Transformation Complete!

Thanks! The Bears poked their wee heads out from my fabric stash and said, "You better use us in this design or we're going to start mauling your sewing supplies!" So, you see, I was coerced into using them. But it worked out well in the long run!

Usually I find the binding part to be rather relaxing. This time, though, I was a bit anxious because I need to get it and the rest of the baby gifts mailed asap. I love the hearts, too. The actual quilting part was done by a good friend of mine. But I did all the rest...the designing, the sewing of the top, the sewing of the backing (I pieced it together when I discovered I didn't have a sheet or piece of material big enough to use as backing), and the binding.

@Genipher dang, i need to send my schtuff to ya! the bindin' 'tis a tricky task fer me when the hands don't wish too cooperate. prolly take me 3 months to complete such'n a quilt that large, lol. ya did a great job, hon. did'jer friend do that by machine, 'r by hand? i truly suck't puttin' fancy quiltin' these days. my measurin' skills continue to decline, lol.

@crazyhorseladycx Yeah, she has a huge quilting machine/arm. Takes up a whole room in her house. It's pretty neat! That's gotta suck, having your hands not cooperate with you. :( I know my grandma loves to crochet, but her hands don't like her when she does. So any crocheted gifts she makes are a double-blessing because I know how hard it is for her.

@Genipher There are cold days even in the south in Winter. I remember a VERY cold Christmas in Miami.

I'm hoping she'll actually be able to use it...they live in one of the southern states and I have my doubts that if ever gets cool there!

@LadyDuck Then the baby should be able to use the quilt and use it well!

Thanks.

@Genipher I'm sure she'll love it.

@JudyEv

There's just something about a new quilt that I love. The kids, too. They're drawn to the thing like a cat to a keyboard! I'll be mailing it off today, along with a bunch of other baby gifts. I'm a bit anxious to see what the momma-to-be thinks of it....

I've got a bag full of old shirts that I'm hoping to turn into a quilt one of these days. It's interesting seeing the "history" in the bag. Items from yeeeeears ago. It's going to make one sweet momento! I love quilting because it's fairly easy. Just straight stitches. Well, unless you're into quilting with curves or applique. I'm not into that though. I prefer the old-timey scrappy look...which mostly involves strips or squares. And if you get a darning foot (I just found this out from @crazyhorseladycx) you can do your own free-form quilting! I also saw a youtube video that showed how to "Quilt-as-you-go". It looked like a quick and easy way to quilt! You should try it out! Quilting is so much fun and it's a wonderful feeling to see your completed project!

@HaleighElizabeth I'll certainly do that!

@Genipher When you finish your t-shirt quilt, make sure to post a pic! I would love to see! Thanks for the resource suggestions!

And they're so much fun to make!

@Genipher Still sounds like you're doing quite a lot and lovely handmade part of that wonderful quilt - all by yourself... I'd love to receive such a nice gift... I'm sure your niece will too...

Well, ahem...I didn't do that part of the quilt. I have a friend who has a quilting machine and I requested the "Reverse Heart" design. I often pay her to do the "quilting" part of my quilts. But I did do all the piecing on the top and the backing (which I didn't show) and I did the binding! I'm planning on getting a darning foot for my sewing machine and with some practice, I'll be able to do free-form quilting all by myself!

@sishy7 It's a lot of fun coming up with the top design. And I find the binding a rather relaxing part of the sewing.

@Genipher Please let us see it when you're finished.

Thanks so much! I have two more that I'll be getting back from my quilting friend this weekend. I'll be spending a lot of time working on binding the next week or two!

@1creekgirl You know I will!

Thank ya muchly!

I thought so, too.

@Genipher Yeah those bears made your quilt cute.

I really liked the bears. I found them buried in my fabric stash and almost screamed, "Eureka!" It was perfect for my plan!

teehee. Thanks.

Those bear squares were given to me by my sister. They'd been sitting for ages, just waiting for someone to announce that they were preggers! I think it came together well. She's having a boy, thus all the blue and green fabric.

Thanks!!! I hope she likes it! It certainly was a lot of fun to make. And rather quick to do up, as well. Probably because I kept it easy and just did strips of material rather than a fancy pattern.