Post Prom Update

Finally!  Prom season is over!  I'm back to working regular hours and theoretically, I'll have more time to keep up with all my projects.  Theoretically.  And, after my step-daughter's wedding this weekend...of course.

Here's my cute Easter bonus block for the Splendid Sampler.  Designed by one of my favorite designers, Bunny Hill Designs.

Isn't this one just adorable!  It might be my favorite so far.  It took me awhile to embroider it but I love how it turned out.

 These stars turned out great.  I love pretty much everything about this block.

Now, you may know my feelings on paper piecing.  I ususally hate it.  This one went together pretty easily.  I even liked the colors I chose.  Then, I measured it.  A full .5" too small, WTH?  It's paper pieced and I can see the .25 seam allowance, so I know I  didn't cut it wrong.  It just NEVER works for me!  I was so proud of myself, too.  Dang it!

And, another disaster.  First, I tried stitching the measuring tape details and it was HORRIBLE so I bought preprinted ribbon.  Then I inked the words so I couldn't destroy it again.

Then, I finally did another one that I liked.  Phew.  I'm still several behind but I'll get to it EVENTUALLY.

 

I did manage to do one block for the Art Nouveau quilt.  Which, I love.  It was such a joy to get back to hand applique.  I'd been trying to cut back to save my forearms.  They're doing much better now so I'll just have to make sure I don't over-do.

And, that's that, my friends.  Thanks for stopping by!

Crazier and Crazier

First, I have some exciting news!  My work was published  in the latest issue of Crazy Quilter's Quarterly!  Isn't that awesome?  Sure, it's Viewer's Submissions but I'm published!  What?!

 I can't believe I'm saying this but I did almost no hand stitching in the months of March and Apirl.  I managed to keep up with the Round Robins that I signed up for but that's about all.  Carpel tunnel sucks, although I have to admit yoga has really helped so much.  This is part of the Batik Me Round Robin.  I tried a woven stitch for these Egyptian like flowers.  They turned out pretty cool but I'd have to admit that my execution needs some improvement.

This block belongs to Carmie A.  The one I did last month got lost in the mail and delayed about 3 weeks.  I felt so bad!  The block owner made a replacement and then the original showed up.  Gees.  These round robins have more drama involved than what I'm used to...

 I tend to do a lot of paisleys, I know.  Can't help it, I love them.  I also did the rick rack below it.

This rose ribbon was given to me by a member of the Yahoo Crazy Quilters Group.  I was rummaging through my lace box and it fell out on to the block and I just loved the colors with the block!  It's almost cheating but not really.  It certainly helped with my carpel tunnel, just a quick slip stitch and it was done.

I've lost track of who this block belongs to.  I'm pretty sure it was part of the Novice Round Robin that is just finishing up.  These pictures are terrrible but you'll get the idea.  I did a zigzag chain with bugle beads in the center.  Then along this great velvet striped fabric, I did orange stars with green  colonial knots in the open area.

I did a metalic gold herringbone stitch with gold beads and the button cluster in the middle.  I really didn't know what else to do with the wild focal fabric.

This is the whole block with everyone's work.

 This is my most recent contribution.  It's also part of the Batik Me round robin.  The block belongs to Pat F.  I did  the leaves and white baby's breath over a printed fabric that was brown sketch.  I love how it looks like the dragonfly is part of the same motif.  But, the dragonfly was done before I got to it.

Then I added  the threaded linked chain leading up to the tatted butterfly that someone else did.  It's super wonky but kind of appropriate for a butterfly trail.

  I also added this ribbon wheat stalk.  Not bad for a first time, I guess.   

And, this is my May Crazy Quilt Journal Project.  I love the little duckling but I fear it gets a little lost.  I'm still working on keeping things balanced.  My ribbon work often over takes the block.  We'll have to see what next month brings.

I realize how ridiculous it is that this is me, giving up stitching for prom season... What can I say?  I'm a bit crazy.

Thanks for stopping by!

Where Did Apirl Go?

Hello friends!  Well, it's been a long time since I've had a free moment to keep in touch with you.  Prom season.  Yikes.

I haven't done a lot of hand work but I have (mostly) kept up with the Splendid Sampler.  There's a couple embroidered blocks that I haven't had time to finish.  And, I haven't had time to do the most recent week.  But, really, I'm not that far behind.  Nothing a day off couldn't solve.

I love the fabrics in this first one but they probably weren't the best suited for the design.  The center candy shape doesn't show up enough.  But, now that I've used my favorite red florals, I don't want it to go to waste them.

 This one is pretty cool.  Even if it was paper pieced...

I loved this Earth Day block but I don't think I did it justice.  I used a satin machine stitch and the whole think got a little wavy.  I love my machine but the satin stitch doesn't go dense enough.  I could certainly be doing it wrong.

Some people have stitched earth maps on their's, which is perfect.

 

 My birds are a little on the orange side, but we'll see how it looks in the end.

This is the Easter block.  The little bunnies are so cute.  I gave them little french knot butts.

 

This one could be my favorite.  I do love pink.

And, this one.  Love it, too.  I thought the colors made it look really classic.  And, it's so tiny at 6".

 

 Another favorite.  I love the little basket of flowers.  I'm sorry I didn't  include the names and designers of the blocks but you can check everyting out at Splendid Sampler . It's been a lot of fun so far!

Now, to do some yoga and then I'm off to work again.  Hope to see you soon!