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
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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
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?
What to do with ‘orphan’ blocks
I joined these leftover four patches a while ago but had no idea what to do with the block. After Christmas, I was looking for a project I could work on quickly, as all the interruptions I was sure to have would not be conducive to a more involved quilt. So, I decided to make a small wall hanging using a block I already had. This one jumped at me, and this is what I did with it. I framed it using osnaburg fabric (also spelled osnaberg...) because I liked its open weave. The embroidery sort of … [Read more...] about What to do with ‘orphan’ blocks