It usually takes me about a week to hand sew binding to the back of a queen-bed sized quilt. This time it took me twenty-four hours, so it was actually finished not long after my last post. However, I've been waiting for a dry-ish day to get some outside photos before throwing it in the washing machine. (Because there is always the danger that it could shrink, or colours run, or whatever, and not be so pretty - hence getting photos before it has its first bath - just in case.)
This morning it rained, but it was also rather windy, so when the rain let up for a short while, I took the quilt outside and took photos.
Photos complete, I then threw it in the washing machine to remove the last of any quilting marks and any soil there may have been from sitting around for four years. Since I last washed a quilt this size I've bought a new washing machine, so there were a few moments of trepidation wondering how it was going to go. I needn't have worried.
Moment of truth:
As the quilt lies drying on my family room floor in front of the fire, I am surprised at how much I like it now. There were times when the only reason I kept working on it was because I hate not to finish a project (or waste valuable time and/or fabric - although working on something I hate is actually a waste of time). It wasn't until the basting stitches had all been removed and the binding stitched down to the back of the quilt that I found I could appreciate all the hard work and feel pleased with it after all. Which is a relief given all the time I spent on it.
I am now at the point where I'm seriously considering not making any more quilts this size ever again (with the exception of the one that is on one of the spare beds waiting to be quilted). I think when I was making wedding quilts for each of my sons I just got into the habit of making very large quilts. Well now I think it's time to start thinking smaller and see where that journey takes me.
[Is that laughter I can hear in the background?]
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