Call me crazy, but I just realized that unlike so many quilters, I actually do like doing the quilt binding. It's not that I don't understand why others don't:
1. The quilt is really done at this point (no more creating), and so the binding is just a chore.
2. Prefer the look of a whip-stitched binding, but don't like hand work.
3. It's boring.
4. It takes so long.
5. Ready to move on to the next project.
(I'm sure that there are other reasons I've missed.)
So why do I like it? It's like the cool down after an athletic endeavor. One last time to savor the work I've put into the quilt before it goes on its way in full quiltness. Finally, after looking at the raw seams of the blocks as I've made them, and the ragged edge of the quilt sandwich as I've worked on it--for what seems like forever--it's just so satisfying to button it all up and hide those raw edges.
I totally agree with you! It's like the peaceful winding up of a long trip!
ReplyDeleteI really don't mind binding at all. As you said, it's very satisfying to "button it all up." I usually do a machine binding when it's a bigger quilt, mostly because I'm impatient, but on the past couple smaller projects I've done a hand-sewn binding and--especially now that I've got a thimble I can live with, a leather one--it was actually quite nice to do it by hand.
ReplyDeleteI also enjoy doing the binding, Michelle. It allows me to look closely at what I've done to get to that point, to say goodbye (if it's a gift) and to wind down. :)
ReplyDeleteYessss! I know exactly what you mean! I love the handwork, too. It is so restful! I'm on 'team binding is awesome!' too! Nice post :D!
ReplyDeleteI love to do binding too! It handwork that I am actually good at, it's soothing and, yes, it means the quilt is done! o:)
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