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
Wool Appliqué
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
Wool – newest addiction?
This is the first block for a wall hanging I am designing using wool and embroidery. I worked on it the other night until 1 am... I only stopped because I knew the boys would be up very early in the morning (6 am or so as usual), and I'd better get some shut eye. Wool applique using slip stitch is very relaxing to me. Then, figuring out how to embroider each piece is fun as you decide on stitches and floss colors. I am so glad I organized my embroidery floss the way I did (see picture below)! … [Read more...] about Wool – newest addiction?
Nativity Scene
I finished this beautiful wool applique project just in time for Christmas! It is called O Holy Night, by Under the Garden Moon. I haven't appliqued with wool in a long time, and could not wait to do this one. Once you have the pieces cut out, it comes together rather quickly. I happened to have the right floss colors, too, so no last minute shopping trips. The frame will be ordered on Wednesday, but at least I will be able to display it today and tomorrow. Here are some close up … [Read more...] about Nativity Scene
Quilting with wool
I love the look of wool applique, and have made a table runner, a small wall hanging, and a pin cushion, and have a Christmas wall hanging kit waiting to be worked on. I think I will start it soon, as I have been dreaming of working with wool for quite a while. I am perhaps influenced by my friend Sandi, whose applique quilts are to die for... Until I have a chance to start working on the wall hanging, I have been reading the latest title I purchased for my quilt library: Pennies from Heaven: … [Read more...] about Quilting with wool