First Boutis Project Finished

This afternoon I finished my first Boutis project. This piece is only about 16 cm (just over 6 inches) square.

Here it is with the light behind it so you can see the pattern.

I learnt a lot making this little piece, so I hope my next boutis project will be much better.

Its the last day of 2012 here and I have been thinking about what I will be making in 2013. Of course I still have Roseville Album and Friends of Baltimore which I am looking forward to getting back to. There are the 2 Blogger's BOM quilts which I plan to finish soon as well as a top I have ready to baste. I want to get better at machine quilting so I have some tops for that purpose. I am sure there will be some new projects that I will start too! :)

My main challenge for the beginning of 2013 will involve these:

I had a short lesson on sock knitting with circular needles earlier this year. I have never made a pair of socks before so 2013 will be my year to give it a go. Wish me luck!!

Happy New Year to everyone!!

Thank you for reading my blog, becoming a follower and leaving comments.  Thank you for your friendship, inspiration and encouragement.

May 2013 bring joy, good health and prosperity for all. :)

Next Criswell Quilt block, More Boutis and a win

I have finished Block 4 (Nancy Smith's block) of the Chester Country Criswell Quilt.

Here are a few progress photos...

..and a bit closer..

I have had a bit of a play with some different threads for my little boutis project.

First I tried DMC Perle 5, then a 4ply and an 8 ply cotton/acrylic mix and lastly a worsted cotton thread made in USA which was marked 4 ply, but would be equivalent to approximately a 12 ply.

In the photo above I have placed each thread next to the leaves I stuffed. The centre circle and the bottom left leaf are stuffed using the Perle 5. That thread was much too fine and gave no "puffiness" to the shapes. The leaf on the top right has 4 ply. It looks better than the Perle 5, but still not puffy enough. The top right leaves have 8 ply. I think they look much better!  Lastly the bottom left leaves are stuffed using Lily Sugar and Cream; a thread made in USA. I found a shop in Queensland that stocks this yarn. These leaves are really puffy!  The fabric I am using hasn't got a loose weave so the bulk in the eye of the needle made is more difficult to pull the threads through with this yarn.
Thank you to Heather who has given me lots of hints!!:)

Recently I entered an Aurifil thread giveaway on Kelly's blog. I was one of the lucky winners!

The pink and orange are perfect for that fabric from my stash!!   Thank you Kelly!

I'm still working on a couple of those "secret sewing" projects. :)

Lastly photos from the garden.

Our Kiwi fruit plant is covered in flowers at the moment. The flowers have a perfume that seems to get stronger after dark.

Have a great week!

Back to hand stitching

Over the last week I have been able to get back to some hand work.

I have now finished the 2nd branch on panel 2 of Trailing Vines.

I have been making very slow progress! I do love working on this quilt every time I get it out.

I have the leaves prepared for 2 more branches, so I hope to get plenty more done soon.

In a previous post I showed a picture of a book on Boutis I bought while we were in France. I have done a little more reading and  decided to be  a little less ambitious about my first project!
Here is the beginning of my stitching. This piece is a little over 6 inches (15 cm) square.

And a closer look...

The main difference between boutis and trapunto is that there is no batting between the 2 layers of fabric.

The design is stitched through the 2 layers of fabric, then the shapes are stuffed in a similar manner to trapunto by hand.
When you hold a piece of boutis up to the light you can see clearly though the fabric where there is no stuffing.
I am almost up to the point of stuffing the shapes.

The rest of my current sewing projects are "secret sewing"!

Here are my fabrics for one new project.

Many of them from here.

Last week I spent a wonderful day at Linda's with Bev, Dorothy and several other ladies farewelling Randi who was going back home to Norway.
We had a lovely day of chatting, laughter, sharing great food and seeing lots of quilts; some newer and some antique. Thank you for a great day Linda, Bev and ladies!

My thoughts are with those who have been through the fury of hurricane Sandy and other weather extremes. I hope you are all safe and well.

A few photos from my garden....

Rose Just joey, fuchsia Heidi Ann and 2 miniature roses.

This is sunrise yesterday morning from our front yard.

Have a great week everyone! :)