Wow, closing in on the finish line for my Bed of Roses quilt top. Have blocks 8, 9 and 10 completed this month. Just two more blocks to go and it’s wrap up time. That goal of January 2019 finished top to the quilter is looking totally doable.
With each project, quilt top, I learn a new method/technique, or am practicing to improve on a technique. I also learn where I need to focus to improve my skill set and as always learn something about myself. Strengths and weaknesses. I know I will never be a master quilter. That has never been my goal, but I would like achieve the title of expert quilter in my lifetime. There’s work to be done to accomplish this.
Applique has always been my primary focus. It seems from the beginning of my quilt adventure I have been drawn to the Baltimore Album Quilts and I have a great fondness for Folkart Quilts. I am now gaining an interest in pictorial quilts. In the near future I would like to take a workshop on that medium. It seems that will require travel to one of the coasts. I’ve been to Asilomar and studied with Ely. So maybe now it’s time to go east and study with David Taylor at one of his workshops. Also of interest to me is taking a class with Sandra Leichner and learning her embroidery techniques for embellishing applique. So many options from so many talented artists. Always learning and improving. That’s my goal.
In the meantime there’s a world outside of my sewing room. I know, hard to believe isn’t it. Having to get a new set of tires installed this a.m.; do the weekly house cleaning (yuck) No one will ever say about me in 100 years (she was an excellent housekeeper) but they just might say what a great quilter I was. Now that’s a goal worth going for. Teehee!!!!
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Okay, I meant to get the aforementioned posted but did not get around to taking any photos while I was working away on the Bed of Roses Blocks. As time kept getting away from me to get those photos, I have now completed all the blocks, corners and set in blocks. Happy Dance!
I get up early in the morning, usually around 5 a.m. , to spend quality time in my sewing room because when I get home at night, many times my eyes are tired from looking at a computer screen all day and am not comfortable trying to do handwork. So this morning I read the instructions like 3 times on how to trim the set in blocks and the corner triangles for Bed of Roses. It is so slick. I just love how she thought of doing it this way. It really takes out all problems with the bias losing its shape. Love, Love, Love this technique and will definitely use it again. So I have all the set in triangles ready, the corner triangles ready, I have cut the sashing strips and tiny connecting squares. I have only gotten 1 block trimmed to 15 ½”. I am hoping to get the rest done maybe tonight after supper. Depends on how tired my eyes are. Then it’s construction time and I am ahead of schedule. I am beyond excited to see this top sewn together. It has been in pieces for 1 ½ years now. Another quilt to check off my UFO/Bucket List. Oh, what a feeling.
Getting reacquainted with my sewing machine after spending months doing hand work. Note to self.. Oil machine.. I can’t remember when I last oiled it. I usually oil it after 2 bobbin refills. Can’t remember if I’m on lst or 2nd bobbin. I’ve been doing handwork for so long, poor baby feels neglected.
Why is it when I am closing in on the finish line of a project, I start planning the next project and those ideas are rattling around in my head. Of course it has to be a Sue Garman pattern . I have such a girl crush on her! So very talented.
Sue’s Technique:
Cut freezer paper 15” square. ( My applique blocks are 15”) Cut this in half diagonally. Center on top of appliqued block halves. Sew ⅛” from edge of freezer paper on bias side. Then trim cutting ¼” from edge of freezer paper. Voila! Perfect inset triangle! Repeat for corner triangles except cut in ½ diagonally in both directions.
You can use this technique for any size set in triangle. Just cut the freezer paper the size of the finished blocks that will be on point. Awesome technique!
Just a thought….. Why is my stash not getting any smaller? I am finishing projects but my shelves are still full of fabric. I think it multiplies while I am sleeping.
Happy Stitches.
Sissy Malone
Appliquenut 
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