Happy thoughts!

I have really enjoyed linking up with Kathy on her Slow Stitching Sunday's. Her focus today was on being happy. So as I stitch today, I took her advice and thought about the things that make me happy.
I know that quilting would have to be near the top of the list, but what is it exactly about quilting that makes me happy.
One of the first things that attracted me to making quilts was color.  I find myself making quilts that reflect my love for gardening also.
I also love history and  since I have started Baltimore Garden, I have thought a lot about the original maker of this beautiful quilt. What inspired her to design and stitch this quilt. Did she too love to garden? Then of course, I thought about why those that do hand work get so much enjoyment from pulling a needle and thread thru fabric? Not sure I can even answer some of my questions, but I do know that I enjoy the time I spend at my craft enjoying color, and creativity. So now back to my stitching, where there are no worries and only happiness!

Do we ever stop learning!

Block ten has been started!  I have decided to get a couple of the vase blocks taken care of before the summer ends.  They are a bit more time consuming, but I find them fun to stitch. This will be the second vase block I have done for this quilt, and you know what they say about third time's the  charm. So, for my third vase block I will attempt to actually weave basket reeds!

One of my favorite things about quilting is there are so many different techniques and ways to make a quilt, let alone endless patterns. There is always something to challenge me. So with the help of Tim Latimer's great tutorial and some inspiration from the Facebook Group Celebrate Hand Quilting. I have spent several hours today trying a technique called trapunto. There are several methods to achieve a trapunto look, but I am using the method that uses a large darning needle and yarn. As you see in the picture below it is hard to see the feathered wreath on my Amish Ice Cream Social quilt. So, I thought a little trapunto might spice it up.

There are four wreaths in the body of the quilt that cross over the intersections of the blocks. I spent about four hours today adding the trapunto to one wreath, but what a difference it makes! I want to submit this quilt to our local annual viewer's choice quilt show in September, so now I am committed to getting the other three done. At least I left myself plenty of time!

 

The final photo is a picture of the whole quilt with just one wreath completed so that you can see the difference that the trapunto makes.  I wish I had more time to add trapunto to the cable feather border, but I know I wouldn't get done in time for the show. But who knows, maybe someday, I 'll decide it needs to be done. I will take a few breaks today and head over to Kathy's blog to see what others are hand stitching this Sunday.

Friday Finish!

This block is A2 Mary Anns' Mum Garden. 

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Do you set goals for yourself? I find that setting goals helps me keep on track.  This summer my quilting goal was to finish at least twelve blocks and piece my pumpkin seed quilt. I am doing pretty well on my applique blocks, but I really need to get going on the pumpkin seed!

Block nine in progress

 I have been stitching the many leaves of this block every evening this week. Yesterday, I added the stems which makes sense of all the leaves scattered throughout the block. This morning I am adding the final stem.

Then I will be moving on to the eight buds that are on this block. Once these are completed, I can start the three layered flowers. I love getting to the stage where I can add the red flowers. The blocks are rather boring with all the green leaves. It is a bit like growing a garden, Carefully watching as the leaves multiple. and the plant gets larger. But, the  reason we grow the plant is to see it blooming. So this week will be a fun week as each evening I get to see my block blossom.

 

Block 8 complete!

Well, block eight is complete! Spent most of the last week working on the eight layered flower, and finally decided a ruched flower was the answer. At some point, I was reminded that quilting should be fun, and not frustrating. There will be plenty of other layered flowers to tackle in the next block!

Trying Something New!

I am practicing a new technique for me when doing my needle turn applique.  Up until now, I would make freezer paper templates, press them onto the right side of the fabric, trace around the template  and then pin it in place on the block and stitch it down.
My technique has worked pretty well so far, but like most quilters I have so many quilts that I would love to make, so I am always looking for a time saving tip. I also really like not adding marking substance to the fabric if I can help it.

I started this morning sitting out on the terrace and trying my new technique. First off, living in Arkansas there are not too many, or should I say any mornings that are cool enough to feel like sitting out and stitching. Here it is July 14th and it was 67  at 730am perfect weather to try a new technique.
I must say, so far so good! The freezer paper on top really makes me take smaller stitches and with applique that is a good thing.  I also find that I am forced to make my stitch thru the very edge of the applique so the stitch is hidden.  The other advantage is I can line the mark on the template with the vine line on my master template when using the light box, which helps to be sure the placement is more accurate. So I will spend some time this afternoon and evening stitching down the rest of the leaves on the current block.  This block will finish with a  a six layer flower, I sure hope this technique helps me master the flower, since they are so wonderful.
For now I am taking a bit of a break and going over to Kathy's blog to see what others are hand stitching today.

George's Cherry Tree

I finished the applique on this block today. The birds still need eyes, but that can wait till morning! That makes a total of seven blocks of twenty-five done! Now to choose which one to do next.

 

Happy Fourth Of July