My first finished item
 

I would like to share picture of my first finished item. It started out as a lap quilt but of course I didn't take into account the seam allowances and it ended up as a table topper. I learned a lot of things on the way to completing this project. I learned the importance of measurements (as I ran out of binding), the importance of seam allowances (which will obviously reduce the size of your finished product if you don't take that into account), the importance of ironing (which will make nesting and matching seams much easier), the importance of extra rotary blades (I messed up good fabric with dull blades), the importance of preparation (how many times I stopped to wind a bobbin and then ran out of thread), and so many more lessons.
My quilting is not straight because my seams aren't straight and I tried to follow the seams. My qulting bar doesn't fit well into my generic walking foot. Sheesh.
You can see I used extra fabric to sew on a piece to hide where I ran out of binding. The good news is that there are no quilters at my job that I know of who will see my work so to all the untrained eyes at work, I've made a masterpiece and they think I did it on purpose.
This piece lives on a part of my desk in my cubicle at work where I keep my family pictures.
I bought the fabric from Wal Mart. I think I used one print charm pack and pieces out of a white charm pack that I had. I referenced several hourglass quilt tutorials to get the basic idea and then went to it. I used a solid matching backing piece. I didn't label it!! So I am going to use a fusible label tomorrow to complete it. Please tell me what you think.

I think you did a fantastic job! And of course you intended it to be exactly like that. Nobody needs to know or think any differently. Keep up the good work!

I love it! It's so CHEERFUL! I love that you are using and enjoying it although you feel it has imperfections. That's what it's all about!!!!!!!!

I love it!The colors are beautiful. Love the way you quilted it too, on the diagonal- looks great. Welcome to the world of quilting. It's so much fun isn't it? Thanks for sharing your photos.

I think you did a Fantastic!!! job, and the little bit of color in the binding makes it extra special.

I love it and the fabric you choose. Love it!

You are off to a great start, that turned out to be such a pretty table topper.

Congratulations on your first quilt. I am pleased that despite the challenges you were able to conquer them and complete your first project. I am wondering how many of us finished our first attempts and how many of us are brave enough to share our first quilt. Great job!

It is wonderful!!! You did a really great job!!!!

I like it! I do my binding like you did sometimes, If I want to use special fabric and only have a little of it. my explanation? It customizes it and really makes it yours.
Great job!