Sunday, January 4, 2009

A perfect Sunday!

Well, what do you think???
This is the 2009 block of the month I joined at the end of last year. I know, I know, I'm not finished the last one, but I'm nearly there, and I intend to work between both of them as they are both very different.
Now before I go any further, I have to just mention that I am not good with the hand stitching, I have never been a hand stitcher. I like to do all my sewing with the machine, that way it's finished nice and fast!
This block of the month quilt has quite a lot of hand stitching in it, nothing major, lots of small bits really. But I decided I wanted to learn something different with each quilt I make. So here goes!! I'm not sure if it has a name, as I can't seem to find one, but the centre panel reads "May your heart make you grateful for the simple things." You can see more blocks on Leanne's blog which is where I got this complete pic from below. (you can get an idea of how much hand stitching is required! GULP!)


There are 10 blocks to the quilt, and all the DMC cottons and the fabric came with the first block. Nearly all the fabrics were floral which I just adore! However I must admit to swapping a few with some of mine. I have been collecting floral fabric some quite some time now, and some are just way nicer than the ones in the kit. I really love this green one with the wee rose buds on it!

Anyway, my thinking is that I could make up some of the blocks and then take them away on holiday with me and I can sit and do the hand stitching. So my first 2 small "mini blocks" have been done and will get sewn together once I finish the stitching. There are 6 pieces that need hand stitches on them in this block alone!
Then decided I had better get off to the library and see if I can find a book on embroidery stitches, as the pattern was calling for, things like Circular Blanket Stitch! Good Grief!! I can say with a good deal of confidence that I know how to do back stitch and running stitch! This Reader's Digest Complete Guide to Embroidery Stitches is really great! I think I need to find a copy of my very own to keep.

So today I have mastered the circular blanket stitch or blanket stitch pinwheel as the book called it, and I have also learned how to do a lazy daisy stitch! I'm secretly impressed!! LOL

mmmmm ... I wonder if it's really necessary to stop and cook tea ... I'm sure I'm on a roll!! LOL
Carole :)

10 comments:

Joy said...

Nothing wrong with those stitches Carole, you've done a lovely job :o). I have no doubt it will be gorgeous when it's done!!
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Amy said...

That's a lot of hand stitching. Good on you for making a start on it.

Doreen G said...

Well done Carole your stitching is lovely and it will be beautiful when it is finished.

Angelika Westermann said...

So we are doing the same block of the month, Carole! And that being separated by half of the world...
I really fell in love with this quilt because I adore the combination of sewing and stitching. For me there is quite a lot to do yet since so far I only managed to sew and stitch blocks 1 - 3. Lets keep going at it!
And by the way, have a happy new year.

Angelika

NEEDLEWINGS said...

Very lovely! Love the color scheme too!

Joanie Hoffman said...

wonderful, Carole! What a task to take on, but what rewards to look at.
I like the RD embroidery book, but ended up buying: http://www.amazon.com/Embroidery-Stitch-Bible-Betty-Barnden/dp/0873495101/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1231273363&sr=1-1.
Happy New Year!
Joanie

Karen said...

Your stitching is just beautiful and the colors in your blocks are so lovely. What kind of thread do you use...there is such a nice sheen to the flowers? What a pretty project. Karen

Tiglizzyclone said...

Such lovely colors, and I like your stitches.
Leslie

Deb said...

Looking great Carole. I have just started that BOM at Christmas and am loving doing all the embroidery.

Rengin Yazitas said...

Hello Carole,
Thank you visitng my blog and for your nice words about my work.
I liked your colors combos and stitches:)) It is just like my planned project that I'm collecting fabrics. Your stitching lovely, looks so pretty, indeed.
Happy New Year,
Rengin, in Istanbul