Making My Way -

It's really slow progress, but oh - so worth it.

I'm about 3/4 the way down one side of the hexie quilt with the knife-edge binding finish.

And because I know there will be more questions on this, I have placed my original post with more photos and descriptions under the Tips & Techniques tab at the top of the blog for easy reference.

Everything there is alphabetical, so scroll down to K for Knife Edge.

And you just might find some of the other topics under that tab to be of interest, too.  

Ivy found her cozy spot between my shins as I worked away at this.

As the hexies are only 3/4'' per side, there really isn't enough space to make several stitches using the ladder stitch as I usually do for applied bindings.  In this case, I'm using a tiny whip stitch as I can get more stitches into the small space and really hold things securely.

My stitches are not completely invisible.  I am just catching a couple of threads at each fold - and my thread matches my backing fabric.  If you look closely - you can see them.  But that's okay by me.  It is HAND STITCHING.  If you look between the hexies you will likely see hand stitches there too.  IT'S HAND STITCHING.

Ivy says to just go with it.  So I am.

At this rate, with it taking roughly 4 to 5 evenings per side, I MAY have it done by New Year's Eve.  And I'm okay with it if it takes longer than that - but I'd really like to not carry this project into another year.

For those asking "Where's Zoey?!" She was curled up right next to me, all four legs in a tangle, snoozing away!

It was a big day that included this:

Picking up pallets of pavers at Lowes.

Breaking up the dirt after sod removal -

There are a lot of rocks and other things under this grass, and the soil is more like heavy clay.

We've got to remove about 3'' of dirt from the trench.

A load of sand was also acquired yesterday for filling the trench before setting the pavers.

Using "Diamond Dust" in between the pavers (which will also be sealed) will help keep weeds from growing between them.  This whole process is something I am leaving to the menfolk -

This is what Jeff does for his job - all of this hardscaping kind of thing, so I'll leave it to the professionals like him!

It's just going to be SO SUPER NICE.  The best Christmas gift I could ask for.

These got a bit more attention paid to them late yesterday afternoon.

I'm still planning on this project being my main focus between Christmas Eve and New Year's Day.  I'm sewing down that string bin!

And I think it's going to be a lighter/brighter quilt as I am alternating dark strips with light ones - giving each room to shine.  We'll see how it goes.

Some of these fabrics are SO OLD!  And it is really fun to mix them in with the more contemporary scraps and see what happens with them.

So into the weekend we go!

How many of you are already digging into Rhododendron Trail Part Four?

I've heard from many of you that are so happy that the release of Part Five is put off until after Christmas weekend.  I'm so glad!  It's just the best way to make it fit within my own schedule and I thought it might help many of you out as well.  

For those who missed it, Part Five will appear on Monday, December 27th so you have some extra time to work on this labor-intensive clue.  Deep breaths!  No rushing.  You've got this!

Okay!  Breakfast time - hearty oatmeal with craisins & walnuts, a dash of cinnamon and nutmeg, sweetened with real maple syrup drizzled over the top.

And then off to the QPO I go to get the mail out -

What are your plans for the weekend? Are you closing in on some quilting finishes and last minute gifts?  Are you baking today?

Quiltville Quote of the Day -

Or in other words, I am happiest when I am busy cutting up fabric and sewing it back together!

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As is my plan for today!

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Are you with me?

Have a wonderful weekend, everyone!