Working on Two Finishes

Here is the table topper I have been working on - quilted and it was in need of binding.  This shows the facing that I put on instead of binding.  Actually, it was pretty time consuming and I don't think I will do a repeat of this particular pattern but I actually like the way it turned out.  First of all, I found a good tutorial on Youtube - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lwPe_84GBfY  that was good and quite clear.  I did it that way but actually did it in six sections.  Now that I think of it, I probably could have done in with one long piece by mitering on the six edges that are straight.  However, this worked okay.

When I had it all sewn, trimmed, turned and pressed, I topstitched about 1/4 inch from the edge.  I figure that the trimming was pretty close and probably could come loose and fray.  The topstitching should help.

Then this is all ready to be quilted and I did the center block.  I think I will eventually have to learn more than loop-de-loops!  The thread is The Bottom Line and it's very fine so doesn't show a lot and I like that.  Shows even an old dog can learn new tricks!  Never too late.  Haven't decided how I will do the strips in between but hope to come up with something pretty.  I like this little piece a lot.  I also started quilting the wallhanging with the four applique blocks on white tone on tone.  I am not enjoying what I have done to that so it's going to get put back and I will go on to something that is fun then hopefully back to it at a later time.  I started ripping out the stitches and got to thinking--life is too short to be working on something that kind of agitates you and that you really don't need.  It has hung around here unfinished for a long time so a while longer won't make any difference at all.  It's nice to read that some of you have UFO's tucked away - just think of the fun someone in the future will have when they find all that neat stuff tucked in boxes under the bed or the back of the closet.  (Click to enlarge)