Monday, January 15, 2007


Scraps became pieces. Pieces became a binding.
The binding completed the quilt. I’m really proud of it. It’s the hardest thing I’ve ever done.
I’ve machine quilted before, but never meandered blocks on such a big project. Oh, it’s by no means perfect. There’s even one hiccup on the back where the fabric wasn’t pulled tight enough. But I think it’s just God’s way of telling me where the label in going. Sure, five years from now I’m going to look at this piece and probably be mortified at the quilting job, but I’m a better quilter because of this quilt. It’s in the entry way in my living room.

Eric surprised us Friday evening and came home. He had a 3-day weekend because of Martin Luther King Day. He’ll be leaving today while I’m at work. It was a great visit. I have to laugh. The High school age girlfriend had no idea he was coming home. She was grounded at home for homework issues with her family. So, we got Eric to ourselves all weekend. I guess you’ve figured out I don’t share real well. But we had a lot of fun with him. The weather isn’t real great, but by 10 or 11, the roads will be clear for travel. I’d appreciate prayers for his safety.

Speaking of prayers, thanks for all of the encouraging words last week. I really missed writing things down. I stole a few moments on coffee breaks. Even Don said—“You need to get back to that blogging thing. I think it de-stresses you…” Details aren’t important. What is—is that you all were really good to me. Thanks. And they don’t call us Steel Magnolias for nothing……..

34 comments:

KC Quilter said...

So glad to see you back blogging! Absolutely LOVE the quilt--and from this side of the screen, the quilting looks fantastic! Glad you got to spend some fun time with Eric.

Clare said...

Also glad to see you back with us. That quilt shines!

Debby Brown said...

"it’s just God’s way of telling me where the label in going"

What a great thought!

The quilt is beautiful.

Libby said...

Glad things have settled down and you are back. I have many 'divine inspiration' labels *s* Your quilt looks great. You should be proud.

Jeanne said...

Glad to have you back with us.

The quilt is just lovely -- congratulations on finishing it!

Hugs ~ Jeanne

Patti said...

Good to hear from you Melanie. Your husband is right - we all need each other. You son should be back safe and sound by now - I'm so glad you got to spend quality time with him.

Juliann in WA said...

Nice to see you back and that quilt is lovely - it is good to work very hard at something.
Juliann

Joanne said...

It's beautiful.
Sometimes we just need some down time. Glad you're back!

Angie said...

What gorgeous fabrics! And what a gorgeous quilt!! Glad you're back with us. ;P

Nancy said...

Your heart quilt turned out lovely. And the scrappy binding is a nice finish. I love scrappy bindings. :-) Glad to see you back. I may not always comment but I do miss when one of us isn't posting. (Says she who hasn't posted in about a week!)

McIrish Annie said...

An unexpected visit is the best!!! Haven't seen my DS since Christmas and really miss him. Glad you had a good visit and all to yourself.


your quilt looks great to me. and you're right w/o the bloop how would you know where to put that little bitty label on that big ol' quilt back??!

Doodlebug Gail said...

Glad to see you back and with such a lovely quilt to show us! Love the colours and the quilting looks great - isn't it nice when things go right and you don't have unsew that quilting?

Gail

Judy said...

The quilt looks great!! Happy surprise getting to spend time with your son and bonus for his girlfriend being grounded and not having to share! That worked out well!

Quilts And Pieces said...

Oh your hearts look wonderful! Glad you had a nice visit with Eric this weekend.

Bonnie said...

Love those Buggy Barn hearts - and the fabric you chose is wonderful. Great job!

Fiona said...

That quilting looks pretty good to me! And anyway, who among us ever thinks their work is perfect? Hope all is well.

Evelyn aka Starfishy said...

Welcome back to blogging. How insightful of your DH - I really, really enjoy blogging and it does help me de-stress, and I imagine it is the same for others who blog as well.

Glad you had a nice visit with your son! Bet his girlfriend was steaming that she couldn't see him.

And - your quilt is perfect in every way, right down to the scrappy binding - I love it!

Cheers!

Evelyn

Vicky said...

I just bought this pattern last week, and you've certainly inspired me to tackle it! I was confused reading it - I'll need to take that one slow and easy.

Beautiful quilt!

Hugs

Nancy in MT said...

Beautiful quilt, the fabrics are just gorgeous as is your quilting.
Nancy in MT

Cynthia said...

glad to see you're back again.

Your quilt is just beautiful. I love the scrappy binding. I just finished a quilt using scrappy binding.

Tazzie said...

Wonderful to see you again! I just adore your quilt, it's entirely wonderful. Isn't it amazing how some decisions can just be made for us - like where your label will be placed.
I'm glad all is well.
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

MARCIE said...

Your hearts are wonderful! And I love the binding too! Amazing how far those little pieces can go! I hope all is well with you.

Carol said...

So glad you are back...I missed you. Your quilt is just wonderful. Very, very pretty...you should be very proud. So glad you got to spend time with Eric. Take care...Carol

ForestJane said...

Welcome back!

That quilt looks great - Green is my very favorite color, and I love it combined with tans, beiges, and browns. :)

Linda C said...

Your husband may be right? Good to have you back and I hope that your "tempest" is behind you.

What a lovely quilt, Mel.

Unknown said...

I'm glad to see you back at this "blogging thing!" It can be a great destresser! Your heart quilt came out great...I just love your use of fabric for the binding!

Well done....and glad you're back!

May Britt said...

Love this heart quilt. It has so beautiful colours. I would love to have this heart pattern. Buggy barn pattern isn't it?? Or is it from one of their books??

Beemoosie said...

I love your quilt, your colors are beautiful!

The Calico Cat said...

Welcome back, let us know that your son arrived back at school o.k. - boy will that teach is GF...

Shelina said...

Yippie! Congratulations on the big finish. It is beautiful, and I love the way you displayed it, the scrappy binding, everything.
I liked your comment about the label too. One way to make sure that you have to put a label on it.

Nina In Norway said...

Wow! It is beautiful! I love your choice of colour!
Put your label next to the hickup, and state it is handmade, pointing in the direction of the charming "error".

Anonymous said...

This is a gorgeous quilt and I really love the scrappy binding - definitely worth the effort!

Texan said...

I just love this quilt! Great job.... and glad you are back blogging :O)

tami said...

Glad you are back. Hope we can help you out whenever you need.