Onwards.....

Thanks for the great tips regarding 1/4" black binding....

I thought I'd share a few of them with you.... just in case you are thinking of making some too!

from Chris

 did a thick satin stitch with my machine, using black cotton. It was so much faster and easier!   I have done several wall hangings this way now and I'm never unhappy with the result.

from Sharon

As for the binding, just grab a clover tool but one where you can add the visofix as up pull it through. I had trouble buying the thin vlisofox for the Clover thingie so just cut it myself, much cheaper too.

from Jennifer

Several years ago I did a bias applique workshop and we cut our own fusible stuff using a rotary cutter......not the new blade though. The teacher said she keeps an older blade which only gets used for cutting those strips. Ironing them on took no time at all.

from Katherine

I'd definitely get one of those binding tools ...... are so easy to use. I also use 'crisp' spray starch too. Just watch the steam setting on the iron as I steam burned a finger once. Not a very pleasant experience.

from Marilyn

I have used both bought and "made myself" binding - it is not too difficult to make and definitely cheaper. I used the 1/4 inch steam a seam. I have also cut 1/4 inch wide vliesofix for smaller amounts of binding. 

I found a roll of 1/4" vliesofix in my cupboard so I used that... it was just too big to fit into the clover tool but with some gentle persuasion we ironed on happily... I will also need to cut a bit myself as there wasn't enough

I'm leaving this project for a bit now... until I can get to my next lesson - very inconvenient but my tutor has a real job too!

I had a chat with Mr Random this weekend regarding the mug rugs..... he has selected these ladies .... and luckily they had all chosen a different mat... so no fighting ... not that quilters fight.... I knew that....

here we go.....

For Larissa

For Elyte

For Sheri

For Bev

I am really happy when someone wants something I make... so thanks ladies and let me know your snail mail addresses and I'll send these out to you....

It is very hard to visit a quilt shop and not buy anything extra...

I was given a charm pack of "Puttin' on the Ritz" and a couple of weeks found out that I am to be a GREAT AUNT... for the first time.. and it is going to be a girl

so I bought some pretty pink for sashing and pretty spot for binding

... will get to it.... baby is due in July so I have time???

Lastly but definitely not leastly I got some fun mail this week....

Look what Shez sent me as a birthday gift..... I love her towels - they are so useful when they hang on the handle and don't fall off all the time.  Also were included some little boxes to make... for my little handmade soaps and lotions... great idea and thanks so much Shez.....

I am going to join in with the mini swap for Mothers Day later this year - Cheryll had some lovely labels she made up and sent me one to go on the back of the mini... such a cute idea...

If you are interested in joining the mini swap... a small item and such fun having different ones to display... pop along HERE and have a read ....

Thanks Cheryll..... thinking hat is on for some ideas on what to make

Righto, Gotto Go.... finishing off pincushions .....