In a Bind?

A few years ago I noticed Marsha was using these clips to hold her binding in place while she sewed it down.  They looked exactly like something I used back in the pincurl days of high school.  A long time ago.  Actually, I think they are the same thing, just repurposed.  This summer I broke down and bought a pack of them for myself.

By golly!  They are a dream to use!  And make a satisfying little PONK sound when snapped in place.  I'm just delighted with 'em.

Got a lot of binding ready to start.  There's a super secret Christmas project for an international swap that has to be done first.  Bought some terrific plain black out in Amish country, no less, for that binding.

Last night I picked up two quilts I'd left with a new [to me] longarmer in our area.  Oh, my!  She did a gorgeous job.  I was absolutely delighted with her work.  One is the brown and aqua stars quilt that Tom wants for a Christmas gift for his good friends.  Mary Ellen quilted it in a meander with interspersed stars pattern and I'm so pleased with the way the quilting shows up in the border.  I promise to post a photo before it leaves home.

The second quilt is made from the Mocha Trails pattern but isn't anywhere near as gorgeous as the one Nicole is making.  When it is bound, I'm donating it to a group from church to raffle off for their upcoming mission trip to Guatemala.  Too bad the quilt doesn't have anything to do with Guatemala -- it is all Civil War re-enactors.  Again, as soon as it is bound, I'll post a photo.

And while you wait, go out and get some of these clips.  I'm telling you, they're fantastic.



Comments

Brenda said…
I use those all the time and now I don't have scratches from pins anymore. they're great!
Charleen said…
I've been using those clips too. I don't use too many, just enough to hold down a few inches ahead.

I'd love to know the name of your new longarm quilter. I think I'm finally ready to throw in the towel and send some out!
Nancy said…
I have a slew of those clips and don't use them or pins. I press my binding down and then just hold it with my fingers as I sew...

AND...don't buy them at the quilt store..buy them at one of the discount stores in the hair aisle..they are cheaper and the same thing...
Pat said…
This comment has been removed by the author.
Pat said…
The added bonus with those clips is when they spontaneously boink off the quilt, fly into the air and wake up the cat. Amusing, to say the least.

I am SOOOO glad the new quilter did a great job. Very professional, gave great suggestions on pattern and thread choice, and was quite reasonable. Can't wait to see your pictures.

WV: "srules". A contraction, not unlike "prolly". EG: Why do I HAVE to put my seat belt on? Strules!
Deb said…
My mother-in-law bought me some of those clips many years ago and I've used them for binding every since. Love them - only use 4 or 5 at a time, but it makes it so easy to bind.
Lori said…
I love my clips and would be lost without them!! Mine are from the hair dept not the quilt store.
Anonymous said…
I use a free item that does the same thing - plastic clips that come on shirts from the cleaner. They're free and my husband has been trained to take them off his shirts very carefully and save them for me. It's wonderful not to get those pricks and scratches from pins.
Sue
Gretchen said…
I love those clips too (I remember them from hairdressing too. Bet they are cheaper at beauty supply stores than quilt stores.) I am so happy to hear you found a good LAQ; I have a new one too that does a marvelous job.
Lurline said…
Lovely quilts and thanks for the advice about the clips!
Hugs - Lurline♥
Gari in AL said…
I started using the clips about a year ago and it has been wonderful. I also iron my binding but the clips help the binding to want to lay down while I sew. Love 'em.
Katrina said…
I love binding clips! My hands don't hurt when I bind anymore. You can also buy little barrettes at the dollar store to use too ;-)
Tanya said…
Hmm. I'm going to go see if I can find those clips! Great idea! I have a feeling they'll only be available in the hair section though in Japan...