The
giveaway is still open through tomorrow, don't forget to leave a comment! So... This past weekend was a time for thoughtfulness. I tend to be a thinker and there were {are} many, many things on my mind. Hand quilting often helps me solidify those thoughts and clear out the clutter taking up unnecessary space.
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| Hand Pieced Bow-Ties |
I spent as much time with my hoop as I could squeeze in, but it's never enough. Decided that no, it doesn't matter if all my gold Perle Cotton balls are all a slightly different shade. I'm good with that, especially with this particular quilt. It will just accentuate the 'vintage' look if anyone ever bothers to notice the thread differentiation and really, how picky to even make a fuss over that sort of detail!
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| In the hoop |
I also played a little bit with another fast, easy sort of project. It seems to be an extension of a common palette I've been drawn to lately. So many times I keep doing a re-run of sorts with a certain color palette, trying different things in an effort to make it ever better and 'more me'. I used to get quite frustrated with this urge of mine to work in a similar palette
over and over again, but now I'm happy with the premise. It's really the only way to 'perfect' what we are seeing in our mind and often can't get quite right on the first or even second try. I'll show more of this at a later date though. Still trying to nail down the details and I don't want anyone to sway my decision making.*wink
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| A new project |
You can see that there's another block prepped for my
Solids Challenge quilt. All the pieces are cut out and ready to sew now. I do it all completely freehand. Just draw the individual pieces onto a piece of paper and then modify as needed to help it fit better in the allotted space. Sometimes it takes several efforts with my paper and a pair of scissors, but eventually the block and I come to an very affable agreement.
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| March Solids Challenge block |
Obviously, after the seam allowances are tuned under, it will fit on the background a little more comfortably too. This is my absolute
favorite way to do applique. I urge any applique aficionado to give this method a go. It's really quite addictive! Linking to
Moving It Forward Monday!
Oh, you make applique look so tempting and fun... 8)
ReplyDeleteI'm looking forward to seeing that middle project. I don't care what palette you work in - I love your sense of color!
I love that basket block, and your range of golds is going to be wonderful too. You're on a roll!
ReplyDeleteLove the gold thread for that quilt, perfect combination and the different shades will only make it more interesting. Such a lovely free way of doing applique too.
ReplyDeleteI once spent hours quilting with three slightly different greens. There was no visible difference when it was done. I think your attitude is better/smarter since I doubt anyone will ever notice.
ReplyDeleteWhen you say you create the challenge blocks freehand... You draw them on paper, cut them out and trace them on your applique fabric?
I also would like to know more about your freehand applique. I am an avid appliquer and am intrigued!
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness, I spy a peek of something familiar! I'm so stinking excited to see how you've turned it into an Audrey quilt!!!
ReplyDeleteAnd I love your attitude about the quilting thread, I couldn't agree more. You inspire me with every post!
I find I almost always use a slightly random selection when I hand quilt with perle now, just kind of pulling out what I have. No one's ever noticed and I think it looks fine, so your golds will look fine too. I actually love your inclination to rework the same set of colours over and over again, so look forward to seeing what happens with your middle pile.
ReplyDeleteLove your turquoise background for your bow ties, stitching with yellow is fabulous! All you need is that pink from your flower basket and you've got my favourite trifecta!
ReplyDeleteLove your flower block solid design! If you need to send it to a loving home I'll take it!
Your flower basket blocks looks ala Jan Patek style.
ReplyDeleteYour variety of gold perle cottons is a great reminder to make do and use it up and the little solid basket is just a sweet sign of spring.
ReplyDeleteSweet solids project. Your pearl cottons will look fantastic.
ReplyDeleteI love that your thread doesn't all match. Looking forward to your new project.
ReplyDeleteI love that blue in your scrappy 'bow tie' quilt, just perfect! And like the others, I agree, assorted blending perle cottons will work beautifully! Oh, and looking forward to seeing more of your new project pile soonish - no pressure :)
ReplyDeleteI wish I could watch you prep & quilt with the perle cotton, it is really something I want to try. The bow ties on that aqua are perfection!
ReplyDeleteSo much to love about this post! The freehand block is a beauty! We learned a bit of that in Gwen Marston's applique class.
ReplyDeletegreat quilting design on your bow tie quilt. What a sweet little basket block!
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