Firstly, thank you all for stopping by and advising on the colour scheme for the Ruby Star Rising quilt. Carla and I took all your advice into consideration and she has decided on coral (red) as that is her favourite colour so this is going to POP. And don't forget to come back here tomorrow and see who Mr Random Number Generator picks to win the Sherbet Pips layer cake - the gold dust of the modern quilting community. If you haven't entered to win that bounty, go here now!
And onto a few bee blocks. Kathy Mack sent us a very generous pack of gorgeous fabrics from her fabric shop, Pink Chalk fabrics and asked for anything we wanted at all to depict "Happy Sewing". These blocks will go into a quilt to go on a wall in what sounds like it's going to be a workshop studio. So I made a kind of double block cartoony flower.
And onto a few bee blocks. Kathy Mack sent us a very generous pack of gorgeous fabrics from her fabric shop, Pink Chalk fabrics and asked for anything we wanted at all to depict "Happy Sewing". These blocks will go into a quilt to go on a wall in what sounds like it's going to be a workshop studio. So I made a kind of double block cartoony flower.
I showed you the spring block I made for Lucinda but just needed to decide how to finish it off. After taking your advice, I finished it off with a straight stitch close to the edge of each piece of glass in a pale butterscotch colour which kind of melts into each of the colours. I photographed is taped to the window so that the stitches show.
And finally I had a go at Marjorie's back basting needle turn applique and loved it - thank you so much Marjorie for taking the time to show us how you do it. I've tried hand applique before and just couldn't get the hang of it at all but Marjorie's method just seemed to click with me. I just did a simple heart because my right hand seems to be really creaky at the moment (no idea why) and it's hurting me to do much handwork. But anyway, here is a pretty back-basting needle-turned Bliss heart on Kona charcoal.
Great NTA Lynne - try a couple of nice hand massages to work out the problems with your hand, and just try doing a little each day (half an hour) rather than one huge session, which you might regret.
ReplyDeleteI look forward to seeing what you start working on ;0)
Love the stained glass stitching. Be careful with your handn (from one who knows)- bit of repetitive strain? Rotary cutting, scissors, hand sewing all take their toll. Ethne's advice is good, little bursts of activity- even if it goes against the grain x
ReplyDeleteI love that stained glass effect so much - it has turned out really superbly. I too am an achy-hand aficionado, unfortunately a quick burst of hot water washing-up tends to be the best solution.
ReplyDeleteThe stitching looks wonderful! Take care with the sore hand- a bit of TLC might be in order!
ReplyDeleteThe stained glass has turned out great and I love the "cartoon flower"
ReplyDeleteGillx
wow, that heart is amazingly neat! I am very impressed! I'm not sure why, but I am scared to even try applique - I've never had anyone show me how and it seems so difficult. Maybe I should just take the plunge.
ReplyDeleteLovely blocks, Lynne. And I'm going to take a look at the applique technique you've mentioned. I've never heard of it before, but it sounds like an interesting name. I hope your hand starts doing better and I agree with Kerry, take it easy, we need our Lynne long term!!
ReplyDeleteI hope your hand gets better soon.
ReplyDeleteLSWH
I love that stained glass block! It's oh so pretty. I hope your hand improves.
ReplyDeleteVery nice stitching ...the butterscotch is perfect. and I do like the heart..I haven't had a chance to try the method yet..but one day...
ReplyDeleteI love both those flowers!!
ReplyDeleteI have tried the stained glass look, but in reverse, putting the colors behind a black "spiderweb". I like your approach, will have to try it soon!
That block you made for Pink Chalk reminds me of a show I used to watch when I was a kid....Romper Room. Remember? I see...and she would name the kids. For some reason it reminds me of a looking glass. I LOVE IT!!!
ReplyDeleteYour flower blocks are so cool. Your heart block turned out great.
ReplyDeletelove love love the cartoon flower - but there is really nothing cartoon about it - it is great. I like the way you curved the head to give it dimension. Great job.
ReplyDeleteBWAAA HAAAA HAAAAA!!! Welcome to the dark side.
ReplyDeleteLOL at Marjorie - obviously applique sends us bonkers barmy LOL ...
ReplyDeleteMore Beautiful Blocks Lynne, loving the cartoony flubber, especially the leaf and the black outer circle, and I love that teensie weensie stitching round the daff ... you is one clever lady ...
Slather your hands in good hand lotion and then massage from knuckle to finger tip ... this is a tip I got yonks ago from my VET, of all people, who taught me how to massage my ancient cat's paws when he had arthritis ...
(yeah, like I had time to do that every 8 hours :) - oh ... does that make me sound like a heartless b!tch?, cos he lived to be 21, so I must have done something right!)
Anyway, rambling as usual, must be teatime ... love and light x
Lovely double block :)
ReplyDeleteAnd I love the heart applique! Thanks for linking up to Marjorie's tutorials I will have to have a go!
You're such an inspiration, Lynne!! I had a lightbulb moment a few weeks ago when I realised I don't need to make a whole quilt every time I try out a new block - I may just have a lot of cushion covers!! You make me want to really go for it in a big way!!
ReplyDeleteP.S. Your Hexagon Park pattern is amazing!!! I'm sewing the side sashing tonight and having a ball doing it!
Your cartoon flower is awesome!
ReplyDeleteI love the flower blocks. I have been doing some applique lately and am beginning to love the needle turning technique.
ReplyDeleteholy moly L. love these blocks...your one that looks like stain glass..over the top exciting..Beauty at its best!
ReplyDeleteYour hand hurts and you don't know why? Mmm, just a guess... too much sewing?
ReplyDelete