Slowly appliqueing and making puffy grapes...

This month my applique is progressing slowly.

Luckily this month's CCCQ block was relatively fast to make.

Block 21 Mary Trayner.

I decided I wanted my block a little more symmetrical than the original, so I made a mirror image using just one half of the block.

In my last post I included photos of 2 Noah and Matilda blocks where I hadn't completed the embroidery embellishment.

The original block had 2 rows of satin stitch around each element. I decided to just embroider around the 4 plain red pieces.

I used 1 strand of DMC embroidery floss.

Next is the grape block.

Again, I used one strand of DMC floss.

To make the grapes I used Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles.

They're tiny!

Cutting out the circles, leaving an small seam allowance extra.

The extra fabric helped to puff up the grapes.

I also put a tiny circle of cotton batting into each grape to puff them up further.

Puffy grapes!

Last night I began stitching the first block for this month's set. Hopefully I can finish all 4 before the end of the month. Wish me luck!

Noah and Matilda so far.

Since the beginning of this year I have made 4 blocks each month for the Noah and Matilda Album Quilt.

Here are my 16 blocks.

Below are the 4 April blocks.

However, 2 of them are not quite finished.

I started a row of back stitch around the leaves on the green grapes block. I'm not entirely happy with it, so I have taken it out and will start again.  (btw, I did stuff my grapes!)

This floral wreath block will have 2 rows of satin stitches to outline each motif.

Back to stitching! :)

Piecing, plenty of applique (with some tips) and AQC

The last couple of weeks have been quite busy here, so not very much sewing has been happening. Above is my latest finished Jane Pizar block. These blocks are fun to make; especially choosing all the fabrics. JP blocks finish at 9 inches and are all hand pieced or appliqued.

I have made a good start on this month's Noah and Matilda blocks. The first is finished.

The next block I am working on has 30 something berries that will be less than 1/2 inch in diameter. To stuff or not to stuff.....that is the question!! Lol

My first completed block every month is always the Chester Criswell block.

This month it is block 20, Margaretta Harris's block.

This is how I prepared this block.  I started by tracing 1/4 of the block onto freezer paper, then folding the FP in 4 and stapling the 4 layers together to keep them from slipping as I cut the shapes out.

I only partially cut along each channel.

Next I ironed the fp onto the fabric

and traced along all the stitching lines.

Next I joined all the lines and basted around each ring of fabric that would be staying.

Before stitching I cut out the centre, leaving a seam allowance to turn under. Each channel was then carefully cut in turn, starting at the innermost channel, before it was stitched.

For the outermost channel I pinned the tip of each curve to keep it in place while I stitched.

And finished!!!

Last week Melbourne hosted the 10th annual Australasian Quilt Convention.

The quilt which won the National Best of Australia award was made by Janet Treen (Quiltsalott blog). Photos of the quilt on Janet's blog here.

I bought one pattern..

The pattern is based on a small section of the Rajah Quilt which is held in the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra.

I purchased a few smaller pieces of fabric, mainly for Jane Pizar.

Wishing everyone a Happy and Blessed Easter.

Next Noah and Matilda Block

Finally I have the 4th March Noah and Matilda block completed.

I made it a little differently to the pattern.

A fussy cut pansy between




two broderie perse flowers

and a sweet little bird!

Now on to April's blocks.

Have a great weekend everyone. :)

Noah and Matilda block and one more Jane Pizar block

Well, I have been trying to keep up with my Noah and Matilda blocks, but there have been some other (quilting) distractions this month! Lol
So, on the final day of March I have 3 blocks completed....

I've saved the best block for last! :)  Today I chose the  fabrics and started preparing the pieces. I will be doing some broderie perse on this block.

Jane Pizar continues be be a joy to work on. Here is my next block.

These blocks will be 9 inches finished. I love the chance to fussy cut and incorporate many fabrics.



Joyful stitching everyone!

A Busy week...

Last weekend I was lucky enough to attend a 2 day workshop with Margaret Sampson George at Linda's
Last June Linda a held a similar weekend with Marg and I started Jane Pizar. This year Marg brought with her lots more ideas for new quilts, but wanted to continue on with Jane Pizar. Marg has drafted some patterns for the surrounding blocks and I made a start.

Instead of piecing all the elements in the centre of the circle, I just pieced the star and appliqued it to the background. I also appliqued the narrow brown print circle.
Jane Pizar has a huge variety of fabrics and this block contains fabrics as different as one from Bonnie and Camille's latest collection April Showers and a small piece from the Clarissa White Alford Collection for the Shelburne Museum by RJR.

Last night I made a start piecing my 2nd block.

I bought these 2 packs of hexies as inspiration for me to make one of Mrag's other quilts, one day.

More photos from the weekend here and  here.

 

This week I also made a little pin cushion for my sister. I used Liberty fabrics.

I found the free pattern here.




Today I went back to Linda's with about 25 other ladies to look at antique quilts and blocks....and some quilts and blocks inspired by antique quilts. Sharon and I both brought our CCCQ blocks and we spread them all out together.

My blocks on the right and Sharon's on the left.



And from the other end of the table...Sharon's blocks on the right and mine on the left..

 Now for a little bit of nature.

Alpacas at Linda's.

Notice the little baby black alpaca bottom centre! :)

Birdlife on a walk near home..

A lovely walk along Balnarring beach on Monday. You might be able to just see Phillip Island on the horizon.

 Lastly, something from my garden.

Have a great weekend everyone! :)

A little note to say thank you to everyone who left a comment on my last post. Much appreciated!! :)
I tried to reply to everyone. Thank you Sally and Tina; I couldn't reply directly to you because you are "no reply-commenters".

Mountmellic block 1 finished.

This year Quiltmania magazine is publishing a Mystery Quilt, designed by Di Ford, called Mountmellic. 

I have completed the centre medallion using all French General fabrics.