42 Feet of Fun

With four sides with facings and two edges of the sleeve to sew, I've estimated about 42 feet of hand stitching. I love this part, as it is calming, plus I get to watch TV guilt free. How old will I be before I am relieved of the guilt of watching TV?
 

Backside

At the ready for sewing the facing. I'm using a wide width fabric for the backing, ordered from eQuilter online. It seems the right weight for the piece, which will be about 5' x 7' finished. I learned that a portion of profits from sales is donated, and the non profits it helps are numerous. Nice all around.
 

The Memory Stash

I'm using fabric I purchased long ago for a backing fabric. It's hard for me to part with some of these because each contains a memory of where it came from, who may have given it, or what I used the fabric for elsewhere. But this is my way of using it and a way to have it stay part of my work. 
 

Next in Line

The next large work to be quilted is on the wall. I put a backing together for it, and of course it's larger than the top. It feels like I'm making a king sized duvet cover, there is so much fabric to get straight. But this studio is a paradise to work in for large things. Next is getting it on the frame and quilted. 
 

Back and Facing

I'm using my stash of commercial fabric for the backs and facing. A single layer of facing is sewn to the front, smoothed out and opened, it then gets a 'stay stitch' line of sewing near that seam. I'll fold the edge, iron it, then pull the facing to the back with a hairline edge of the front showing on the back. Pin and sew.
 

Left on the Wall

In the process of trimming the last piece, I glanced back at the design wall. It is so handy to have an instant record of what is in the wall, so I have no fear to switch things around, as I can use my progress shot to get them back in order!
 

The Back Story

I think it's fun to see the drawings made in the stitches. So, I've matched the color of the top thread to the bobbin and where it shows, it shows. Quilting on my printed and drawn shapes is just so relaxing, easy, and fits the work.
 

Good Buy

On my travels I often have an afternoon to look around. This large yardage of Marimekko fabric I found at an outlet store. Perfect for my backing for the family portrait. It's in the wash, I'll iron in the morning.