best thread for quilting

[Lilian]

But now I am thinking if the Holly Hobbie fabric is really suitable for a boy?  I did check the patterns and there are no girls on it

Its for a baby right??? Its a baby...It doesn't matter as long as its not PINK!

I wish we were closer I would love to come over and walk you through this...
The biggest problem is the fact you haven't done this before!

You are going to be so pleased at how easy this is going to be...Trust me!

Thank you Imi, I was at the local craft group today.  I mentioned it to them and I didn't realize that one of the girls there is big on quilting!  She said to bring it all with me next week and they will all look at it, and, she said she has spray baste I can borrow. 

I have ordered some gingham, very small, to back it with as it should match with the gingham squares on the front.  I'll post a pic when it arrives on Thursday.   

[Lilian]

I have time this weekend to make a start on the baby quilt.  I have laid out the fabric but want to follow the squares of the pattern.  I can't decide which size to do.  The squares measure 6.5 inches sq.

Maybe 5 x 7 squares which measures 33 1/2 by 43 1/2 inches?  Does that sound suitable?

Here is a pic of the backing fabric too, it's a lovely soft poplin.

[BrendaP]

That's big enough for a standard size cot with a bit of tuck-in each side, or for use as a play mat on the floor.

[Iminei]

Thats lovely... Just go for it, Im sure you'll relax when you see how easy and pleasurable it will be.

[Lilian]

Ok so I've done the quilting, I think I have cut it wrong because now it's time to put on the binding.  I don't know what size is best.  Looking at the pattern squares, I should have left some overhang to attach the binding so that the squares around the edge are all full  .  So would a small binding work as well - 1" maybe making 1/2 once folded?

[BrendaP]

Binding usually is narrow, but often there is a border between the patches and the binding, and the border (or borders) can be anything from about 1/2" up to 6"-8" wide.

Ideally you should have left the seam allowances on all around the edge, but there are no quilt police and if you cut them off it's because you wanted it that way

The edges of a quilt are what get most wear, thus a lot of people like to make a double binding.

I like my bindings quite firm and use 2" strips folded in half.  Others like then a bit looser/softer and use 2.5" strips

[Lilian]

I finished the quilt today.  I struggled with the binding    and am not overly happy with that part, but as a first quilt ever, it's not too bad.

It measures 39" by 46".

[Pearl]

Very nice, Lilian.     It deserves to be cherished.

[Lowena]

That's lovely Lilian, including the binding. You should be very pleased 

[Lilian]

Thanks Pearl, hopefully it will be cherished, it is a gift for a baby due on 14th June, except he was so eager to join the outside world that he arrived last Friday!   

[Lilian]

That's lovely Lilian, including the binding. You should be very pleased 

Thanks Lowena, you live and learn, and I learned something from this 

[rubywishes]

That's a lovely quilt....you should be quite chuffed with yourself, I'm sure it will be hugely loved and appreciated!

[Lilian]

That's a lovely quilt....you should be quite chuffed with yourself, I'm sure it will be hugely loved and appreciated!

Thanks Ruby, I am chuffed with it, it was quite easy apart from the binding. 

[Lantana]

Just adding my voice to the appreciation Lillian. You've made a gorgeous job of it from the design through to the binding! Lucky little boy!

L

[Lilian]

Thanks Lanty, I can't take credit for the design, that was the design, I just quilted along the squares.