Wednesday, February 5, 2014

Work in Progress Wednesday

Hello dear friends -- this week brings with it a few items that need to be finished in short order.  I hope you enjoy the journey with me while I share some Work in Progress.

* The Redbird and Berries Giveaway is open until Feb 15th  -- click here to enter *

I'm still humbled by the positive feedback on the Redbird and Berries Mini Quilt.  Not only on my blog but also on the Moda Bake Shop post -- thank you all so much.  I tried my best to keep up with replies on the comments but a few things got in the way -- Soo many of you were "No-Reply" Bloggers and did not provide your email address in your comment :(   Please, please, if you've never checked, be sure to check to see if you are a "No-Reply" blogger.  Click here to see one of the many great tutorials for "No Reply" blogger syndrome.  Thanks again for all of your fantastic feedback !!

On with the Work in Progress....

I'm working on completing a pair of wool appliqued, envelope backed, quilted pillows.  The last two nights I finished the pebble quilting on them.  I still debating on doing an outline or stem stitch around the wool pieces using Pearl cotton - not sure - what do you think ?
I had a blast quilting these pieces -- they were small and manageable.   I do, however, need to design a new quilting foot that works well with wool applique with a 1/4 inch (or more) rise on it.  Does anyone have any input or suggestions for this ?   Hoping to turn this project into my first pattern and share on Craftsy - very exciting!!
Next up -- I'm nearly done with the applique on "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial".  Sorry about all the wrinkles...  I haven't pressed it yet   :(
I think it needs a few more hearts appliqued before it's done.  That won't take long.  I just LOVE the French General charm pack that I used - have I mentioned that I'm addicted to birds ?
One thing I realized while stitching this piece is that with every new needle turn piece I learn something new or just feel more comfortable - this is why with needle turn applique as well as Free Motion quilting "practice, practice, practice" is always the motto...
 I had fun doing some fussy cutting of the fabric for these teardrops.
Once I get Teardrops of Love quilted I'll finish up the tutorial and post Part 5 - Wrapup.  At that point maybe starting an advanced Needle Turn Tutorial would be in order ?  What do you think  - more on layering, large pieces, etc ?

Finally...  Redbird and Berries in Wool is ready to be layered, basted and quilted...
This piece (above) looks a little wonky because I originally made bias (cotton) stems and machine appliqued them onto the background.  I did NOT like them but rather than ripping them out I decided to stitch the wool stems on top of the cotton stems.  I hope this does not come back to haunt me when I start quilting.  Keep your fingers crossed.
I used a hand blanket stitch on the wool Redbird using Valdani 12 Wt Cotton thread, an overhand or whip stitch on the wool stems with DMC Cotton and, to finish the berries, I put a stitch or two in the center of them and left the edges raw to add dimension.   What do you think ?
Amongst other ongoing projects like Benjamin Biggs Wedding Quilt and Quilting the Garden BOM, the "to-do" list includes writing a post for layering of the cotton Redbird (mask and beak) -- I haven't forgotten ;)  

One other thing I wanted to share -- for those of you that LOVE applique, please stop by and visit my friend Wilma from the Netherlands -- she blogs here at Quilting Willempje.  Her most recent post shows the lovely handwork she has done on Esther Aliu's Love Entwined 1790 Marriage Coverlet.  You have to see this -- oh it makes my heart skip a beat - just beautiful!! 

Lastly, here in the Northeast, we had a foot of snowfall overnight.  This is a view out to the barnyard.
I'm thankful that I can work from home most days -- no trekking into Campus for me (thank heavens).

Happy hump day all!
Hugs,
Karen

36 comments:

  1. I really like your pattern and mini quilt of Tear drops of love Karen. Is it for some one special. Cheers Glenda

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    1. Hi Glenda - thanks for your kind words... I was inspired to sew Teardrops of Love after seeing random teardrops stitched with a punch needle method. The design was expanded to include the hearts because I thought they would be a great way to practice inside and outside points for needle turn applique. So I guess it wasn't made special for anyone -- just as a method to practice your needle turn. Hope all is well with you and thanks for stopping by. Cheers! Karen

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  2. All of your projects are lovely. I think I could do without all of that snow though!

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    1. Hi Karyn -- thanks so much - they are fun!! The snow is deeper here than it has been in years... great for sledding, hope we see the grandkids this weekend. Take care now...

