Sunday, March 30, 2014

Progress on Block 16

Such beautiful spring day! Waking up to sunshine is such a good feeling. Still a bit chilly this am, but the sun should warm  things up nicely.   Sometimes this time of year can be difficult, I can be torn between my stitching and my love of gardening.  It is still a bit too early to do much yard work or start my little kitchen garden, so today I will put in a few more applique stitches on block 16. 
Block 16

This block is very similar to block 15.  Two birds some garland and a few flowers.  My favorite time to stitch is after my morning cup of coffee. Sitting at the breakfast table in the sun and working on my block is a great way to start the day.  Do you have a favorite time to stitch? 

28 comments:

  1. What a lovely bird quilt block. Can't wait to see it done - beautiful! My favorite time to stitch is also in the morning. After my first cup of coffee I can sneak down to my studio before my husband gets up on the weekends. Love my quiet stitching time!

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    1. Well, I have found out this month that alone time is when I love to stitch. I tried to sit down several times this month and would just get going and someone needed something. So looking forward to Monday!

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  2. I tend to stitch more in the evening then daytime - if I am doing machine work it is in the daytime - but I find hand work relaxing in then evening or with an afternoon movie - or when the weather is warm enough for sitting on the porch listening to the birds.

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    1. I applique out on my terrace is the mornings before the summer heat. I too love to hear and watch the busy birds.

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  3. I see all your little applique leaves lined up--how wonderful! I like to do my applique butterflies --so far just basting prep-after lunch with the radio tuned to classical music...no sun here today, just more rain...but good news! It's not snowing!! hugs, Julierose

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    1. That sounds like a relaxing day Julierose. I prefer to listen to something rather than having the TV turned on . I am looking forward to doing the buttonhole stitches to attach the flowers to this block.

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  4. I never have used finger pressing. I feel my rounded edges turn out better with no prepressing. The freezer paper puts enough pressure on the piece to keep the seams from getting tucks, not sure if I explained that very well. I tried finger pressing in the beginning but I found it caused tucks. I guess we all need to find what works for us. If I have smaller pieces like petals on leaves I hand baste the freezer paper in place.

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  5. It turned out to be a gorgeous day, so I put down my stitching long enough to go out and do some garden prep and planted some lettuce. I'm back inside now and back to my slow stitching!

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    1. We have had too much rain for any gardening to happen. But our raised bed should dry after a few days of sunshine. I don't plant lettuce as it seems to get too hot too quickly here. I do enjoy tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers. We even had some luck with butternut squash last year. I also grow garlic and spinach in the fall.

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  6. Such a pretty block. I have yet to try applique. Maybe someday.

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    1. I started out piecing, but soon got bored with it. I really like hand quilting around applique and have really caught the bug.

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  7. I love your applique. Wish I loved doing it since I see so many beautiful applique projects. It's just not me. I think my eyes don't see well enough to enjoy it.

    I work 10 hour day and have 1/2 hour travel time to and from work so I like to unwind in the evening after dinner with some kind of hand work.

    I don't think it is ever going to warm up here although I did hang my sheets out on the clothesline today without freezing my patootie and hands off. I love the outdoorsy smell they pick up. While I was out I did see some daffodil leaves poking up out of the ground. Can't wait!

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    1. Oh just reading about your sheets on the line reminded me of those lined dried sheets I grew up with. I also remember taking shirts off the line and they were frozen. I agree that stitching is a wonderful way to unwind.

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  8. LOVE this! Wonderful applique work.:)

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    1. Thanks Audry, It is hard to go wrong with applique, if you ask me.

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  9. I'm another who has never tried applique--but I can appreciate yours! My handwork is all hand quilting and I tend to do it late afternoon/early evening--quiet time after other things are done.

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    1. Thanks for stopping by. Hand quilting applique is my favorite thing to do. I have spent the last two years really learning a lot about applique and it really is all about practice. Both are so enjoyable and I definitely have caught the hand stitching bug.

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  10. Morning is my favorite time of day to stitch especially when the sun is shining. Sometimes the only stitching that I accomplish is in the quiet hours of a morning. However, I'm not always relaxed as there are chores and errands awaiting. Lovely applique work.

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    1. I am bothered by those daily chores and errands also. They can keep me from enjoying me time. But I do love starting my day with a bit of stitching.

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  11. This will be another beautiful block, Carla - what a gorgeous quilt it will be. I do love the needleturn and handwork, but also love the effect of machine work too. A project for every mood and situation! My favourite time to hand sew is in the evenings in the company of hubby and the TV. Looking forward to our winter with longer evenings :-)

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  12. Favorite time... any and all! LOL
    I do find it harder on my eyes in the evenings as I get older.
    ENjoy your morning stitching!

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    1. I think that is why mornings have become my favorite time. Sometimes in the evenings I just don't have the energy left either. But oh what a great way to start the day.

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  13. I too like morning stitching when the light is good and I'm rested and fresh

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  14. Such a pretty block / fun to see the progress : )

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  15. I'm also like Karen. I machine stitch during the day as I find little segments of free time and hand stitch in the evenings. That way I keep company with my DH as he watches TV or reads since he's outside most of the day.

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  16. my favorite time to stitch is any time I can fit it in between all the other things I am doing. Lovely block so far.

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  17. I don't have a favorite time so much but do like stitching in natural light. What a difference that makes. Your block is looking good. I like Barbara Burnham's bird designs.

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