Sewing the binding

I should tell you a little more about that binding.  After I got it all pinned, I was very, very eager to start handstitching it to the back.  The next day, unfortunately, was very full so it had to wait til the evening.  At 5:30, after an early dinner and Coty and Matthew's departure for Perspectives, I sat down on the futon, quilt, needle, and thread in hand.  I did not get up until just after midnight. 

I stitched through one episode of Andy Griffith, the local and national news (which I never watch), Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and TWO movies. (Mrs. Dalloway and The Legend of Bagger Vance - neither was that good, but they were entertaining and mindless enough that I could pay attention to my stitching).  Not only did I get the binding sewn on that night, but I also did a lot of the tying.  I wasn't sure when the second movie ended and I called it quits, that I would be able to stand up again.  After almost 7 hours of sitting with only very short breaks to refill my teacup, I was STIFF...but incredibly happy with what I had accomplished!

I think quilting can be like this.  It pulls you in.  The rhythm of handstitching is even and focused.  You don't have to think too hard about what you are doing, but you do have to be very careful and precise.  On a cold evening, the quilt covers your lap and you are warm.  You can talk or watch a movie or listen to music and be completely restful and productive at the same time.

I am already looking forward to the next binding session...