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Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Building Houses - With Needle and Thread

Last week we met for the monthly "Quilting the Garden" applique along hosted by our sweet friend Debbie Wick, and with two other special ladies -- my sister Janet and friend Bonnie.

We meet monthly to drool over Debbie's completed Quilting the Garden Quilt (a design and book by Blackbird Designs) and plan out the fabric and stitching for our own blocks. 

Our versions of Quilting the Garden are being completed with various methods of Needle Turn Applique.    Bonnie uses a back basting method, Janet uses freezer paper templates attached while stitching, and I use a freezer paper marking method. 

If you're interested in learning my method of Needle Turn Applique check out "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial" on my blog by clicking here.
Back to Quilting the Garden -- Janet, Bonnie and I have nearly completed our house blocks so I wanted to share them.

First is Debbie's House block from her completed quilt.  Isn't it beautiful?  Debbie always adorns her blocks with the sweetest embroidery.  Check out the flower box flowers and the sign on the door -- sweet! 

Debbie's quilt recently won 2nd place in the Large Bed Quilts Category at the Sauder Village Quilt Show in Archbold, OH!  Congratulations Debbie!!
Debbie's Completed House Block
Next up is my block -- it's almost done.  I need to finish up the upper flower box and the special window on the front door.   That beautiful pin-stripe background was gifted to me from Debbie - it was her last piece of fabric of this type - really pretty!  Thank you Debbie...
Karen's House Block
Next up is Janet's House Block -- I just LOVE the pink flowers and the paisley eaves on the roof!  Janet has yet to finish up her flower boxes and embroidery but the block is beautiful!  I love how the blue door and blue leaves draw out the blue paisley....
Janet's House Block
Finally there is Bonnie's House Block - I love the background fabric on Bonnie's block - isn't it beautiful?  Combine it with the delicate pinks and blues she used and it all comes together perfectly!!  It's just really pretty isn't it ?
Bonnie's House Block
Check out the embroidery on Bonnie's flower boxes -- SWEET!!   We won't mention who stitched these flowers boxes but I can say it wasn't me (or Bonnie or Janet)!!
If you're interested, you can see the house block being constructed (with some tutorials and other block progress) by clicking here and here.
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Have a wonderful day and thanks for stopping by!

Hugs,
Karen
PS - Linking up to some great WIP/Fabric linky parties -- check them out on my sidebar to see tons of beautiful and inspirational work!

16 comments:

  1. I ordered a Blackbird design book the other day with houses but i think it is different than this one / didn't realize they had houses in several books! :) These are adorable. I am pretty sure when that book comes that i'll be way over my head but I've not banged my head against the wall for awhile now so I am sure it's due! :)

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  2. Lovely blocks! How nice to plan and sew with friends too!

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  3. The House blocks are so pretty, Karen! Very beautiful works!
    Hugs

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  4. Those house blocks are gorgeous.

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  5. I made this quilt several years ago and it is on my bed to look at everyday. I still love it!

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  6. lovely houses and how good to have friends to sit and work with on these quilts

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  7. Congratulations Debbie!!
    These blocks are just fantastic and love your fabric combo!

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  8. Oh, that was such fun looking at the various blocks and seeing all the details. Thanks for sharing, Karen. You're lucky to have so many applique enthusiasts nearby.

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  9. They all three are lovely! The fabric so elegant.

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  10. It is lovely to see everyone's houses! I will definitely need to pull out my book ONE day and make this quilt. It is so fun working on a quilt with friends like you are doing here.

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  11. YES!!!! This is going to work, Karen!!!! Yippee.... I love those house blocks!!!!

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  12. Hi Karen! It was a good idea to show the different versions of the house block. They're all beautiful. I just love looking at houses appliqués. :-)

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  13. Oooh, they are all gorgeous. You ladies are very inspirational.

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