Okay...time for my confession.
When I first made quilts, self-taught, I didn't know you could use boarders first... then make your own binding.
I just used wide bias tape. Guess I cheated. :(

This board makes learning fun!!!! :)

Hope she thinks about you while she is on vacation.
What a neat surprise when she gets back home...YOU DID IT!

Ok, the first picture I accidentally posted is from the "Angleplay" class I took with Margaret Miller. I was going to use just straight strips for my sister's quilt, but instead came home after the class and made this border intead.

You know something. I don't think you are ugly at all. And I bet you cook like everything. Edie

Haha, thank you, but the name is from when I attempted to sell cooking ware through home parties. I inevitably dropped something or made a mess and my dishes came out tasty but ugly!

please post a picture of your quilt,
sorry to hear your quilting friend left you while you were learning to bind your quilt

Yes, yes, yes, do iron, it will cause you less work in the long run. Lays better and is easier to work with. Enjoy

Do not iron. I like the binding to look full and rounded. Look luck!!

I always press from the back, pressing the seam towards the binding. But I don't press the binding in half b4 hand sewing to the back, it just rolls over naturally. I don't think I would like a crease.

I use the snap clips for hair (the ones girls use to keep the fly-a-ways up with they wear a ponytail) - usually 3 of them, and just keep moving them along the binding as I go.

Never tried ironing it first. Do make sure that your binding is "full" - quilt judges really harp on bindings that are baggy and empty!

Have fun stitching those tiny stitches!