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  3. I just love the pebbling you did on the wool piece

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    1. Thank you Marjorie - each time I quilt them I learn more and more. I was hoping for texture and I wasn't let down this time. Fun fun!!

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  4. Teardrops of love is beautiful. I am always slightly nervous about sewing anything with a curved edge.

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    1. HI Kay -- thanks for stopping by. I would LOVE for you to try the needle turn tutorial and let me know if rounding your curves is any easier. I just love to do the teardrops - the smile gets larger with each new curve. Appreciate your feedback -- take care.

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  5. I was just at Wilma's blog the other day..I had to click on your link to be sure it was the same and yes ...I think that I found her blog on the Super Goof quilts blog or one related to it. Those Love Entwined quilts that I see are amazing! :)

    Love these Wool pillows that you are working on / so pretty

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    1. Hi Deb -- I agree - those Love Entwined quilts are absolutely heavenly aren't they ? Wow -- talk about patience and skill -- these ladies have it. Thanks for the nice comments on the Wool pillows -- I always enjoy wool applique - very rewarding as it works up so quickly. Take care now and stay warm down there is the snow/ice zone.

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  6. I discovered your blog through Quilting Gallery's Blog Hop Party and have been following by email. Your tutorials on needle turn applique are wonderful and I will be recommending them to my friends who want to learn this technique. Thank you for sharing!

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    1. Hi Karen -- thanks so much for the positive feedback on the tutorial. I really enjoy sharing with everyone and am always thrilled when it helps others learn to love applique. I stopped by your blog earlier and was WOW'd with your projects and posts. Appreciate everything your share and inspiring us to try new methods. Take care...

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  7. Your work is extraordinary ! I love your designs and color sense. The bird and berries just sings to me. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Awe thank you Jacqueline. Be sure you enter in the giveaway on the previous post and thanks so much for stopping by and for your kind words.

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  8. Ll your projects look great. I love the look of that pebble quilting, I must give that a try!

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    1. Thank you Heather and congratulations on your Love Entwined quilt! Your top is absolutely beautiful!! Can't wait to see where you try these pebbles... I'll keep an eye out. Take care.

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  9. Lovely projects and you tiny pebbles are fab!

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    1. Thank you Yvonne -- it would look cute surrounding that beautiful heart pillow you made !! Ya think ? Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words... Karen

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  11. I totally love pebble quilting! great job!

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    1. Hi Jayne -- Thanks for your kind words. I can see a few of your mini quilts with pebble lines in them can't you ? They are sew much fun!! Appreciate you stopping by.

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  12. The Teardrops of Love is lovely -- only had 10" of the white stuff here?

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    1. Hi Mary -- we couldn't believe how much snow we rec'd. I went out to feed the birds and realized I needed a different set of boots on!! It is nice to have the ground covered though. Now they are saying we may get more snow this weekend ?? Fun, Fun... I appreciate your feedback on Teardrops of Love. Thanks for stopping by.

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  13. I just found you while I was at Pretty Bobbins. After I picked my jaw up off the floor from looking at your quilting I took a look at the rest of you're gorgeous work. Cardinals are so beautiful and your applique cardinal is stunning.

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    1. Hi A -- Oh thank you so much for your kind words -- I really appreciate your stopping by. Cardinals are my very favorite and I'm dreaming up more patterns for them -- hope you can stop by again later. So sweet of you to comment. Love Pretty Bobbins blog!!

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  14. I love seeing what you are working on- beautiful!! I don't understand this: need to design a new quilting foot that works well with wool applique with a 1/4 rise.
    I would give you input but haven't a clue what it means! :)

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  15. I love both versions of the cardinals--so striking! I keep thinking I am going to start Benjamin Biggs but I've only downloaded the patterns so far.

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  16. I always love to see what you've got going on. LOVE the Teardrops of Love Karen. French General fabrics are so beautiful!

    Thanks so much for sharing at Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  17. I just love what you are doing on the pillows! And it makes me think that I might try working on pillows as a way of practicing FMQ. Thanks for the idea.

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  18. I love the pebbling with the flowers. Can 't wait to see how you quilt the teardrops.

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  19. Absolutely LOVE your applique... I wish I had the time for this... you do it all so beautifully!

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  20. Hi Karen I saw your comment on Forever Decorating and just had to see who it was that had such a cute blog name! Your projects are great. I'm a quilter but never worked with wool. Your cardinal and berries is beautiful!

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  21. Teardrops of Love, what a lovely an idea : )

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