Tuesday, March 4, 2014

Quilting the Garden - Summer Cottage Progress

I wanted to share a bit more progress on the Quilting the Garden "Summer Cottage" block.

If you're just tuning in, you can see more of my "Quilting the Garden" by Blackbird Designs needle turn applique blocks here, here and here.

Also, if you're new to needle turn applique, please visit my "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial" on my blog header or sidebar.  Teardrops of Love is a multi-part needle turn applique tutorial - you'll learn about tools, prep, turning inside and outside points and much more!!

Here is where I left off last post:
Since then the fascia has been traced on freezer paper (Love that Chelsea Boutique fabric).
Cut out, marked with a Sew Line pencil and scored with a Hera Marker:
Layered over the house and roof -- aligning with the use of an overlay as shown below:
Basted:
And stitched!
Door, windows and window box fabric outlined:
Door attached and windows positioned:
Struggling with pin holes in the fabric?   Notice the holes in the circles below...
Just dab the pin hole with a bit of water (using a Q-tip or your finger) and rub gently while damp.
Let dry and taa-dah !   Pin holes are gone!
Chimney next (bottom of windows are raw to attach window boxes):
Window boxes next -- still not sure I like the way these look -- reserving judgement until the remainder of the block is done - what do you think ?
The final picture for tonight.  I am excited about making progress on this block - it's fun.
If you have any questions about the process, please leave me a comment or email me directly.  I would be happy to help if I can.

Linking up to a bunch of fun parties - check them out in my sidebar!
Have a good week all.

Hugs,
Karen

45 comments:

  1. Hi Karen,
    I just want to say that I just love reading your blog posts, I look forward to whenever you post because I know that I am going to see something great and/or learn something from your wonderful tutorials. I especially love the idea of using a hera marker to mark the fabric for an easier time of turning the applique piece. I am brand new to applique, have watched many tutorials, and, by far, your instruction has been the clearest. I have found a new love of applique and look forward to seeing more of your work.

    Thanks,
    Jodi Connors
    mtngurlquilts.blogspot.com
    mtnfamily2013@yahoo.com

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    1. Jodi -- thank you so much for your nice comments. I LOVE it when something I post helps someone else - it's what the blogging community is all about. I stopped by your blog earlier today and wanted to say "congratulations" on getting started. Your friendship star quilt is so pretty and you're making great progress getting acclimated to the blogging world. You made my day! Hugs, Karen

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  2. Golly, I'm enjoying this process. I've done only a little bit of needle turn and so love the way it looks. You're truly inspiring me. Thanks so much for the great pictures and directions.

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    1. You're very welcome PS -- Let me know when you're ready to get doing some more needle turn - I would love to help if I can. Hugs, Karen

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  3. Thanks for all the tips regarding applique. Love the cushion on the sidebar too.

    Ruth

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    1. Thank you Ruth -- I appreciate your stopping by. The cushion on the side bar is free to download. Let me know if you have any questions on it. Cheers ! Karen

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  4. How adorable Karen! I haven't quilted very much, and its been years, but your beautiful work really inspires me to begin again. Thank you for all the tips and tutorials on your blog. I will be sure to Bookmark it and visit often!

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    1. Thank you Cindy -- It makes my heart sing to see others get interested in needle turn or wool applique -- it's such fun. Thanks for continuing to share your beautiful artwork on your blog. Hugs, Karen

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  5. Oh my goodness Karen....seriously, your tutorials are the best!! And I love the window boxes!!!! I have this book......it's time to do something about it! Thanks for the inspiration....

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    1. Aw thanks Cathy -- you are so sweet ! I just love the Blackbird Designs books and patterns -- so interesting and scrappy. Would love to see anything your making and keeping an eye on the Ben Biggs applique. Hugs, Karen

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  6. Your house looks wonderful , love those window boxes !

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    1. Thank you Sheila -- they were fun -- maybe I need to add a little bit of embroidery stitching around them, kinda have some flowers hanging off the side of the boxes. Thanks again for stopping by. Karen

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  7. I had to check out your cardinals....my personal symbol for hope! Love your patterns and style. And your McTavishing on the Moda pattern is fabulous. Thanks for the encouragement.

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    1. Debbie -- the cardinal has special meaning to me as well -- isn't it wonderful how such a beautiful bird can represent so many wonderful things ? I had fun with Redbird and Berries (always trying to find a way to do some quilting ;) I hope you can give it a try. You're McTavishing practice is coming along nicely -- don't be too hard on yourself - it's beautiful!. Thanks for stopping by. Hugs, Karen

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  8. This is so lovely! I have only done raw edge applique, never the needle turned one, but you have me hooked now. Is it hard to do? My hand stitching is very much at beginner level, I can just about manage to attach binding with bling stitching. Your work is perfect!

