Oak Leaves and Acorns

I loved stitching this block, except for the acorns. They are quite small, but I asked my husband if he could tell what they were and they passed the test.  I will be posting my next block on Sunday, a  pineapple block. The pineapple block I chose is a much easier block, so it will be a breeze to stitch.  I decided I needed a break after all those little berries I  added on this one. The process has also started for the final block of the quilt. I have come up with a design, now I just need to get it stitched!

Windows LIve Writer

I happened across Windows Live Writer on my computer and decided to test it out. I have read several blogs that say it makes blogging much more enjoyable.


So far so good!

Slow Stitching Sunday

I really enjoy hand stitching and came across a great blog. Kathy's Quilts has been sponsoring Slow stitching Sundays so if you want to see what others are doing check out her blog.

This applique block is called oak leaves and acorns.  I was a bit apprehensive about starting it, but due to good techniques it has really been a very enjoyable block to stitch. I also was able to try reverse applique with this block, which is something I have only tried once before.

Once this block is completed, I will start the final block of my red and green quilt.  I want to design this final block my self including some new techniques that I have been dying to try.

Block 10 Prairie Rose Wreath

Block number ten is complete!  A bit off center but complete!  

Progressing!

I know it has been a while since I have posted progress on my Red and Green Traditional Quilt, but I have been working on it diligently!  I am feeling more and more comfortable with needle turn applique and find it as enjoyable as hand quilting or reading a great book.

The current and coxcomb block I posted about earlier was designed by Janet of Quiltsalott. She does fabulous needle turn applique and also offers tutorials and patterns to inspire anyone who would be interested in making an applique quilt.  I decided to make four of her blocks to put in each corner of my quilt, they were such a joy to stitch at one point I was wishing I had done a whole quilt out of them as Janet is doing.

I just love the contrast of color and can't wait to start hand quilting this quilt. It is going to be so much fun to quilt.  This last week I finished up a prairie rose block because of my midwest heritage.  I have almost finished another prairie rose wreath block but you will have to wait for next post on that one.

I know I said I was going to do a oakleaf and acorn block in tribute to all the oaktrees in our yard, but it is a bit more difficult and I have to admit it has scared me a abit.  Yesterday I figured out which method I would use to make a stem that splits in two, and tried one, it wasn't as difficult as I thought it would be, now if I can do three more symetrically on the same block.  The final block is going to be a pot of flowers that I hope to put together with bits and pieces of flowers and techniques I have seen and want to  try, so it is going to be a total experiment. Wish me luck!

My favorite Granddaughter

This post is about my favorite granddaughter. No I am not crazy, it's ok cause she is my only granddaughter, so it's ok.  She is such little sweetheart. This last summer when we visited her, she was playing in her pool and I was able to snap this picture of her. Such a little ham.

Over the weekend, I got into a knitting mood, so I went to Raverly to find this simple poncho pattern to make for her.  I remember years ago when her mom was a little older, her grandmother made her a poncho that she wore alot.  Sure hope you enoy your new poncho, Aria!

I won!

There are so many quilt related blogs out on the internet! They offer ideas and inspiration and sometimes they offer prizes. Kathy Quilts is one of the many blogs I follow. She has been hosting slow stitching Sundays.  I entered a photo several weeks ago and I was chosen as the July winner. I have patiently been waiting for my prize to arrive.  Four fat quarters, betweens needles and needle file, needle pullers, and a hera marker. What a nice surprise to win, and I have been wanting to try a hera marker so I should have a post about it coming this fall when I start up hand quilting again.

I plan on making a mini quilt out of the fat quarters.  I'm sure a pattern won't be too hard to find.
So if you like doing hand work and want to share a photo of what your working on this week, make sure you stop by Kathy's Blog.

Block Five Tulip Baskets

Block number five is finally completed!  Another hot day here, we just hit 100 again, so it was good to stay inside and finish this block up.

What's next???? I think it may be a oak and acorn block. We have so many oak trees around us and I love watching the squirrels gather the acorns every fall.