Sunday, November 14, 2010

The Case of the Too Short Binding


I am part of a wonderful group of 16 quilters who have been together for 10 years; The Calendar Girls. Every year, we pick the parameters for a block, make 16 of them, have a block exchange in June then make a quilt and have "Reveal Day" in December. Reveal Day this year is December 13th and it is my favorite day of the year. The Taj Mahal couldn't rival the splendor of the decorations of our host, Cooky. We gather around 11 am, everyone brings goodies and other edibles, we pick at them and visit, then we sit down at the magnificent dining table set with Spode Christmas china, crystal and the 'good' silver while surrounded by her Santa collection, her Christmas quilt collection (decorating every spare wall space and chair back) and the lighted village that runs all through her home.

There's show and tell, a gift exchange, then dessert and more visiting! Then we get down to business--The Reveal. Everyone's quilt is wonderful, stories are told about the sewing of them, photos are taken (to be kept in a comprehensive scrapbook, almost 3" thick now!) and at last, we choose a theme for the next year's block. (This year's was red and white baskets).

I can't show you the whole quilt, which is 98% finished, because it's a surprise and they might peek but I have a little problem: Yesterday as I was putting on the binding I cut months ago, I realized I didn't have enough and had run out of fabric! I remember where I bought it (wonder of wonders) but that's a 2 1/2 drive--each way! I've scanned the fabric and emailed it to the shop and will call them tomorrow and see if they can send it to me. (Good thing I'm one of those people who finished things early instead of waiting until the last minute. Do YOU do that?)

7 comments:

Chris said...

What a fun group!! I would have procrastinated until the last second and cried LOL.

Charlene S said...

No, I wait until the last second and then just do it. Makes for interesting quilts and presents.

Tamera said...

Oh goodness! What a heartbreak.

But, I'm a procrastinator, too, so I would have been in the same boat, lol.

Denise :) said...

Oh no!! This sounds *exactly* like something I might do! :)

Barb in Mi said...

What a great group and tradition! I try not to procrastinate too much, but it doesn't always work out... Need to finish a Wedding Quilt for Dec 4th wedding - and I will make it! Hope your LQS has some more of the fabric - unfortunately nothing I have in my stash or I would have sent it!

AnnieO said...

Sounds like a really great event to look forward to sharing all year.

I can't tell you how many times I have run short of binding, but I usually have extra strips nearby so have always squeaked it out. Hope you get your fabric sent to you and can avoid the drive.

Gari in AL said...

Oh, I hope they have your fabric. And I'm looking forward to seeing your pictures. Your group sounds wonderful.