It didn’t take forever to bind my version of Hazel’s Diary Quilt; it just felt like it. This quilt is big. After trimming and binding, it measures about 95″ square. That’s 380″ inches of binding to tack down. I take about three stitches to the inch so I figure there are close to 1200 stitches in my binding.
This quilt is also heavy. Think about it: queen size to begin with, it contains eight blocks with lots of little pieces (which means lots of seam allowances on the back side), appliqué in the center of each block, reverse appliquéd scalloped borders around the blocks, and more appliqué in the center medallion. Even with wool batting, which I specifically chose because it’s the lightest of the batts, the quilt packs quite a heft.
I usually hand print my quilt labels but this time I printed one on my inkjet printer using instructions from a fellow quilt guild member. (Thanks, Marcia!) Here’s the label ready to be tacked down on the lower right side of the back . . .
. . . and here it is stitched in place:
I named my quilt Give Me the Simple Life, though the making of the quilt was anything but simple. As the label indicates, the quilt pattern is from the book A Simple Life: Quilts Inspired by the ’50s by Shelly Pagliai of Prairie Moon Quilts. The name I gave my quilt is both homage to Shelly’s mother Hazel Ilene, who was the inspiration for Shelly’s book and the quilts and projects in it, and a nod to the 1945 song of the same name, with music by Rube Bloom and lyrics by Harry Ruby. For you music trivia lovers, the song was first recorded by Bing Crosby singing with Jimmy Dorsey and his orchestra. To hear it, click here.
Wow! A magnificent quilt, and a musical accompaniment. I don’t know how you’ll top this one, but I can’t wait to see what’s next. You go girl!
What an accomplishment! A masterpiece.
Quite a challenge, with all the needle-turn applique.
Beautiful! Lovely fabric choices, and you put your own spin on the design. And phenomenal quilting to top it all off.
This quilt is timeless and a real treasure. I simply cannot imagine any single aspect of it that could have been done better. I guess it really is the true definition of perfection! I am in awe, Nubs.
See Dawn. See Dawn dancing in the streets. A quilt has been finished! Not just any quilt but a quilt that pushed Dawn to learn, practice and master needle turn applique. Take a bow, dear friend, you did an amazing job. Love the label and the music history.
Congratulations on the finish of your quilt, Dawn! I’ve enjoyed all the posts describing your progress. The quilt is spectacular!
Beautiful is not enough to describe your quilt. It is something I hope to do as I also have the book. Would it be possible for you to post the instructions for printing a quilt label? I love the way it looks. Thanks for your inspiration.
What a beautiful accomplishment ♥️
Just love your quilt and the label is perfect for it! This is a true treasure and am sure will bring many years of lovely memories. Thank you for sharing
Gail