Tuesday, January 27, 2015

Where's the Snow?

That's not a complaint, mind you.  Thankfully here in western New Jersey we escaped the 'epic' snow storm that was predicted.  While we did get some snow.. 5 or 6 inches.. it was no where near the 18" they predicted.  (However, my brother got 22" in Connecticut!!) But what the no-snow storm did was give me two days at home.  And while I still needed to work, it afforded me the luxury of doing some extra stitching time that I normally wouldn't get with my commute, etc.
Now... what's this pile of wool about?
A few months ago I picked up this book, My Enchanted Garden by Gretchen Gibbons for a bargain price in JoAnns.  I loved the combination of applique with cottons and wools (I have more than I can use.. believe me that pile on the table is just a small portion!) and beading.  These elements hit all the bells for me!  The block designs seem to be both simplistic and elegant.  And I loved her color choices. 
I am using a variegated Valdani 8 thread for the stems.  Oh yeah....  love doing embroidery on quilts too.  It keeps getting better and better! LOL  You can see in the top photo that it makes a beautiful stem stitch.
I've completed the embroidery and the applique on the first block.  Next I will need to add the beading.  I thought I would try the first block and see how it goes.  You know how sometimes you love a quilt design until you actually start working on it?  I found I really like the combination of buttonhole applique on the wool pieces and the needle turn applique on the cotton.  The finished block though will be heavier than just all cotton blocks, so that is a consideration when it is quilted.
 
I am ignoring the fact that I have started yet another project and just enjoying the journey for now.
Meanwhile, as we are preparing to paint our foyer.... Lucy has met a new friend there.  She seems to have fallen in love with her new friend.. and won't let Abby or Gracie near her.  They just walk by and wonder what's up with her. :-)

 
Happy Stitching,
 
Deb


Linking up this week at WIP Work in Progress Wednesday and Let's Be Social

19 comments:

  1. When it's time to start a new project, it's time.:) No need to fret about it!

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    1. You're right... I must follow my muse! LOL Besides this give me an opportunity to use up some of that wool stash!

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  2. that looks like a wonderful book to have and you have done beautiful work - I have never worked with wool must try that one day

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    1. It is a wonderful book - with several projects in it if you want to get your feet wet with wool!

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  3. What a lovely block! The photo of Lucy is so funny!

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  4. That book has been calling my name. And if I was as adorable as Lucy, I would spend all my time in front of a mirror too. Your photo of her is priceless.

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  5. Beautiful choice! I love hand-sewing- it's so relaxing.

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  6. Deb, this looks like a wonderful project! So many wonderful techniques and fabrics!

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  7. So pretty. I love working with Valdani thread.
    cute photo of your kitty.

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  8. Yay for snow days, especially when they aren't as bad as predicted. Your hand sewing projects looks wonderful.I really like the combination of cotton and wool.

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  9. Yay for snow days, especially when they aren't as bad as predicted. Your hand sewing projects looks wonderful.I really like the combination of cotton and wool.

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  10. Your embroidery looks awesome! Glad to hear you escaped the storm! We got 12-18, but much less than the 27-33 they predicted for us on Long Island! I love all of your projects. You do lovely work!

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  11. oooh my new friend, ma petite cherie! So beautiful. Look how she moves, so like me! Look at her markings, much like my own! Leave us alone will you.....

    and the quilt is fun too.
    LeeAnna at not afraid of color, or humor

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  12. New project or not it's pretty! And so is Lucy! :)

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  13. What a lovely pile of goodies you have there.... And put to such a pretty purpose! Love your new blocks and the variety in the stitching. Lucy is too cute, too!

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  14. How cute of Lucy :) (and that reminds me, I need to do the prep work to be able to paint my master bath . . . only been meaning to do that for 2 entire years. . . ) LOVE your new project - perfect for snow days, so no guilt over the start. ;D

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  15. First let me thank you for following me on Bloglovin', second I'm so glad you did because that 's how I found you! What a wonderful, bright and interesting place this is. I love your style and now I'm a new follower of yours. Looking forward to getting to know you.
    Patrica @dogwoodlanerambles.blogspot.com

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  16. I'm going to have to look for this book...love cotton and wool together!!

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  17. What a wonderful way to spend a (sort of) snow day. Enjoy your new project, guilt free...life's too short to worry about that!

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