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Sunday 2 February 2020

When is a quilt finished?

As I began 2020 (and today is already 02/02/2020!) I surveyed my UFOs, or more correctly rather than unfinished, almost finished. Which made me wonder, when do you consider a quilt to be finished?
Sure we can complete a flimsy (top only) but that's definitely not finished, right? But then I realised this quilt
Was all but done, except the binding. I had even cut the binding, but somehow in all the Christmas activity, making some mug rugs for friends, a quilt for the hospice where a friend works:


And even a library bag for my niece. My sister in law asked me to make it and since I had a few of these scrap blocks with applied hearts, I thought they'd work well.
Then I realised I think I work better when there's a goal in mind, rather than just creating a quilt just for its own sake. I'd already made a few blocks, had even picked out some sashing, but hadn't completed it. But once I had a bag to complete, I finished the 18 blocks and here it is.

But I realised I didn't have a destination for this quilt, so even though it was quilted, it wasn't bound, nor did it have a label. 

So when do you think a quilt is completed? Not when it's a flimsy, when it's quilted? Technically it is a quilt, but not really finished. For me it has to be bound AND the label on it. 

I also realised I have 2 others in similar state, binding chosen but not yet attached. Their turn will come. Meanwhile I'm pleased to have this one completed, even the fiddly corners on that border fabric that I've had for years. 

The backing is a sheet I picked up from a second hand shop - I also used this on my niece's bag.

So I'd best find destinations for the other quilts, motivation to complete them.
Until next time,
Lynn

2 comments:

  1. The quilts are wonderful. I love the border corners on the first one. The second quilt is really appeals to me. I like quilts made with thin strips of fabric. You were lucky to find a perfect use for the heart applique blocks.
    The bag is really sweet for a young lady to take to the library. I read through some of your older posts. You have a wonderful eye for color and your quilting brings out the best in all of your quilts.

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  2. Hooray for a finished quilt!!! My definition of done is when the binding is sewn down. A label is a nice addition, but not necessary for completion (in my way of thinking.)

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