It has been a long winter, although down here we don't get very hard winters, but we have had our share of lower than normal temps. I am really getting sick of looking a that bermuda grass that stays brown till we get much warmer temps. Hopefully there will be some signs of spring soon. I have kept busy stitching on a few projects, mostly hand work, which is slow going. So slow, that sometimes, I wonder if these projects will ever get finished, but then I remind myself that I do enjoy the process it is nice to reflect on what those stitches produce. So this morning, after a few last applique stitches, I have the four blocks for my pumpkin seed done! Mind you, I don't have it assembled into a flimsie yet, but sewing four blocks together shouldn't take too long.
Also after spending a couple of months of basting hexies, I drew out my design. I wanted to make a frame for a center medallion block, which turned out to be harder than I thought it would be. I finally got it worked out and started sewing the flowers together adding the background filler. I really have enjoyed stitching them together. This is my progress, 181 hexies stitched together!
After another cup of coffee this morning and once the sun comes out I will go back to marking my Quilt of Valor quilt. I am excited to get it into my new hoop. Again I will be using perle cotton #16, to big stitch this quilt. So even though sometimes it doesn't feel like I am making progress, it is good to look back and see how far these projects have come.
Also after spending a couple of months of basting hexies, I drew out my design. I wanted to make a frame for a center medallion block, which turned out to be harder than I thought it would be. I finally got it worked out and started sewing the flowers together adding the background filler. I really have enjoyed stitching them together. This is my progress, 181 hexies stitched together!
After another cup of coffee this morning and once the sun comes out I will go back to marking my Quilt of Valor quilt. I am excited to get it into my new hoop. Again I will be using perle cotton #16, to big stitch this quilt. So even though sometimes it doesn't feel like I am making progress, it is good to look back and see how far these projects have come.
sometimes I feel the same on my hand work - progress is measured in inches LOL -- but like you I enjoy it so continue - we are to get another extra cold spell this week I heard last night on the Little Rock news - :( wish it was done but this is just January - I think because December was so cold it makes the winter seem longer for us spoiled people in the south
ReplyDeleteYes we are spoiled, but I have never liked winter. My husband said another cold front is coming thru, you were right. February is not far a way, just a couple of more weeks. Max my dog usually gets his winter trim the beginning of February. I also saw the Tru-green truck today spraying yards a true sign of spring!
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ReplyDeleteDonna, When using the hera you sandwich the quilt first. It works on straight lines or large templates, nothing to intiricate. I use my 6 x 24 inch quilting ruler to do grids. Your just press down quite firmly and slide it along the ruler. It will burnish the fabric for a lack of a better word. Anyway you should be able to see the mark with good lighting. Today I learned when I make a mistake I give the fabric a squirt of water and wipe with a soft cloth and it removes the marks. Then I let it dry. I find it works best on solids to see the lines. Hope that helps.
Love your pumpkin seed blocks. I'm working on an never ending hexie project myself. But I enjoy it as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks BillieBee! I never realized the stitching involved but it is addictive. I stitched all Sunday afternoon, I just couldn't stop!
DeleteYou certainly do get a lot done! I love your pumpkin seed blocks.
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen, RSC2014 really did something to my mojo! My pumpkin seed will come out of the closet, if I can wait, in September as my fall hand quilting project.
DeleteThe pumpkin seed blocks look wonderful! I can't wait to see what you have planned for quilting them :0)
ReplyDeleteOh I have ideas, as I say I make quilt tops just to hand quilt. Pretty sure some feathers will be involved. That will happen this fall!
DeleteYou have a lot of progress as far as I'm concerned, Carla. When I stress about my speed I think of the Tortoise and the Hare fable and relax about it. Love the hexie project and the pumpkin seeds. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLooking back always reminds me why I do all this slow stitching. I am not very good with the machine, and really prefer that softness that hand stitching brings to a project. I don't do things entirely by hand, but I do love applique and hand quilting. Thanks
DeleteCold here today too! It is going UP to seven degrees today but we do have sunshine! :) You are coming along quickly on those hexies ! : )
ReplyDeleteI was very proud I got four more flowers added. But I did spend the whole afternoon stitching.
ReplyDeleteI like the background color on your seeds quilt. Looks like it would be a lot of stitching both in piecing those arcs and then to applique them down.
ReplyDeleteIt's moda's centennial cheddar! I love the color!
DeleteYour welcome! This is the first time I marked the whole quilt with the hera. No problem can still the marks after hooping and rehooping.
ReplyDeleteGreat progress Carla!!! Those pumpkin seed blocks are very eye-catching!
ReplyDeleteYeah I love the centennial cheddar. Need to get the blocks sewn together so I can start marking it! I may get to hand quitling sooner than I thought.
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