My Love to Hand Applique

I never thought I would be sewing in the summer, especially machine sewing. However, if you are like me, I am wondering if all these hot flushes are due to the temperature or is it just me? Last summer I enjoyed both the weather and the outdoors atmosphere while I passionately stitched my different hand projects, however, recent temperatures have been in the three digits! I am not complaining as I would sooner be comfortably sewing in my air conditioned home than pulling weeds anyway!

Well, I never thought I would see the day, but would you believe the weather yesterday was even too hot for my DH, so I did not feel "guilty" when I resumed sewing my scrappy blocks for my Sister's Star project. I also sewed another block for the terrific Summer Star Quilt Along. What fun doing these free online quilt alongs! Bradie Sparrow who generously writes up the Summer Star tutorials is excellent in her photos and instructions! Thank you kindly Bradie. Yahoo!

2009 was a terrific year for renewing my love for hand work in completing my favorite project, A Tisket A Tasket quilt. Who couldn`t help but LOVE the wonderful patterns offered generously by Anne Sutton from Bunny Hill Designs. What a terrific and talented quilter and person! And I also love Anne`s blogs!

I always admire subjects other bloggers choose and today was quite a chore for me. However, I decided to post my latest hand applique block, my sixth block for the Flickr 2010 Tea and Coffee Related Quilt Along group. In designing my block, I had an idea to add a bird to this block as I did my first and second blocks, however I will have to think on this one. Because I enjoy adding embellishments to my work, this block is intended to be a wall hanging quilt. I plan to make four different season groupings, so please check back and I may have some further ideas in progress. My mind is always meditating different plans. In the meantime, I just enjoy the mood my sewing creates! I certainly find I am more productive behind my sewing machine or needle than my TV set. I also used to be an avid golfer, but I cannot imagine how distressing I would find this heat! Perhaps I am just getting too old!!!

Have a nice day everyone!

May's Teapot Block

It didn't take me long to once again relax and enjoy hand stitching this block for 2010 Tea and Coffee Related Quilt Along.

I had lucked upon a great treasure at a garage sale a few years ago, and just couldn't resist this ladies beautiful items, including an adorable teapot. The teapot shaped like a watering can was my source of inspiration for my May tea block, however I wanted the flowers IN the pot instead of ON the pot. Once I made the first flower, I allowed my creative juices to 'grow' the others blossoms! Alas, I still want to embroider more stems but I will add these in a bit.

I used three different techniques in creating my bouquet. The large middle flower is actually my version of petal play as I fused both sides of the petal pieces. The three pink flowers and the blue centre for the middle flower are yoyo flowers. The three dimensional effect is lost in taking the photo as it looks more 'real' in real life. I hope you enjoy my design.

Take care.

(c:

QUOTE:

Count your garden by the flowers,
Never by the leaves that fall.
Count your days by garden hours,
Don't remember clouds at all.
Count your nights by stars, not shadows.
Count your years with smiles, not tears.
Count your blessing, not your troubles.
Count your age by friends, not by years.

The bunny teapot is my own 'goofy' design...sort of surprised me when this idea 'hopped' into my head.
(C:
(...sorry for over exposed photo; if you click photo, photos will display larger).

The top cross stitch is a mystery stitch along I started in 2008. This mystery project was Pam Kellogg's design, and I am very excited as I am almost finished this project. I substituted the butterflies for the honey bee and ladybug in Pam's original pattern, as I have a very sentimental and symbolic LOVE of butterflies and wanted to convey this in my stitching.

Have a wonderul weekend everyone.
(C:

QUOTE:

“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you”

Tea Block

2010 TEA and COFFEE QUILT ALONG BLOCK NUMBER 2!

I promised myself one of my resolutions for the New Year was to 'simplify' my life style. Is it working? I still see myself signing up for classes, volunteering for another club, starting new projects, and scurrying around town always looking for more to purchase. I never seem to have enough, however I seem to thrive on keeping busy.

Then the weather changes. A snow storm bombards our city and the roads became treacherous. I had planned to walk to the mall, however it would have been difficult straddling those ruts. Oh goodie, I said to myself as I spread out my project on the kitchen table, grabbed a cup of coffee, and settled comfortably into my chair. I stitch! My husband was reading the newspaper and seemed to be content. I wanted to see how much I could accomplish with my new block.

I was rather excited about the design. I used a teapot pattern from Kay Mckenzie's book "Teapots 2 to Appliqué", then designed embroidered flowers in the teapot. A little bird is hand appliqued above the bouquet, hopefully conveying 'JOY' as it helped me stitch the flowers.

