Weekend WIP

This was a good weekend for sewing.  In addition to finishing the Sail Away quilt (post coming later this week) I got the backing put together for the Bird Houses quilt and basted it.  This one has been sitting around for a while just waiting for the backing to be finished.  In the end, the shade of brown solid on the back isn't quite dark enough, but this is a case where done is better than perfect.

I pin baste my quilt and usually I can shut the pins by hand, although it hurts my finger nails.  In an effort to save my nails I tried something different today.  There's a tool called a Kwik Klip that's designed to close safety pins and save your nails.  I decided to try something similar with a wooden chop stick.

Homemade safety pin closer

Carving a couple of shallow grooves all the way around the end of the chop stick gave the pins a place to catch.  It's a little awkward at first to figure out how to best use the tool and get your rhythm, but once I got the hang of it I'd say it's as fast as closing them by hand.  And best of all, no sore nails! 

I am working through Wednesday, but after that I am looking forward to getting this one quilted.  Linking up to Design Wall (um-- make that Design Floor) Monday at Patchwork Times.