Firstly, thanks to all those who have given advice on the thread - I think I am going to go for...cream (now why didn't I think of that - you can see why I need to ask for advice). But...I am also toying, just toying mind, with Patti's suggestion of handstitching. Although I have said that handstitching is not my favourite occupation, I can't bear to sit doing nothing either. I thought crochet had filled that gap, but somehow, right at the moment I'm not in the mood to crochet. I did once make a quilt with appliqued ducks and ducklings all over it and they were all sewn round with blanket stitch - the handstitching was effective - it wouldn't have looked half as good if I'd machine sewn it, but I can't say that I enjoyed the actual sewing. Strangely enough, I don't mind sewing down the binding on quilts at all. I'll mull it over a bit more before I make a decision, but I am tempted. Sadly, I don't have a picture of the quilt to show you those stitches - it was made for a friend's baby and I forgot to photograph it before I gave it her.

As a bit of light relief after all that cutting, I made up a couple of Tonya's http://lazygalquilting.blogspot.com/ wonky houses. Doesn't the one on the right look straightlaced against the nice and wonky one on the left? I know which one I prefer - the wonkier the better.

I have just bought this book. I think part of what attracts me to quilting isn't just the artistry and colours but the history of them too. I know this book isn't specifically about quilts but there's a sort of tenuous link. It is entirely made up of diaries and letters of women who travelled on the Western Trails, complete with spelling and grammar mistakes. It had really good reviews on Amazon, although it seems quite an academic book. I'll let you know how I get on with it.

This will be my last post for a few days so have a good weekend all.