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    1. EvaRose -- if you can do a blind stitch -- you can needle turn. Be sure to check out "Teardrops of Love" on my blog header and/or sidebar. This 4 part series goes into depth on the Needle Turn method I use. I would love to help you get started so let me know if you have any questions. Start small -- practice the teardrops following the tutorial. You can do it!! Karen

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  9. I agree with the othres, that was really useful explanation of layering and the turning process, its something I want to get round to, too.
    I love the little house, not least because its sideways-ish on and not simply flat, if that makes sense lol
    Like the window boxes idea but think Id probably have opted for more contrast colour roses.....or maybe embellished those with lighter pink bullions or something even, just to make them pop out from the beautifully muted shades, just a little more.
    I too really enjoy your blog, so glad I found you this GYB : )

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    1. Thanks Liniecat - I think I'll take your advice and add some embroidered/stitched roses into the mix, maybe draping them over the side of the boxes ? What do you think ? I thought everything looked a little too perfect - but I'll wait until after I add the 20 leaves and handful of flowers into the mix. I appreciate your feedback and your nice comments. Hugs, Karen

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  10. Love your house block and techniques to appliqué. I have appliquéd before but I am learning so much from your tutorials. I struggle with pin holes too and what a great tip to use Qtip with a little water. Especially love the window boxes and side windows. You are so talented. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Aw thank you Linda -- you are too sweet. Those stained glass windows were a gift from my friend / mentor Debbie. She is a fantastic stitcher and has an eye for fabric (lucky me). I'm so glad that the tutorial and tips are helping you -- makes it all worthwhile. Hugs, Karen

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  11. Nice block. I made this quilt several years ago and still just love the pattern. Also love the fabric, I still have a fat quarter bundle!

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    1. Heather -- did you blog about it after you made it ? I would love to see it. Your applique is always so beautiful! We're lucky to own such lovely fabric aren't we ? Hugs, Karen

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    1. Thanks Karen -- they kinda take the "plain" away -- I appreciate your feedback. Hugs, Karen

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  13. I just find your blog, your work is wonderful, I follow you now by email :)

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    1. Aw thanks Bea -- I'm glad you're enjoying the visit and so happy that you've decided to follow. Such fun -- hugs, Karen

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  14. The house is adorable and those window boxes rock. I'm trying hard to really master applique this year - needle turn especially and find your tips, tutorials and pictures a great source of information. I enjoy your posts and love the pictures. Your projects are a true inspiration. Thank You - Karen

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    1. Thank you Karen -- its' so very sweet of you to stop by and comment. I hope you have a chance to review the "Teardrops of Love" tutorial. Lots of fun tips in there. Please let me know if I can help in your mission at all this year -- I love sharing Needle Turn... hugs, Karen

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  15. This is so lovely! Thank You for sharing.
    My best,
    Gosia

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    1. Thank you Gosia - it's sweet of you to stop by. And congrats on that beautiful sack you made -- the detail is just spectacular. Karen

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  16. Great tutorial and such a cute block!

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    1. Thanks Lori -- appreciate you stopping by -- and those quilts you posted today -- WOW -- I want to retire so I can make more. Have a great run this weekend. Karen

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  17. Oh Karen I am in love with your cottage I would just love to live in that little house! I have yet another question when you use the herra marker what do you typically have the fabric on top of? (ie cutting mat, hard surface, sandpaper board?) just curious if one type of surface is better than another? Love your work and your work in progress literally so much fun to see how different shapes work out! Thanks again for everything!

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    1. Hi Nicole - I usually use my hera marker right after I mark the piece and while it is still on the sandboard - But I think any hard surface would work fine. Thanks for your nice comments -- I love this cottage too - it is sweet -- Thanks for stopping by AND commenting... : ) Karen

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  18. What a great block, I love it! The fabrics are charming and I love you tip for pin holes too, I'll have to give that a try.

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    1. Hi Esther -- thanks so much for stopping by - I really appreciate your feedback and I'll be anxious to hear how the water works out for you. Have a wonderful week and as always, thanks for inspiring us with your beautiful work! Karen

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  19. I love your tutorials-as I have not tried this yet-thanks so much

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    1. Hi Kathy -- oh I would love for you to give Needle Turn a try -- you let me know if you decide to and be sure to reach out if I can help at all. Thanks for stopping by. Karen

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  20. This is such a cute block...those little curtains in the front...lol love 'em !

    Karen I answered about my red and green block on my blog but came over to answer here as well to make life easier for you : )

    Karen it’s from “Quilts in Red and Green and the Women Who Made Them” by Nancy Hornback and Terry Clothier Thompson…they have adapted patterns in the book for some of the quilts shown, and there is enough in there, template / pattern wise that a person could adapt them or make up their own going forward. I like it because of the history stories and photos in addition to the patterns.

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    1. Hi Deb -- thanks so much for jumping over here to reply. I just love that quilt block and thrilled to know where it came from. Thanks for your nice comments on the Cottage -- those curtains were fun!

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  21. What a cute project! The fabrics are so lovely together!
    Esther
    esthersipatchandquilt at yahoo dot com

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  22. I am trying to get back into machine applique, so thanks for the inspiration! I found you on Freshly Pieced Linky!
    Cheri
    www.fabricandmemories.blogspot.com

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