I had contemplated my venturing to the LQS, however decided I had too many projects in progress, therefore planned to remain comfortable in my home. I wanted to complete this block and then I would not feel so guilty if I started another project, or would I? I haven't even thouight about the "Beaded Journal Project" I had signed up for in the fall of 2009! Gerry already has several lovely birds all beaded. I will be checking her site shortly; I really love her blog and find her work SEW inspiring and 'bead' dazzled...this is my new word for my new venture, beading!

I smiled to myself and felt so good doing my favorite thing! Besides my husband decided to stay home to watch his favorite sport on television, curling playoffs. A team from our city is competing against the Kevin Martin team for the upcoming Olympics.

I love when my husband and I can spend a day together! He has the greatest ideas for snacks...hmmm, I thought I was going to start my diet today! Both of us are retired but it is amazing how busy we both always seem to be. I am honored he decides to stay home as he has an attitude that we should both be able to do as we please now that we are retired. I have tons of hobbies which I can do. His hobby usually takes him outside as he prefers outdoor exercise and loves to walk. Goodie, I say to myself, the free time he leaves me with provides a wonderful opportunity to pull out my sewing. Who wants to do housework anyways?

I listen to the wind howling outside...in fact this howling woke me up...and it is only 5:30 in the morning. We slept in! Oh goodie, Block number two is done, now what to do next? Isn't life grand...LG as my husband would say!

Have a wonderful day everyone!
...hugs,
Cheryl

BUNNY HILL'S Jumping for JOY "SNOWBOUND " Project

Anne Sutton from Bunny Hill Designs has done it again! She is offering another year of fun and free patterns! Not only does Anne design wonderful quilts, she runs a business, and composes a fabulous blog! What a doll she is! If you are ready to be inspired in 2010, please check some of Anne's posts!

I had so much fun stitching the "A Tisket a Tasket" BOM in 2009 and was thinking I was going to be enduring applique withdrawl in 2010 , but Anne generously is offering FREE patterns again. And the blocks are entitled "Snowbound"...and who does not like snowmen? Well I think Anne will feature more than this one snowman (or snow 'lady') in her BOM project, don't you?

I had purchased approximately six pieces of snow related fabrics on SALE, and have decided I had better use for this fabric ASAP, as my stash need NOT grow any more. The price was right at 65% discount. And the weather has been frightful here with frigid, record-breaking temperatures...perfect for my diving right in and completing my first block. After experiencing some disappointment in adding the sashing and border to my TAT blocks, I was intending on taking a break from these blocks, but I am addicted especially to the hand applique sttiching. I find this most relaxing and therapeutic...also because my sewing machine is too antiquated and does not have a blanket stich option.

I feel this block is very different from my previous blocks as I chose a dark fabric as I just could not see myself stitching a snowman on the lighter backgrounds...here she is. Guess it is difficut to determine the sex of snowflakes, but the pink heart buttons are rather are giveaway, don't you think? And I have learned how to line my lighter pieces in this block, therefore the snow lady is warm and cozy with her doubly lined coat. But then who has ever heard of a snow person getting cold?

I think I am going to have a riot doing this quilt! As once I post my photo on Flickr, one tends automatically meets many fun and talented quilters. And what happens when a bunch of snowflakes stick together? One gets snow people of course....SEW if you like snowman and sewing, please come join the fun!

My First Block for 2010 Tea and Coffee Quilt Along

I forgot to add the button before taking this picture without button. Yes, I designed this...even did the writing. It was't that easy to do everything with needle turn applique, but I really started enjoying it after my 'mystery' quilt I sewed New Year's Day was finished. I first intended a bird to be sitting on top of the gift teapot, with the bird tying the ribbon, but when I enlarged my original pattern for the teapot, I also enlarged the bow, and did not leave enough room for the bird...of course I had to rip and make new smaller bow. My husband liked the 'Christmas' bird, so I chose a dove to fly instead of sit on the package..(C:....but then there was not enough room above the teapot but I added the 'peace' writing. Now I have found a theme for my blocks as each month will have a different 'theme'...guess what the theme for February will be? January's block is a surprise...still need to be inpsired but ideas are starting. I have lots of ideas for 'summer' blocks so may do summer block next, but then who knows how many times I may change my mind.

Merry Christmas December block finished...now for the quilt!

Oh Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs, I am so happy to have found you back in March, 2009! I really feel sad to see this wonderful project come to an end and am almost in tears as I view your December block. With tears of sadness, yet of excitement, I wish to extend my sincere thank you, Anne for your fun designs provided to us so faithfully and generously this past year. As I expressed before, my participation in stitching these blocks forced me to discover the wonderful experience of hand applique! I have enjoyed your designs immensely, rewarding both mentally and therapeutically. I especially enjoyed sharing my last nine months with all the other talented and friendly members in your Flickr group... Flickr now seems to be just part of my daily survival mode as making these blocks has been the highlight of 2009 for me. Meeting all these wonderful and talented members who share their comments and ideas has introduced friendships which I hope will last my lifetime. Words seem inadequate to express my sincere appreciation for all the time and effort you have faithfully devoted to this project. Thank you for providing such a life enriching experience for me and I am sure I must represent many others also. I will now cherish my completed quilt for many years and forever, I hope. You are a very talented designer and I eventually hope that I will continue to stitch many more of your designs from your website when my financial situation improves.

