Squared up

 

I finished binding the squares for the third strip of Joanne's patriotic quilt, and that was about it for the day. There was lots of visiting, chatting on the front porch, grocery shopping, and playing games today. It was the perfect summer day!

Second strip

 

Optimistically, I approached my day thinking that I could complete two strips. Ha! I started at 8 in the morning, and finished at 8 tonight. Granted, there were other activities during that time frame... laundry, cooking, cleaning. Still, I really thought I could complete two strips.

My goals for tomorrow are more realistic. I now know that there is no way for me to finish this quilt before daughter Joanne and family head home, so I will take a more relaxed approach. I do better when I can alternate between two crafts, and I do have a bookmark that I'd like to finish.

We've had a great week crafting, playing games, and working around the house. I will miss Joanne, Jan, and their three kids when they head home. I am so grateful that they have taken the time to come visit us!

First strip

 

Today was a busy quilting day. I finished trimming all of the blocks by 8 a.m. After that, daughter Joanne decided on the arrangement for the quilt while I worked on cutting binding strips. Just our luck, I was short 16 strips. The fabric was a remnant, so I'm not sure I can find more of it.

After looking at red, white, and blue fabric, we settled on the navy blue. Joanne and I both like the look, and I was able to order more pre-cut strips that will arrive tomorrow.

In order to speed up the process, I machine stitched both sides of the binding. It doesn't look quite as nice as the hand finished binding, but there is a chance that I could finish this quilt before Joanne heads home. The first strip is done, and we are both pleased with the way it is looking. We will see what tomorrow brings!