Ready for Binding

Good morning, my friends. It's a happy day because I finished quilting the Dot-to-Dot panel. The quilt-along was a very worthwhile effort, and I learned a lot. It gave me a new way to think about quilting designs. Also, it was a lot of practice, and that is never very much fun. Panels are a great way to practice and learn. I've done several for the exclusive purpose of practicing. You might remember the Dream Big quilts.

This one was finished on the road.

Those started out being fun too. Eventually, it becomes a chore trying to think up new designs for different sections, and filling in the whole thing. This Dot-to-Dot panel was no different...just a different way of quilting, and it was good practice with rulers.

I was determined to finish it off yesterday, and so I didn't try doing anything fancy. I was just filling in the spaces. Fortunately, my little cat was there to oversee the whole endeavor.

When we were doing our cleaning out and clearing off in preparation for the new carpet, we removed several backpacks and bags from the top of this desktop hutch. Sadie was accustomed to napping on one of the bags that was there before. A few days ago, I noticed her looking up longingly at the now-completely-cleared-off spot. It gave me an idea for a way to use this over-sized pet bed that's been hanging around unused for years. The kitties didn't like it on the floor. Kitties like to be up high where they can see and avoid getting stepped on. So, I got an idea to fold the bed in half, and I used some stout alligator clips to hold the two sides together, creating a nice-sized bed for her. Then, I covered it with a practice quilt I made some time ago. It was gratifying to see her put it to use right away.

With her enpurragement, I could finish off the quilting.

Here's the fourth and final side.

And here's how the whole thing is looking.

This is how it looks from the back.

This was Smitty's contribution to the finishing effort.

The only other sewing I did yesterday was to stitch a Tiny Heart for Day 19 of the stitch-along.

Today will probably be spent mostly slow-stitching. There will be another Tiny Heart posted soon, and I'll spend some more time on the Joyful Journey block. I'm on the home stretch with that. Also, I'll get the binding sewn on the Dot-to-Dot panel and start making my way around. Days of slow-stitching can be very relaxing, and it's always good to finish off a project that has worn out its welcome.

So with that, I'm off to make breakfast and get on with my day. The forecast continues to promise drier and warmer weather. We're still waiting and practicing patience.