It is always a good day when I learn something new. Yesterday I learned out to make a facing, made a facing and am thrilled! Maureen, a quiltmaker whose work I greatly admire, was making a facing at the CQFA Retreat. She pointed me to Jeri Riggs’ directions later.
A facing is a way of finishing a quilt so that the edging (binding) does not show on the front. You may not always to want a frame (binding) around your quilt. This is a design element that will work with some pieces. I think that this technique will work for a number of my Pamela Allen pieces.
I learn best when someone shows me how to do something, so reading the directions and trying to make the facing left me scratching my head in confusion. I finally called Maureen and she walked me through the process. She sprinkled in a few tips and tricks she has added to the web directions.
It isn’t difficult at all. It reminds me of making a tote bag the first time. Once you do it, you know it and can make the process your own.
This means that the House & Garden Quilt is done! YAY!
Well, it still needs a label and I need to decide about a sleeve.
I read an article on this technique in a quilting magazine. But like you, it probably would have been better if I saw someone actually do this!
Thanks for the shout-out. You’ll soon be able to make facings in your sleep!
After your fabulous directions, Maureen, the actual work was easy. I am glad I did it on a small piece to start with, because it went pretty quickly and I was able to finish in one session/day, essentially.
That is one gorgeous quilt. Can’t wait to see it in person!
Thanks, Terri! I am pleased it is finally finished!
Terri: Thanks so much for the kind comments. I’ll bring it in July. I should have a label and a sleeve by then.
Julie: the facing rocks and the directions are much harder than making the actual facing!
Hooray! I love how it turned out without a binding. Looks just right. Now you can explain it to me, I always screw up the corners.
Beena: Maureen kind of walked me through it over the phone, which was 2d best if I couldn’t be shown. I’d love to k now which mag you saw it in.
Julie: I will post a mini-tutorial to my blog, but will be happy to show you! I think these quilts work well as themselves rather than with a binding. It gives them a more artlike appearance, I think.