Monday, November 9, 2015

Monday Prepping

Today after putting the sewing room back in order after the weekend grandkids' visit, I spent some time prepping two projects.

First, the appliques for the Autumn Leaves quilt need to be stitched down.  Recall that when I first cut the applique pieces I discovered the tight angles and curves are way beyond my skill level for hand applique.  So, the Janome will be pressed into action and they will be satin stitched to the background.  Rather than pinning the pieces in place I'm trying Roxanne Glue Baste-It for the first time.  Here's the first applique block laid out before glueing any pieces.  As usual, the color rendering isn't great, but you get the idea:

Next up, I made a start on Quilty 365.  Audrey of Quilty Folk recently came up with a quilt-along that will take an entire year - hence the name Quilty 365.  The premise is really quite simple and fun, every day for a year choose a piece of scrappy fabric, cut it in a circle and applique to a 4 1/2 inch square.    You can see Audrey's post announcing this quilt-along here.   Why not play along and grab the button from her blog and join in the fun?  I'm planning to practice needle turn applique stitching the circles in place and by the end of a year, who knows, there might yet be hope for appliqueing more complicated shapes.

This is a project that can potentially make use of a LOT of scraps that have lingered far too long in various bins, boxes and bags.  For instance, this pile of former 10-inch, more or less, squares that make up the first 110 or so of my background squares.  Not even sure where these came from but they don't seem to be from a formal layer cake (no pinking, oddly cut, etc.)  They've been hanging around for far too long, so now they're about to find a home.
Next. some high-tech work cutting an appropriate size circle template.
That little cracker box was saved from the oblivion of the wood stove in the shop just in time to enjoy a new and higher calling.  Have always used cereal boxes in the past, but we didn't finish all the Special K this morning ...
Making the templates (including quarter and half circles made just in case, though it might be easier to just stitch fabrics together and cut from the full circle template - we'll make that determination later!)

Then it was on to a bit of hand quilting on both hooped projects, the giant hexies and The Blockade quilts.  Nearly finished with the blocks on the Blockade and hope to start the borders - finally - in another day or so.  As promised months ago, no more photos til this monster is finished.

With leftovers for supper and no big kitchen commitment, one last little project for the day-
First little slightly wonky Quilty 365 block on the design wall.  
A sweet quilty day indeed!



11 comments:

Janet O. said...

Sounds like a very good quilty day! : )
Love those colors in your Autumn block--so rich and glowing.

audrey said...

It would be really nice if these circles would use up a lot of scraps.:) Your applique block looks wonderful already!

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

That autumn leaves block is so pretty! I have learned in hand applique to sometimes just adjust the pattern and cheat a bit. I did that with a leaf template awhile ago ...I wanted some leaves for a border and went online looking at them and then made a couple easier ones with less deep curves. I cheated! :)

Stephie said...

I'm so excited to see so many people appliquéing along with Audrey already! It's going to be so much fun. Looks like you've made a great start - and I'm really impressed with your backings being all ready to go. I love your oak leaf block too, the colours are gorgeous :)

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Your 365 Challenge quilt is going to be spectacular with all those background fabrics. I love your autumn leaves block ... I just can't seem to get hooked on hand applique.

Needled Mom said...

The leaves look so pretty. Those circles in the neutrals look great too.

Ruth said...

I really like your fall appliqué block and I would definitely do the same thing - do it by machine. I will think about the 365 circle blocks. I'm sure I can come up with plenty of scraps for the circles. Sounds easy enough too. Still thinking.....

Kyle said...

You are well on your way with both projects. The fall colors are as pretty as the colors so many experiences this fall. I always have good luck this the Roxanne's Glue Baste. Hope you did too. It will be fun to watch everyone's circles pile up during the year. You've got a good start with all those backgrounds. I've made plenty of cardboard templates. I think that dates us.

Julierose said...

I love the colors on yur fall quilt and the arrangement is lovely. Your circle is so lovely, too...hugs, Julierose

Maryse said...

It's fascinating to see what everyone is doing, looking forward to seeing how yours evolves.

Shelina (formerly known as Shasta) said...

This does look like an interesting challenge. I might have some trouble in doing it daily, but it does sound like the end result would be cool.