CELEBRATION FINISH

Some stitching going on here but not as much as usual.  I did finish the sunflower piece.

I did the applique last fall and have finally taken time to machine quilt and do the binding.  The pattern name is "Celebration" and is a Joined at the Hip pattern from the book "Olde Farm House".

I am making two smaller size quilts from the same pattern.  I am about to finish the applique on one and have all of it to do on the second.  The applique goes fast though.  The pattern I am using is by Cheri and is called "Monday's Quilt".

I finished the last two wool basket blocks.  Now I need to go back to the directions and do some reading to see how to put things together and then do the final wool applique.

I also made four more blocks for the "Blessings From the Hollow" quilt pattern.  I have seven more to make and then the pieced border.  I will show the progress in another post.

Has anyone joined the member part of Sentimental Stitches?  I am just wondering if the monthly cost is worth what is available and if you can stop at any time that you want to.

Thanks for stopping by to see what I am working on.

Karen

CATCHING UP

My DH says that I am trying to catch up for six weeks of not being able to sew.  I have been enjoying being back in the sewing room playing.

Yesterday, I finished the top "Santa in the Woods".  If you followed my posts from Saturday, you will remember that I participated in a Christmas Sew-Along.  Still needs quilting but plenty of time for that.

I made a Schnibble last week from the pattern "Madeline" using French General fabrics.  Enjoyable sewing.

I made the quilt top from a bundle of fat quarters instead of charm square packs.  I used four of the fat quarters to piece together backing.

Yesterday, I made two blocks for the 1880 Sampler Quilt.  There is a link on my sidebar to the patterns.  My blocks don't look particularly square in the pictures but I think it is the angle I took them at.

Below are pictures of all the wool on cotton basket block that I have finished the stitching on.  Two big blocks to go for the main body of the quilt.

Whoops, I see I repeated one of the wool basket pictures.

Next I made a sample block for "Blessings From the Hollow".

I am waiting on another jelly roll to arrive before making more blocks.  I am very pleased with the look of the block.

Off to do some stitching.  Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Karen

CHRISTMAS QUILT-ALONG PART 3

This will be my last post for the day.  The project is not done but I have accomplished a lot.

The hand applique of the cabin & chimney is done.  The stitching of the wool Santa is complete.  There are berry branches to embroider yet.  Those will be by Santa's arm on the left side of the picture.  The trees and heart need machine stitching around the edges.  Then a border to be added to the top.  I hope to finish the top tomorrow some time.

It has been a fun day.  Thanks for stopping by for a visit.

Karen

CHRISTMAS SEW-ALONG PART 2

Here is where I am on the Christmas project for today.

This pattern combines techniques.  The trees, heart & Santa are fused and will have the edges stitched by machine.  The cabin parts are to be hand appliqued on.

I have the strip set made for the cabin though right now it is covered by the freezer paper template I made.  I am going to be working on the hand applique in just a few minutes.  I think I will use wool for the Santa.

Back later.
Karen

CHRISTMAS QUILT-ALONG

I discovered this morning that there is a monthly Christmas Quilt-Along going on.  I have decided to participate.  Cathi from Shakerwood Quilts is the host today.  I haven't had time to add the button for the quilt-along but will try to do that later today.  Cathi just posted a very pretty Cherry Chocolate Kiss cookie recipe on her blog that looks yummy.

I have decided to work on a smaller size applique project called "Santa in the Woods".  The pattern is by Sandy Gervais and I found it in the special winter 2010 edition of Quiltmania.

The magazine was a gift from my blog friend Paulette.  It has 12 projects for a "Country Christmas".  Several are by Sandy Gervais.  In my opinion, there isn't a bad project in the magazine.

I am off to the sewing room.

Karen

WOOL ON COTTON BASKET BLOCK UPDATE

It is hard for me to take pictures and download them right now.  So not the best pictures today.  I just thought I would share two more of the wool basket blocks that are completed.

Three blocks done and I am working on #4.  The blocks will be trimmed to size before joining so the edges are still a bit rough.

I am taking a round of prednisone to help with some shoulder/arm pain I have been experiencing and am having trouble sleeping because of it.  I have played in the sewing room the last two nights.  My first venture in there since my back surgery.  I have found that I can only work on what I can reach without bending so am somewhat limited.  I cut out the parts for a Schnibble quilt called "Madeline" from a line of French General fabric in reds, pinks, blues and off white prints.  I think I can manage to start the sewing together part later today.  Will see how it goes.  I have fabric laying on the cutting table for a Valentine quilt but I don't think there is any way it will get done by February 14th.

Surgery recovery is going okay although I wish it would go much faster.  Thank you for all the well wishes and the e-mails from those of you checking up on me.

Karen