I did some piecing earlier this week and got my RSC blocks finished before I broke my machine. it Why is it we always miss something when it is gone or broken? Luckily, I also enjoy slow stitching, working with my hands and my needle. Each of the the Baltimore Garden blocks I have been stitching contain a lot of tiny stitches. A fellow quilter said that it takes her around thirty hours to complete a Baltimore Album block. That is just for the stitching, appliquers also do a lot of prep work depending on the type of applique they do. I have never kept track on how long a block takes. I have a feeling it would take the fun out of it for me. I am a goal setter usually, but when it comes to applique, I find just enjoying a bit of progress everyday is all I want to achieve. A fellow blogger reminded me several weeks ago, that our slow stitching is relaxing and should be enjoyable. I needed that reminder and gave up my goal to finish my last five blocks by the end of summer. Maybe I will, maybe I won't, but I do know that I am back to enjoying each block.
This week I worked on leaves and stems and even got a couple of layered flowers started. Two more flowers and then the final layer that forms the center of the flower. All of the stitching has been so enjoyable this week. I think part of that might be that I stitched outdoors while listening to the birds and enjoying the view of my garden. Do you like to stitch outdoors? I enjoy the wonderful natural light and the sounds of nature. I will be linking to Kathy's blog today to see what others are slow stitching. I sure hope you can find some time to slow stitch today or maybe just sit in your garden and enjoy the day.
This week I worked on leaves and stems and even got a couple of layered flowers started. Two more flowers and then the final layer that forms the center of the flower. All of the stitching has been so enjoyable this week. I think part of that might be that I stitched outdoors while listening to the birds and enjoying the view of my garden. Do you like to stitch outdoors? I enjoy the wonderful natural light and the sounds of nature. I will be linking to Kathy's blog today to see what others are slow stitching. I sure hope you can find some time to slow stitch today or maybe just sit in your garden and enjoy the day.
I am enjoying watching the progression on this beautiful block :) Like you, I prefer being outdoors to stitch, weather permitting.
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are enjoying my slow progress on this quilt. Needle turn applique and hand quilting just take time, but you know that. The big reward will come when it is complete, there never was an appliqued quilt I didn't love. The hand work adds so much character to a quilt.
DeleteA lot of times I will figure out the time spent to complete one block, write it down and then I know about how long it takes to complete all the blocks - one reason I do this is because so many ask "how long does it take to make that" and I never really knew in time - but I did no in months or years :) I have been gradually not doing that so much anymore and getting out of the habit of jotting time down as I really have a general idea now of how much time it really does take to make my quilts. It had always been a curiosity of mine - as I get older I find I don't really care so much any more how long it takes.
ReplyDeleteI can pretty much figure out how long it will take me to hand quilt something but when it comes to applique it just doesn't seem to work. So I enjoy it most making one stitch at time.
DeleteI just love your block! Absolutely gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteI love sitting out on our deck stitching ... when it hasn't been raining, it's been a pretty nice spring here ... perfect weather to sit outside and stitch.
I've often wondered how long it takes me to do hand work projects, but I'm worried that trying to keep track of the number of hours would take away some of the pleasure ... so I just plug along, enjoying every stitch I make.
We have gotten a lot of rain the last couple of weeks, but it doesn't take long for that hot sun to dry things up. My garden is loving the sunshine and so am I. I agree about adding up the amount of time it takes to finish a project, just not for me.
DeleteI love the fabrics in this block... and I think just like hand quilting takes more time.. it is worth it.. goal setting for applique should be doing just as you already are I think.. seeing progress not checking your watch for a time check or stitch count! lol You are doing a fabulous job on this .. take your time and enjoy and hope you get your machine back soon! Kathi
ReplyDeleteI love setting goals for hand quilting but applique is so unpredictable. Some blocks just take more time and when you feel like you are always not meeting the goal it is discouraging. Since this quilt is for me, no need to push so hard, more enjoyable to just enjoy.
DeleteYes, trying to meet a deadline tends to take the fun out of things. So glad you have been able to enjoy your appliqué this week. It sounds like a wonderful place to stitch while enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of nature. I know I enjoy stitching on my back porch watching the birds come and eat and seeing the squirrels play on the fence.
ReplyDeleteWe have some great comical squirrels too, they like to terrorize my schnauzer. The cardinals are quite noisy this time of year and I love seeing the bluebirds glide across the yard. Not worrying about my deadline with applique has really helped.
DeleteHandwork is the perfect thing when your machine is out of commis
ReplyDeleteYes it is good to know how to use a needle and thread when technology fails.
DeleteSo sorry to hear your machine is broken :(
ReplyDeleteI guess that just means more time for slow stitching!
Glad you are enjoying your outdoor stitching and enjoying the sounds of nature.
Thanks for linking up!
After I wrote my post, I see that you enjoyed a bit out door stitching too. Sorry the ants chased you off. LOL
DeleteGood idea to relax and enjoying sewing your BA blocks this summer. I love to sit outdoors and do handwork especially under a shade tree although I have to go on vacation for that luxury.
ReplyDeleteYes I have a large willow oak that shades the terrace, perfect for stitching, although our summers are quite hot and humid so I always go out early to beat the heat.
DeleteI love to appliqué ... but the prep work it takes to get to the actual stitching, not so much. Years ago, during the big power outage that took out most of the north east, I decided I would do some appliqué (during the daylight) and realized how much I missed my IRON ... I hope your machine issues are resolved soon, but in the meantime, you're really making lemonade of the situation by working on that beautiful block.
ReplyDeleteI agree the prep work really slows me down. Once I start it however it isn't long and I can start stitching. Marking quilts is another one of those things that I do only cause I have to.
DeleteYour slow stitching is producing beautiful results. The hand stitching is my favorite part nowadays.
ReplyDeleteYes hand work has become a bigger part of my quilting these days, also. I still need to try hand piecing. For now appliique and hand quilting make me very happy.
DeleteOh, that flower is beautiful! I agree..there's nothing like relaxing with some stitching on the deck with the sights and sounds of nature.
ReplyDeleteYour block is so beautiful! I can't count the time/hours spent doing any of my slow stitching or quilting either. In order for it to be relaxing, then it just has to be!
ReplyDeleteI agree Audry! It is simply something to enjoy.
DeleteI love to stitch outdoors. We farm so I am outside alot. Your flower is looking fabulous!
ReplyDeleteI grew up on a farm and love the outdoors. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteThank you for this post. You've reminded me how delightful it is to sit outside and sew. Up until now I hadn't realised that I missed it. I'll have to find some to do in the few nice evenings we've got left xx
ReplyDeleteYes it is starting to really warm up, but I love all the seasons. Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteOh good for you!!! I agree - stitching should be enjoyable and relaxing. Work at your own pace and enjoy that journey girlfriend!!! I love to stitch and knit outside! I often sit on my side porch and listen to the birds and other nature sounds as I play with whatever happens to be my current project :*) There are few things as relaxing and calming in this world!
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you enjoy stitching outside also. With today's news headlines it is good to have a place to go that is peaceful.
DeleteYour block is gorgeous! I think giving up on the idea of completing this many or that many blocks within a certain time frame is the right thing to do. It truly is all about the journey!!
ReplyDeleteThanks Ellen! I agree it is a wonderful journey. I really enjoy the me time everyday!
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