I have had a cold this week, so this 4th block took a little longer to come together. The cat is doing pretty much what I've wanted to do every day! I used bull head stitches for the ground cover, with French knots and small stitches sprinkled everywhere; straight stitches and French knots on the flowers, stem stitch on the bud leaves; back stitch on the bee... I think that is it. Here are more details: ... and here is a picture of the four blocks so far: As I may have mentioned … [Read more...] about Wool Block #4
Hand quilted treasure
Right before Christmas our Wednesday quilt group finished hand quilting this beautiful project. Lee told the story on the video I mentioned on my blog in December (see post here). Lee's mother-in-law gave her this project right after she got married, about 56 years ago. Lee finally finished the applique 15 years ago, but put it away as she did not think she could hand quilt it by herself. When we needed another project to hand quilt back in October, she remembered this quilt... and we happily … [Read more...] about Hand quilted treasure
Best Birdhouse EVER! A bird lover’s dream.
We have all seen cool birdhouses as we drive by back roads in rural areas. But I am sure you have never seen this best birdhouse ever!!! I think that referring to it as a 'bird mansion' would be more appropriate. My friend Sue had her wood sculptor make this luxurious birdhouse to adorn her already gorgeous garden. Made with cedar, with hand carved cedar shingles, and enough room to house many families of local birds, this birdhouse stands almost 5 feet tall, not including the … [Read more...] about Best Birdhouse EVER! A bird lover’s dream.
Having fun with log cabin blocks
So far I have only worked with traditional log cabin blocks. This is about to change as a few days ago I received for review a book from Alicia's Attic called "Not Your Grandmother's Log Cabin", by Sara Nephew with Marci Baker. Using a 60 degree ruler and following pretty simple cutting instructions, log cabin blocks can be turned into stars, snow flakes, bird wings... the possibilities are amazing to me! Sarah Nephew and Marci Baker walk you through the process, from fabric selection … [Read more...] about Having fun with log cabin blocks
Panel Quilts
Fabric panels are versatile as you can quickly turn them into quilts. I don't know about you, but I usually just add strip borders to them, as I am afraid to detract from their beauty. No more! Quilt Woman sent me another very interesting book for review. I call it two books in one, and you will soon understand why. Panel Quilts - We Did the Math, by Lacey J. Hill and Lorraine Freed from L&L Studios, shows you how to turn amazing fabric panels into even more amazing quilts. Lacey and … [Read more...] about Panel Quilts
Wool Block Number 2
Drum roll... Here is my second block for the wool wall hanging I am designing. I wanted to sew around the background fabric before I started the applique to prevent fraying as I stitch, but did not feel like contending with Sapphire the cat, as she had gotten to my chair before I did... Thus, the hanging threads! This design was based on a drawing by Rita Martin (1986). It features my husband's favorite ducks. After I applique the wool, it is so nice to figure out where to embroider, and what … [Read more...] about Wool Block Number 2