Tree #2 is finished!

Well, I just managed to finish this up at the tail end of 2013.  Overall, I'm pleased with the results.

 

I challenged myself to use more solid fabrics, and fewer prints, than I have in previous work. I like how machine quilting in almost-matching thread looks on the solids.  Here's a closeup:

 

And another:

 

 

 

I tried a facing, rather than binding for the first time.  I used Kathy Loomis's facing tutorial-it was very clear and detailed, but might not be the best technique for very heavily quilted pieces.  I do like the finished result, though, so I will keep experimenting with facing methods.

 

How do you like to finish the edges of quilts?  Have you found a good method for applying a facing? 

Thanks for reading!