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Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Work in Progress -- and Lots of It !

Hi all -- it's another Work in Progress day here at home -- I'm looking around and seeing all sorts of things that are "In Progress" - some have higher priorities than others (don't we all know that!).

** See a Family Tree Giveaway through November 11th here.

My Quilting the Garden blocks are moving along -- albeit a bit slowly.

You can read/see more about my long awaited Quilting the Garden journey here.

I just LOVE this quilt -- my friend Debbie has it done and it's a knock out finish -- absolutely stunning!  She is guiding a few of us through the process now - I'm so thrilled to finally be making it! 
Quilting the Garden -- Winter Bloom
In the last week I managed to get the holly pieces on the Winter Bloom block.
Progress -- added holly!
More holly

I promise to share more about Needle Turn Applique this month -- stay tuned for some tips and process.

I also started the 2nd Quilting the Garden block - Autumn's Hurrah (Block 8 in the book).  It uses the same vase as Winter's Bloom -- so when I prepared Winter Bloom I made the vase from template plastic to reuse it. 

I start the block by placing and basting the vase down.  Then I make a clear plastic overlay and with a dry erase pen I  mark all the stem locations on the overlay - this helps me place the vines and get them tucked under the top of the vase as necessary before I do my sewing.  

Quilting the Garden - Autumn's Hurrah - In Progress
There are more than 70! - Yes 70! stems in the 9 Quilting the Garden blocks -- I decided to incorporate some efficiency techniques this weekend and made a bunch of bias tape stems -- I bet I have 25 or more of varying fabric ready to go !  Yippee!

I'm a firm believer in basting things down -- sometimes (when I'm feeling lazy) I use applique pins to baste - but on large pieces or LONG pieces the pins really detract from my getting in the stitchin' groove!!   Nothing I dislike more than stopping to get my threads untangled from a pin head.  So, I take the time and baste.
Marked and basted for needle turn
I also avoid glue (if I can).... some would glue baste their pieces down... it's certainly an option.
All stitched - now to remove the basting threads
Here is an image of both blocks as they stand now -- Winter Bloom is still missing some stars ( and a bird I would say -- wouldn't you ?)

I also have my Winter Apple applique -- still in need of quilting the applique (and picking the back out :(

I've also got this little gem to work on -- a mock-up design for something I will share with you in the future...

Coming soon!
Thanks for stopping by today!

Linking up to some sweet parties -- check them out on my sidebar and be sure to stop over and see all the eye candy - beautiful stuff out there !

Hugs,
Karen

17 comments:

  1. Wow. This block is beautiful.

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  2. Stunningly beautiful block!!! Thanks for your tutorial - I really need to buckle down and try this.

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  3. It is so neat seeng this project grow! It is going to be so lovely!!

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  4. Really neat and beautiful! I look forward to hearing more about the needle turn applique.

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  5. Just beautiful, lovely fabrics.

    Cheers Pauline

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  6. Love this pattern - is it blackbird designs? Your fabric choices are great too!

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  7. How pretty! You are using my favorite quilt colors here. Looking forward to seeing it all finished.

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  8. Your applique is so elegant and neat. Sigh.

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  9. That block looks awesome! I appreciate you stopping by - I always love hearing from you.

    Hugs.

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  10. What a beautiful vase and flower applique block. It is gorgeous!

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  11. this is a really beautiful block Karen! Something about the holly leaves and berries looks very delicate.

    Thank you so much for sharing at Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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  12. Hi, Karen - how nice to see your Quilting the Garden work at BOMs Away. :) These blocks are really lovely - I always appreciate the effort of needle-turned applique. It's so elegant and finished, don't you think? Love your fabrics,

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  13. Simply stunning! Your work is so admirable!

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  14. Wow....such a gorgeous block. Your work is excellent!

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  15. Thanks so much for sharing your process, it's a beautiful quilt in progress and you are obviously talented! Thanks for linking up :)

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