Needle to Lotus

 

Indecision.  That's what mires my projects, sends them to WIP purgatory.  My Lotus quilt was slowly inching along until the last few steps, backing and quilting, came into view.  Now that I've sorted out the sex of my baby belly and colors for her room, it turns out that Lotus quilt isn't the right fit.  I love the quilt - love it! - but I don't have to keep it.  If I kept all my favorite quilts, where would we be?  So, now that I know who it's not-for, I'm suddenly decisive about finishing.  Yay.



I pieced together a backing and basted late one evening with trusty 505 adhesive spray and Warm & Natural batting.  Spray basting is the only way to baste when you're pregnant (and at all other times...).  If you'd like more details about my typical finishing process, see this and this post.



I've decided on a mix of hand and machine quilting.  For starters I've machine quilted around the edges of all the blocks, as well as bound the quilt.  I like working with an already-bound quilt when hand quilting, if possible.  Since I've already done grid-like all over machine quilting, there's no reason not to finish those edges!



The backing is a nice large piece of Little Folks flannel (that I'd been hoarding) and some happy pink fabrics that match the quilt top.  It's a bit warm to sit under in this heat, but hand quilting is worth it.



The kids and I are streaming Olympics while I hand quilt around flowers and circle centers.  They're in heaven.... and I'm happy as long as the fan is on.

Stay cool friends!