Here's the finished cot quilt that I was doing this week to take to one of my stockists. I'm really pleased with how it turned out and is the beginning of a new range for them.

I backed it in Ikea's House fabric (I'm sure it's not called that. In fact I'm positive it isn't...it doesn't sound very Swedish does it?) which I love. I love the childlike bold illustration. All in all I am pleased how it turned out.

But it got me thinking...What's your view on binding?

My quilting journey is very much a learn as I go along adventure, seeing what works for me and what I like. I'm pretty much in a place where the quilt top is a style that suits me...little fuss and letting beautiful fabrics do the talking.

But when it comes to binding I'm a little bit stumped. My initial reaction to it is that it is an added detail that is more fuss than I am generally drawn to.

But like everything, my thoughts are changing as my journey continues. I still like the simplicity of a quilt without binding. Take this gorgeous quilt by Manda. Again the beauty is in the fabrics and to me it is complete without binding. In fact a binding would detract from the beauty of it. Make it too perfect. Is it the simplicity of a design that doesn't need a frame to hold it all together?

But that's not the case here in Ashley's stunning quilt. Still, the use of a simple style and stunning fabrics, but all framed with a coordinating binding that pulls it all together. Would it work as well without a binding? Is it the large size that forces it to need holding together?

Is it a busier design that requires a binding? Would it float around aimlessly without the binding to hold it all together. I can't imagine Kate's beautifully worked piece without the binding.

So is it the size? Design? Complexity? Or am I just too much of a shirking, corner cutting quilting novice to think that no binding is ever right?

What's your view on binding?

Princess and the Pea

I have been a huge fan of Manda's work ever since we first met at a fair we were both at over 3 years ago. I have been delighted to have her beautiful pieces on Blueberry Park from it's beginning. I think we all know how talented she is and for those of you that don't know, she's quite nice with it (but don't tell her. Her head will swell even more)

Recently she had been refining her exquisite Princess & the Pea Set (as if it needed it) and when she showed it to me this week, I just had to have it for BP.

So I am utterly thrilled to have it right here.

Kicking and screaming

Yesterday I got dragged, kicking and screaming by Manda to go to the fabric shop with her. I know. I obviously didn't want to go. After all, what is one to purchase in a store like that? I did the best I could under the circumstances. I didn't want any of it, obviously. Certainly not the to die for linen in cool shades of off-white and duck egg blue. Certainly not the spotty fabric, perfect for the apron kits. Definitely not the tiny floral fabric, equally perfect for my cards and Personalised Pictures. AND as for the liberty prints. Who needs 'em?

Tis the season to be rolling

Much to Manda's regret of ever designing these popular pencil rolls, they have definitely been THE buy this Christmas. I'm not sure how many we've been through together, but don't panic, Manda, I'm not asking for any more! There's something about the mix of stunning fabrics and the nostalgic feel of this lovely item that has made it very popular indeed.

Ruby has been waiting very patiently for her own and has somehow hidden her disappointment of constantly seeing a delivery from Manda, be whisked rapidly away before she can get her little mitts on one.

However, on Sunday evening I decided I'd better get going on one for her for Chanukah. There's only so long a girl can wait. I made one for her and one for my god-daughter Lucy, who has been equally patient. I chose to use my favourite matryoshka fabric for Ruby's, pleased by the fact that at least it stays where I can see it. But Ruby had other ideas and categorically stated that it was the blue butterfly one that she wanted. Would it be really mean of me to wrap up the wrong one?