May you and your family be blessed with the most wonderful Holiday Season and Happy New Year.

2010 QUILT ALONG - TEA AND COFFEE RELATED

It's official. Jeanne's 2010 "Quilt Along (subject Tea/ Coffee)" has started! And we now have 17 members signed up on Flickr. Discussions have started and our creative and talented administrator is recruiting many wonderful members, comments, free patterns, inspiration and exciting plans for the group!

I have been collecting teapot designs for years and I am very excited about this project, I just may have to make two quilts! I can't wait to see all the buzzing and excitement ...you know what all us quilting coffee and tea lovers can chat about while we are sipping our favorite beverage. Yes we can quilt and drink tea at the same time...(well almost). If you have an idea or are interested in joining this group, please feel welcome to check us out! Drop by for a cuppa!

Many of the members have been posting links to wonderful inspirational websites and patterns...yes one can enjoy EYE CANDY here too!

Just wait to see WHO, WHAT AND WHEN the first teapot block will be posted! Finish up your 2009 WIP's and start something NEW in 2010.

And my saying for the day is:

"A great way to warm up those cold winter days is QUILT and sip a hot cup of tea...?"
~ ~ ~ ~
"Tea is liquid wisdom." ~Anonymous

I have already learned lots about `high`tea and hope to learn more!

BLock 10 - October's Bunny Hill "A Tisket a Tasket" Block of the Month

L@@KS like the spider has hypnotised Ms Kitty or is it the other way around?

All pieces are needle-turned hand applique (except for the teeny weeny spider that crept down behind her...).

I wanted to add an owl...but after stitching those teeny weeny paws, I 'PAWS-itively' had enough..what a HOOT to do!

Thanks Anne.
Colors are dark 'rust', but looks more reddish here...sorry

September Tisket a Tasket Block Finished...ONLY 3 months to go!

My Scottish 'tail'...this block not only was scorched with my iron, it has quite a story.

I really wanted to make a pink poodle instead of the Scottie as I have a Bichon Frise, cousin to the poodle. But Mac, my DH wanted me to use the Scottish dog fabric I used for wee puppy instead of my buying MORE fabric!

Ms MacIntosh was so nervous about being late for school, she ate one of my 'pink' apples which caused her pink spots. And Marlee, our bichon was jealous of Mac's pink coat! She is happier now as she has a puppy to play with.

p.s. I made a deal with Marlee, gave her a blueberry facial and posted her photo in my Flickr 'photostream'...can't you just see the jealousy? I told her we will include her in next block...maybe. I am seriously thinking of doing a bichon for my Canadian version of the July block...
p.s.s. shhh...please don't tell Marlee the basket won Second prize blue ribbon!

COULDN'T RESIST MAKING ANOTHER

I enjoyed making the pink August block 'sew' much that I just had to make another using my black background fabrics and my hoard of embellishmens. After completing my second block, I worked on my CQ block and will soon have it completed to post.

"SWEET" BLOCK Design for August's " A Tisket a Tasket

The weather has been been rainy and I have been trying to work on some quilting WIP's. Then Anne Sutton from Bunny Hill Designs posted her design for August and I excitedly started sewing my block and I couldn't stop. Now what am I going to do until next month's design is released?

I could work on my mystery cross stitch as I only have a couple of sections to do, but this is more of a winter activity.

Here is the block I made for August. And if you love cupcakes, take a peek at Zalita's "dee-luscious" site:

ENJOY.

July "A Tisket A Tasket" Block of the Month Completed

Again, I enjoyed stitching this design from Anne Sutton's Bunny Hill Designs. I still have to add the sheep's tail though and am having fun with that 'tale.' I also had to add some white hairs on the sheep to make it contrast against the dark basket.

July 1st is Canada Day - 142nd birthday, so I have the sheep holding the Canadian maple leaf flag.

You can view the rest of my blocks in my older posts or on Flickr. It is not too late to join. This is such a fun group. FREE patterns can be found by clicking this text.

:

April's Block

After twelve days with the dreaded flu bug, I finally started the April block. It took me a long time to start as my fabrics were all from my age-old stash and I had only this one 'wittle' piece of brown for the chocolate bunny, but he is finished. I vowed I was not going out to purchase more fabric for this project. I loved doing this one.

