1.31.2010

Applique gets better with time & practice.

I've had some advice from an experienced applique quilty friend in Australia (Hi Cheese!! *waving*). She says applique gets better with time and practice. How much? Depends on the quilter...let's just say it will take me a bit more time but I'm pleased with the stitching for the most part on block 2 this week. It even has overlapping pieces...ooh la la! Now, don't go looking at the back because THAT is definitely not pretty but who's going to see that anyway? It's all good. I just keep telling myself I'm improving. What more could you ask for?

In other quilty business...I think JANE is trying to tell me to slow down. I used to sew at one speed: =SUPERFAST= with the pedal to the metal. As I progress, I notice the smallest seam can throw the look of a mini block off and I have to stop and tread cautiously over them like driving through a dangerous intersection. Hmmmm maybe my driving will improve, too but that's kind of doubtful.

The week has been a little hectic....ok, it's always hectic....especially hectic I should say.
Wishing all of us a PEACEFUL & PIECEFUL week.
Happy Quilting!!

1.26.2010

First Applique Block

Here it is, curves and all!! It's not perfect but I'm begining to think none of these will be LOL.

I've decided to go ahead and invest in some silk thread. From what I understand, it blends the stitching in better than cotton or poly. I used the Gutermann I had on hand since it seemed like a good match for the background and this was just an experiment. I'll count it as done for now but may re-do when I get some more practice in.

Lesson for today: Life is short----GO FOR IT! 
Needle turn was NOT as hard as everyone told me it would be. 

It's about time we quilt fearlessly!
Happy Quilting

First Needle Turn Applique-----EVER

Well, I figured I'd be whipping this little block right up, no problem with gorgeous photos to boot. Not so much. I did complete half the block after having way too much caffeine late in the evening. A little advice from a novice:

A) Do not drink caffeine before attempting, especially if it is after 1 am (not a typo) and you have an unsteady hand when you're non-caffeinated.

B) If you are mid-winter and prone to dry skin, do yourself a favor and moisturize a good week or two before begining...vaseline coated hands wrapped in gloves sound like a perfect solution to some seriously chapped hands in this sleep deprived state.

C) Try to use a good light source. If your definition of a good light source is a bedside lamp with the wattage equivalent to that of a night light, wait until daybreak.

D) If you have a month or two before you plan to applique, do your best to grow some fingernails and practice pinching...hard. I think I need to practice the pinching...anyone?? LOL

It's getting done and I expect after a nice nap, I'll complete this little bugger. I'll take pix and post ASAP.
Happy Quilting!!

1.24.2010

Week 4 Blocks Part II

Everything happens for a reason! The second time around, the eye block was MUCH easier. WHEW.

1.23.2010

Week 4 Pictures & the iron issue

Well, well, what do you know? My favorite iron I've had for years is leaving orange to brown stains on my background fabric----let's just say I'm not really happy about that. I must need more practice on this week's blue floral block that looks like an eye! I'm thinking it will be more fun the second go round----or should I say hoping?

I'm so glad to figure out what the problem was, though. I tore apart my ironing board, bought a new cover, was worried it was my background fabric, etc. I have about 8 yards of white and it's the Kona 108" width...so I was very concerned when I saw the spots, especially considering a dozen blocks were complete when I saw unplanned polka dots. LOL! In the mean time the wonderful DH has a temporary solution and I have my clover for the applique this week. I've never done needle turn before. It looks like JANE will give me a lot of practice very soon.

Am I the only one who shops around a while for an iron? I don't use it often on clothing but I'm so particular about the weight, settings, style that I think I could do another few entries on iron criteria!! I usually go for the Rowentas, but we'll see what I come up with this time. It looks like the warranty my Rowenta Professional is just a year----so time to shop for a new one.

WISH ME LUCK Quilt-Fabulous Friends!!

1.22.2010

A Site for More Minis

Who would have thought that Dearest Jane would not be enough to keep my eyes from roaming the internet in search of MORE mini blocks?!? In my spare time, maybe I'll get a few of these done. http://sentimentalstitches.net/free-stuff/midget-blocks/

1.21.2010

Pictures of week 1-3 blocks

I am posting pictures on my blog and on a group site as well. The plan is to use a different fabric for each block and each of the portions of the border(s).....on the hunt for more 30s repros!







At this point, my design does not include the pieced triangles of the original quilt but will likely include the 4 kites....we'll see. I seem to be having an issue with my background fabric or my iron. I'll be glad to get to the applique soon to see how I do and whether there's any discoloration of the background fabrics using a mini iron...wish me luck!

1.20.2010

Week 3 of JANE

Oh my, I'm up to my elbows in bits and pieces of my precious 30s reproductions! I feel like I should save every scrap but am trying to look at the bigger picture. So far, I've completed 10 blocks in about 3 weeks.

A quick recap: the first block I did twice and am still not thrilled with the results...but, in all fairness, this is my very first attempt at paper piecing (and curves, and applique, and and and).

After several tear outs, my seam ripper and I are becoming close friends. We barely spoke before JANE. Now I talk all the time, unfortunately, many of my comments are not suitable for posting.

I stabbed my first finger with my itty bitty tiny scissors that are just the right size for this project after I burned my thumb making dinner in a rush to sew. Some days we just don't have it in us. I knew this and tried to do a block anyway. Lesson Learned. They say JANE will cost blood, sweat, and tears. BLOOD: Check. Moving on...

My latest block A-9 was a real *doozy*. The center (supposedly the hard part) came out perfectly the very first try! Believe it or not, it was two of the outer edge pieces that almost drove me to the brink. Thankfully, I've spent so much money on supplies at this point that guilt has nudged me into moving on. I'm still not happy with it and may never be but for now, I've said DONE.

I'm hoping to spend some time piecing tomorrow.

Blessed are the Piecemakers!