Out with the Old In with the New

My first finished 2026 project.

I started this one in December.  Matty gave me four of Mel's z"l ties.  I used the same pattern from "Necktie Quilts Reinvented" as I used in the quilt of Marty's z"l ties.  My hands weren't shaking when I made Marty's quilt.  

I had four ties to work with.  Three I used for the petals/blades and the fourth for the binding.

I sewed the blades down onto two layers - top fabric and binding.  Then I sewed the blue lines from the bottom with the thicker blue thread in the bobbin.  Then I added the backing and quilted over the blue line in one of the machines embroidery designs in a grey thread which is not terribly visible. 

I also didn't realize how difficult it would be the do a binding with an interfaced tie.  And I didn't have enough of the tie to go around so improved with the gold tie on the top edge.  At any rate, I couldn't get the corners to miter properly and there was some exposed fabric at the corners.  After auditioning all kinds of ribbons, buttons and beads, I used flower shaped findings and beads at the corners.  Not perfect but OK.

All in all, I am fairly happy with how it turned out and especially happy that this small (18" ish) wall hanging can be returned to Matty.  I also have some leftover tie pieces which I hope to make with Alissa into silk scarves for Sari and Johanna.

The future will be challenging with my shaking hands.  Hard to thread needles, put together fabrics to sew by machine, etc.  I will do my best.