In a Groove!

I am starting to get into a needleturn groove....I'm over half done the blocks needed for my little quilt!

 

 

18 more blocks done...for a total of 21!

 

A couple things I noticed though- I tend to pull my stitches tighter than normal and they are a bit farther apart. Now that I have noticed, I will pay a bit more attention but I am sure it will all get better with practice!

 

I find myself looking forward to the next stage of needleturn and I never thought I would say that!

 

Happy Stitching!

 

 

Needleturn and a new sock...

I chose an easy needleturn applique project to practice with.

 I don't think it will ever be my favourite method of applique but I am determined to get more comfortable with it!

 

 

I had 2 charm packs so that will be perfect to do this cute Orange Peel quilt!

 

 

After doing a bit of reading, I realized I had never finger pressed when I had previously tried needleturn so I thought I should try it.

 

 

So far it seems to be working! Two and a half blocks are done! So far so good! I do not find this as fast as my usual freezer paper method but this is going to give me the ability to do ANY applique!

 

 

And I have a new tool for knitting...thanks to my Dad!

 

 

One sock done! My new yarn bowl is perfect, but I must admit, I do miss searching for that rolling ball of wool!

 

 

Happy Stitching!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Back to some UFO's

Finally after a bit of a break I am back to working on some UFO's.

I got the borders put on my striped "log cabin" quilt.

 

I hardly ever work with these colors so I had to pick up some thread for quilting. I am machine quilting this and I think it will be just a simple meandering pattern. The light blue turned out to be brighter than I thought it would but the thread I picked out will tone it down a bit (I hope)! 

 

Then I made this bag for a birthday gift for a friend.

Now that it has been given I can show it!

 

 

The pattern was from the Fall 2009 issue of Quilts and More.

It is a great size for a summer tote!

 

I have been giving thought to what is next for handwork...I think it is time to challenge myself again and get more comfortable with needle turn applique. First up, something small and simple. I have been giving some thought to starting with the Orange Peel Quilt from the book Remembering Adelia by Kathleen Tracy. That would be quite portable for the summer. Then I am going to use the blocks from Piece O'Cake's Fresh Picked Posies to make a larger quilt. I can't wait to get started.

 

This week I'll get started choosing a fabric palette and get started cutting!

Maybe I'll even get started sewing!

 

Happy Stitching!