Block 2 - January Bunny Hill's "A Tisket a Tasket" Block completed...waiting for April's release

....I completed the embroidery stitches this morning and anxiously wait for the April pattern to be released on the Bunny Hill website...please see my posts and link below if you are interested in sewing these FUN blocks.

After seeing all the other member's blocks on Flickr site, I decided to enter this project late. My sewing machine is too old to feature the blanket stitch, however I really loved hand stitching these blocks. This was my first project using hand applique.

I was happy to use several of my fabric 'scraps' for these blocks as the pattern pieces were very small and did not require purchasing 'new' fabrics. The blue celestial and snowflake fabrics above are actually from celestial themed fabrics I had collected on my travels for my Millenium Quilt which is still a WIP. I have assembled three or four blocks for my Millenium project using machine piecing technique, however have misplaced these blocks in my stash in the basement. I am now hoping to relocate these blocks and perhaps finish that WIP in 2009-2010!

And the weather outside is 'frightful', with fresh snow from last week, so I didn't feel guilty about consuming my time rather than the dreaded H word...and this is supposed to be spring!

Block 2 - A Tisket A Tasket Block of the Month

Here is Block 2 of the " A Tisket A Tasket Block of the Month" series. I can hardly wait to stitch Block 1 before the new design for April is released. If interested in these adorable 'free' quilting patterns (for personal use only), these patterns are available online here:

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns

I had so much fun making this block and my applique stitching is getting faster and easier with practice. Of course I am also doing Part 2 of the Mystery Garden Stitch Along. I have accumulated many Victorian theme fabrics and am trying to use my 'scraps' for these BOM blocks. When I saw the bird pattern, I immediately wanted blue birds as they remind me so much of cottage times at the lake.

I may even 'complete' a project soon, however I admire some bloggers who post all projects finished in one month.

Block 3 BUNNY HILL BLOCK OF THE MONTH

FREE PATTERN FOR THIS BLOCK HERE:

http://bunnyhilldesigns.com/dynamic/?page=Free%20Patterns

I completed sewing this March block on St Patrick's Day!

This is my FIRST attempt to 'hand' applique and it was so much fun! I had found several tutorials on Google and used the freezer paper 'on top' method. I noticed most members are machine stitching their blocks however I have an old sewing machine. And I enjoy hand stitching.

I am now working on Block 2, a basket with two birds, then will proceed to attempt the January block of a snowman holding stars. Of course I have the Garden Mystery Stitch Along in progress, but decided to make these blocks as all these designs are too adorable!

I have learned lots about applique and am looking forward to more applique. I ripped out the bottom shamrock three times because green did not show well against the green basket as a background!

I would highly recommend making these blocks...so much fun. Please read my post below for more information if you are interested in these free patterns.

And better LATE than never is an IRISH FRIENDSHIP WISH:

May there always be work for your hands to do;
May your purse always hold a coin or two;
May the sun always shine on your windowpane;
May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain;
May the hand of a friend always be near you;
May God fill your heart with gladness to cheer you.
Good Luck!!

Adorable FREE Quilt Pattern at Bunny Hill Designs

I could hardly wait this morning to check my internet site for the new block designed for March. And to my delight the design is of a bunny rabbit jumping over Shamrocks in a basket. And pattern is free on the Bunny Hill Blog Site. She writes:
I love a free pattern and I hope you do too! Please remember that these are "free" and at no time may they be sold or distibuted commercially. Have fun and enjoy!
Anne Sutton

A Tisket, A Tasket
Twelve Months of Baskets!

Yes, a Free Mystery Block of the Month from Bunny Hill Designs!

Now I have another 'just-gotta-do' project...is there such a thing as having too many projects on the go? I am enjoying my Garden Fantasy Stitch Along so very much and vowed to myself that I HAVE to complete one project before commencing a new one. Surfing these blog sites is so much fun...however can be a distraction for housewives.

Then I marvelled at the collection of blocks entered at Flikr:

http://www.flickr.com/groups/969252@N20/

Enjoy the site.

...and here is a cute little song you can sing while you are all sttiching. My mom used to sing this to us girls when we were young:

A-tisket a-tasket

A green and yellow basket

I wrote a letter to my love

And on the way I dropped it

I dropped it, I dropped it

Yes, on the way I dropped it

A little girlie picked it up

And took it to the market

She was truckin' on down the avenue

Without a single thing to do

She was peck, peck, peckin' all around

When she spied it on the ground

A-tisket a-tasket

She took my yellow basket

And if she doesn't bring it back

I think that I shall die

A-tisket a-tasket

A green and yellow basket

I wrote a letter to my love

And on the way I dropped it

I dropped it, I dropped it

Yes, on the way I dropped it

A little girlie picked it up

And took it to the market

(Was it red?) No, no, no, no

(Was it brown?) No, no, no, no

(Was it blue?) No, no, no, no

Just a little yellow basket.