Saturday, August 7, 2010

Happy Fingers!

Oh, I do love stitching applique - I am making slow progress at the moment, but I am getting there! Beautiful, beautiful repros - I find them very easy to work with, no problem with colour or pattern selection at all. The French General is just lovely to use for the background, not prone to creasing, so that is great. Originally I bought 6 yards, then ordered another 6 - now , as a lot of you know, this fabric doesn't come cheap and I was having serious guilts about buying this when I could have used quilters' muslin, not now though, one of the nicest fabrics I have ever used!

My 'Sewing Studio' is messy, messy - how can one keep tidy with such an array of fabrics. Cheers to those patient Girls out there who can use a different fabric for each leaf.
Way, way behind with Clamshells - here's the intention! I have fiddled about with the shape and widened it to 3.5". I am using paper shapes with paper that is slightly heavier than the ordinary copy paper and glueing the fabric with the Sewline stick. All seems to be going well, a little early to tell if it is going to be perfectly on the square - hope so as I've always wanted to do a little crib quilt. I'll try to keep it predominately pink with a few other pastels thrown in here and there.
Well, I'm out to the shed for a little bit - I need to scrounge for some plastic tubs for storage and there's also some repro bits and pieces out there - happy weekend!

32 Lovely People said ...:

Shari said...

Hello Darling! So glad you are getting some stitching done! Looking very good so far... I'm so glad you indulged in some quality fabric for your background - makes a big difference! Hope to see you Tuesday!!
Hugs and Kisses - Shari

By Hoki Quilts said...

Good on you Lurline for buying yourself more of the fabric you enjoy. Your blocks are looking just lovely.
hugs - Miche'le

Anonymous said...

Happy to read about you stitching away, the blocks are looking just great Lurline.
Take care
Christine

antique quilter said...

so your going to use the same background fabric for all the applique blocks?
oh I just love the blocks, this quilt will be hard for you to part with!
the clamshells look great I still have not started those *yet* tempted but have too many other things right now!
Kathie

Peg - Happy In Quilting said...

Love your blocks Lurline...I am way behind in my clam shells as well...

Janet said...

The blocks are looking gorgeous, I love the brighter repros you have used. The clamshells are looking very pretty, they are good for a side project. Glad to hear you're getting stitching time in.

Nat Palaskas said...

the block are gorgeous Lurline. I always love this pattern, but yes, there is this BUT that I cannot take on another project. I love you hand appliqué just beautiful - Hugs Nat

Margaret said...

Oh my! Your Stars and Sprigs start is just gorgeous!!!! Love all the beautiful fabrics -- and I think that French General fabric was a good buy! I love the clamshell start as well! Pretty colors!

scraphappy said...

The applique blocks you are making are just charming. I'm not usually a reproduction fan, but these colors are so clear and bright, not at all drab. Good luck with the clamshells, at least you aren't making a bed quilt -- it looks like that might take a while.

quiltingnana said...

can't wait to see the finished project...love the colors in the clam shells

Katrien said...

Great blocks and i like the beginning of your clamshells.

luv2quilt2 said...

I absolutely love the Sprigs and Stars and would love to make one. Your blocks are looking great!

Sue said...

I love your flower blocks, I'm with you and the applique! It's so relaxing.

Dora, the Quilter said...

Happy fingers, indeed!
Love the stars, the applique, and the clamshells.
Beautiful!

grendelskin said...

I love it when you share your applique! And get rid of those guilts, when you find a good tool it's worth the extra money, and fabric is a tool! Your clamshells look fabulous so far, keep us posted.

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Everything you show is beautiful Lurline! I would love to try them sometime!

Liz said...

It's looking gorgeous Lurline, I love the applique..
Lizzie
xxx

Mistea said...

Those block are looking amazing. Lovely colours and beautiful background fabric, sometimes plain just isn't right!

Hey those clamshells look good in the soft colours.

Enjoy your stitching.

Jane's Fabrics and Quilts said...

Hey, Look at you go!! Such beautiful work. I am so happy for you!

Nedra said...

Beautiful fabric combinations. I'm so happy you are able to spend some time doing the things you love.

limpingalong said...

I'm going to try my first applique -- flowers, leaves, stems. Do you have any suggestions? Do you use a product like "WonderUnder to tack on your applique before sewing it down?

Julia said...

Beautiful fabric combinations...Pretty clamshells.
Julia ♥

Unknown said...

So Glad to Hear you are Happy Stitching...sounds like things are getting Better for You...Love your Applique & those Clamshells I think could be Addicitve...must give them a Try!
cheers

Annette said...

Your applique work is stunning and the clam shells are very pretty.

Joy said...

Oh I love your clamshells Lurline ..... all that pinky pastel-ly goodness ..... Mmmmmm :o)!!!
Hugs,
Joy :o)

Mel said...

Beautiful hand work Lurline - ALL of it!!

Thanks for sharing - it's inspirational!!

Rose Marie said...

I'm waiting with baited breath for more news about the stars and sprigs pattern .... I'm enjoying your progress and need to see more as you go along! :o)

julieQ said...

Your fingers have been busy...creating all those lovely blocks! Aren't we so lucky to have access to all those lovely repro fabrics? I love to see them in "action"!!

Ali said...

Tienes unos trabajos preciosos desde hoy no te perdere .

Kim said...

Beautiful fabrics, great workmanship and you are back to sewing! I hope your health improves everyday Lurline.....your work is such an inspiration to me.

Happy Sewing

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Love seeing what you are up to Lurline, gorgeous work going on over here. I know I'm going to have to make that stars and sprigs one day! xo

Rae Ann said...

I am in awe Lurline of all of the beautiful things that you always have going. You chose of fabric is fabulous. I am loving the French General for the background. I can't wait to see these quilts done.