The Weight of The World

This week I finished the quilt that I've been working on for a while and I've named it The Weight of The World.

 I think the theme is self-explanatory.  I really do think that time is running out--maybe not in my lifetime, but probably sooner than we want to think unless we all come together to preserve our endangered planet.  I really believe that if each of us did what we could and if world leaders did what they could things such as melting icebergs and diminished forest lands--and so much more--could be turned around.  But it would take a major shift in our thinking and behavior.  And I do get discouraged when I see the lack of recycling participation in my own neighborhood.  Really--how much effort does it take to put bottles into a blue bag for pickup?  And if we can't do the little things, then . . .well.

O.K., enough of that.  I just need to let my quilts occasionally reflect my concern and this is one of them.  But back to the actual quilt.  When I had finished quilting it, I wasn't completely happy with the result. I looked at it for a day or so and finally decided to add the black fusible bias tape around the perimeter.  This made it feel complete.  And, so, sometimes, just putting our work aside and waiting to see what idea may overtake you is the thing to do rather than "making do".  You never know what might be just around the corner.

One final comment.  I do think that a faced edge can be the best way to finish off many quilts rather than a binding.  And I usually make one with a mitered corner--which can be a real hassle.  When I took the class with Susan Brubaker Knapp, she talked about the more simple facing that I've used here.  I tried it and I liked it.  It was neater and much simpler to manage.  She has a free download on her website, www.BlueMoonRiver.com, where you can find the info if you'd like to try for yourself.