A few weeks ago, I felt a little frustrated with my quilting. Working on Baltimore Garden is very intense, and sometimes it seems that a block can take for ever. Maybe it is just the process of applique. There is so much prep work, and then you finally start stitching and somedays you look at the block and wonder if everything will come together. I also started putting together another quilt top and as I have mentioned before, piecing is not my favorite part of quilting. So I took a few days away from sewing and set some goals and have made some progress.
One of things I did was mark and sandwich my fall quilting project , my traditional red and green quilt . Too warm out to feel like starting the hand quilting process, it gave me incentive to get a top finished up and to start block number 11 for Baltimore Garden. I have the vase and most leaves and stems done but I still a lot of pieces to add as you can tell by the picture.
So today, I am going to continue the progress and do some slow stitching and get closer to finishing block 11. My goal was to finish half of the Baltimore Garden blocks this summer, and now it looks like if I just enjoy at least one or two more blocks I will be on target. Of course, I also get a lot of inspiration from Kathy's Slow Stitching Sundays. It is always good take a break and see what others are slow stitching.
One of things I did was mark and sandwich my fall quilting project , my traditional red and green quilt . Too warm out to feel like starting the hand quilting process, it gave me incentive to get a top finished up and to start block number 11 for Baltimore Garden. I have the vase and most leaves and stems done but I still a lot of pieces to add as you can tell by the picture.
So today, I am going to continue the progress and do some slow stitching and get closer to finishing block 11. My goal was to finish half of the Baltimore Garden blocks this summer, and now it looks like if I just enjoy at least one or two more blocks I will be on target. Of course, I also get a lot of inspiration from Kathy's Slow Stitching Sundays. It is always good take a break and see what others are slow stitching.
I know what you mean Carla! I sometimes get bogged down in a complex project and have to take a step back - work on something else for a while - and then go back to it. Your blocks are looking wonderful - it's going to be an amazing quilt!
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa, It really did help to stop for week and work on something else. I am one of those quilters that love finishing a quilt. I just need to give this one the time it needs.
DeleteOh, how I like the vase on this block. I need to find out about the patterns you are using. Will do a search.
ReplyDeleteBarbara Burnham's book Baltimore Garden includes a cd and her instruction and photos are wonderful! I really like being able to print out the block to use as a guide. I just wish I lived near Maryland so I could take some of her classes! She is a member of a facebook group on hand applique and is so supportive!
DeleteYour vase is delightful. Hope you do finish this block, as it is going to be stunning with all the other color pieces. Quilting does take patience. Like life, we have to go one day at a time!! Have fun hand stitching
ReplyDeleteThe statement about applique is so true, one stitch at a time! I have said that a lot lately, but know that my patience and diligence will pay off with a beautiful quilt!
DeleteYour block is looking wonderful. You are making me want to put my Bittersweet Briar quilt top closer to the 'to do' list every time I see this. It is nice to step away and work on something else to break up the routine. I tend to have a bunch of things in progress... then I can choose what I am in the mood for.
ReplyDeleteI try to work on applique in the summer and also any piecing since I live where it is too hot to hand quilt, and spend the majority of the winter hand quilting. But, I think I will fit a block or two of Baltimore Garden in between my quilting this winter. Variety is the spice of life as they say!
DeleteThe vase is looking beautiful - and all that careful prep I'm sure will work out well. Love the yellow fabric you have used.
ReplyDeleteHilda
Thanks, HIlda I had a hard time finding the right yellows for this quilt and after I started the quilt I ordered some scrap bags of 1800's fabrics and that yellow was included. I felt as if my guardian angel was watching over me!
DeleteIt is coming out beautiful! On my bucket list for my next lifetime! I just don't like hand sewing! I wish that I had the patience to do one. They are so beautiful.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, I find hand work easier than machine work. Maybe in time you will be ready, I just wish I had started earlier!
DeleteYour applique work is gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteThanks Nicole, I really really enjoy it, but sometimes I have to step away, so I only work on it when I feel like it!
DeleteYour work is lovely. What a special project to be working on!
ReplyDeleteThanks Sandy, It is going to be a very special quilt when I complete it, which will take quite a while.
DeleteWonderful to see the progress on your block....soooo many tiny pieces to co-ordinate! Amazing!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathy, Started a less intense block this week, but I have to say, I enjoyed making this block, the vase is so pretty!
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