s quilt, I believe my mom (her grandmother) made it. My niece’s favorite color has always been purple.

When looking for a fabric to use, I had one critical rule: I didn’t want to order it online. Colors are so tricky to match on the screen. I had to choose something I could physically see next to the quilt. I went to a fabric store in a nearby town and really struggled to pick something. Modern prints just don’t look like older prints. I finally chose the fabric shown, with the geometric print and the green/purple/pink/blue colors. It’s a little shocking but maybe that’s okay. It brings attention to the fact that someone cared enough to give this a new binding.

I made the binding using a video online and machine-stitched it to the back. The existing binding was completely gone and the batting was also worn on the edge. Therefore, it’s wider than it might have been, to cover up all the damage along the edge. Now that Thanksgiving is over, it’s become clear to me that I better hurry up and finish this so I can give it to her when we get together mid-December. So far, so good – I stitched one short edge today. Working with old quilts feels good.

Video: The Ultimate Quilt Binding Tutorial with Jenny Doan of Missouri Star