Last Part

Sew across the line.

 

Check to make sure the binding is sewn correctly and not twisted. Trim excess leaving 1/4" seam allowance. Finger press the seam open. Fold the binding in half.

 

Stitch binding down.

 

That's it...works for me...I hope you all like it as much as I do.

Part 2

Blogger and Picasa won't let me do more than 4 pictures at a time so...

Bring the left binding over the binding tool and cut it at the line for the width of your binding. My binding is 2" so I cut it over the 2" line.

 

This is the step I found I had to do the opposite of the directions.
Open the right binding strip so th right side is facing up. Position the end of the left strip along the top edge of the right strip.

 

Place diagonal line on the Binding Tool along the end of the left strip. Mark a sewing line across the bottom of the tool.

 

 

Fons and Porter Binding Tool Tutorial

I've finally had some time to do this as I promised. Zack is doing well, but has to be watched like a hawk, he keeps wanting to get the stitches out...he's managed to get 2 of the 5 out...so one of us tries to keep an eye on him all the time...since he can't come upstairs my sewing time is in spurts. Not much to show. But that's just fine...my boy is getting better and that's what matters.
So here's the tutorial for this tool that I love...most everything is just like the directions, I've added my little editorial comments and one direction I just couldn't get to work the way it said so I'm telling you what I did...if you get it to work the other way please let me know what I'm doing wrong. The way I did it works perfectly and the binding works every time.
Here we go...

The directions say to leave a 7"-8" tail of binding free when you start stitching it to the quilt. I leave 8", I think having the extra inch when you do the ends makes it easier.

 

Stitch the binding down around the quilt. The directions say to stop 10"-12" between the beginning and ending. I leave 12" between. Now you will have 2 long free ends between your stitching.

 

Trim the right binding strip to 6" or half of your opening space, so that it ends in the center of the opening.

 

Put the binding tool on the end of the right binding strip.

 

Hometown Christmas Section Done

I got the first three sections done way ahead and just coasted through the dates that were set and then BAM! Kim reminded us that we had a section "due" on Oct 30...well here it is...a day late but done none the less.

 

This is really fun to do...it is truly like putting a puzzle together and so far I have gotten every piece from my stash. YIPPEE! I have the other 2 sections all cut and laid out so maybe I'll get them done early.

A quick report on my Zack...he's doing great today. So far, no swelling, a little bruising but not too bad. He's being a very good boy...no licking and no chewing so far. His brother is staying pretty close to him. They are just so sweet.

Have a Happy Halloween everyone!

All is right in our corner of the world

Life is good again for pitiful Howie...his brother is home safe and sound.

 

He had to sniff every inch of poor Zack and then he was happy. Zack is doing pretty well...he's much more restless this time than he was the last time and he's not getting up quite as well because his other repaired leg isn't as strong yet...but they say he'll get better every day. He was so restless for a while and we just couldn't get him to settle down so I thought I'd try lying down with him...well I guess I fell asleep. The things we do for our babies.

 

Oh my, that picture certainly emphasizes my back side...oh YIKES! Andy took the picture cause he thought it was just so cute...mom and her boy...guess I should have previewed. Oh well, it's your chuckle for the evening.
I've got to be short here tonight and get back downstairs...enjoy the evening everyone!

Poor Pitiful Howie

Have you ever seen anything quite so pathetic...Andy left with Zack this morning at 7:30 for his surgery on his other knee...now you know we should all be feeling sorry for Zack, he is the one having the surgery...but this is the pitiful one. Howie went to this window by the front door this morning as Andy and Zack left...he watched the vehicle go by...he cried and cried and cried. Then when Andy came home he went running to the door that comes in from the garage...looked right past Andy and was looking for Zack...No Zack and we went back to the pitiful dog. He's been sad all afternoon. He'll be happy tomorrow...we pick Zack up at 10:45 in the morning. Not that Zack will be able to do anything but at least he'll be home.

 

The vet just called and said that the surgery went great and that he came out of the anesthesia perfectly. He'll sleep good tonight and then he'll be back home.

Now you all know that I'm not a gadget person, but I picked this one up at our new Joann's Grand Opening sale...they gave out lots of coupons so I thought for half off I'd give it a try. I always stress when I do binding, trying to get those ends together. I've seen great tutorials, and used them several times, but you know what...this takes every bit of thought and measuring and guessing out of the process. YIPPEE! My binding came together perfectly. I guess you can teach an old dog new tricks.

 

Have a wonderful evening.

Happy Saturday

Hope everyone is having a good Saturday...Andy keeps telling me that everyday is Saturday for us now, but there is still something about the weekend. I can't quite put my finger on it...anyone able to help?
Here's my Holly Jolly Braid quilt...it was very fun to do and a big Thank you to Sharonfor getting me started on this one...I love the pattern and I am nuts about this Holly Jolly fabric...it is just so happy. I'm giving this one to a very good friend of mine whose mom just passed away...I think she's going to need something happy this Christmas.

 

The mail person did it again...made my day...look at this box of goodies from Sharon...treats from Hawaii...a WowWee Maui candy bar...chocolate, Kona coffee and caramel....YUMMY!!!!!!!!!! Kikeriki Wellness tea...Lemon Grass, Peppermint, Lemon Balm and Rosemary...it says it "Helps Wake you Up!" Perfect for the middle of the afternoon slump. And look at wonderful little angel holding the pumpkin...Oh she is wonderful! Thank you Sharon!

 

Then I just couldn't resist...I ordered that cute Christmas yellow and red Double Irish Chain quilt from the Quilt Merchant...there's a picture of it in my "I'm Home" post from Oct. 11. I have no clue why I didn't get it when I was there...guess I thought I had enough...silly me...well I kept thinking about it and that cute border...e-mailed and Poof! there it is...in my mailbox. I had her send me the cute backing too.

 

I need to go finish some swap blocks and work on my Hometown blocks. Enjoy you Saturday!