Quilt #1

Last week I got the grand idea to make a quilt for my niece's 11th birthday. I had all the material I needed for the top, a pattern and a few free hours :) So with all of those things in place it was a go. I was able to finish the top of the quilt in a few hours. The design of the quilt is a strip design so it was certainly a beginner project. This week was hectic at work so my plans to get it nearly finished before the weekend did not pan out. Instead it was Friday night and I stayed up until 2:30 basting and quilting the quilt. But alas it was WAY too late to start the process that has been my thorn....the binding. My Saturday did not go as planned and so I was only able to make the binding and pin it. Sunday would bring the day to machine sew the binding. After watching a few videos and reading various binding tips, I was able to get it done. The whole time I was sewing I had, "Beat It" (like Beat the Binding) and " I fought the binding and I won" stuck in my head. Those songs became my soundtrack and I was able to finish with a few seconds to spare. I wasn't able to wash it but my sister will be able to handle that task. Overall I worked very hard BUT I was pleased with the finish.
My niece was overjoyed when she opened my gift. My hard work was super appreciated and I think she will really use it. Shocking right?!
What I learned from this process is: I can QUILT! I mean I can do it. I know I will get better bit for a first start to finish quilt I think I did a great job. Next up bind the two quilts that are just waiting for binding so I can get them in the mail. And start my Christmas projects. SO excited!

the back of the quilt with the strip of leftover fabric

the front