I am doing the Henrietta Whiskers BOM (along with several others). I am enjoying this BOM and have learned lots from it. You can click on the little squirrel over in my right side bar to go to the site. I used Heat and Bond for the first time ever to fuse the pieces on to my background blocks. I had thought I would be able to do a hand blanket stitch around the edges. No way! That stuff is so hard to get a needle through. I knew that I would never finish these blocks if I did the hand stitch. So I machine appliqued around each piece. I usually use Wonder Under. I will go back to WU. It is much easier for me to work with. I have done a hand blanket stitch around pieces where I have used WU. I had no problems. One major thing that I learned is to cut out the center of the fusible on a large piece. Some of these blocks were so tough to do the embroidery, that I thought I was going to have to get my pliers out to pull the needle through. LOL So, a lesson learned. I will continue to use the Heat and Bond to finish this project. Don't want to switch in the middle, but then go back to my old faithful Wonder Under!
Here is block #1 of Henrietta Whiskers...
Block #2....
Block 3 is still being worked on. I have just a little bit of embroidery left on it.
Block #4
Block #5. This one is really stiff. I should have cut the centers out of the fusible.
I have block #6 printed off and hope to work on it this afternoon. I really love this BOM. I still need to add some button and a few embellishments to them.
I have also been working on my Chicken Heart wall quilt. I have the half square triangles done for the outer border, but decided to put them on last. At the moment I am attempting to do needle turn applique. Not sure how much I like this way. It is much faster to do machine applique. I am struggling along. I know the checked fabric doesn't look square, but this was a kit and I did the best I could to square it up.
I am also quilting on a pink baby quilt that I put together last fall from orphan blocks and scraps. I'm about a third done with this one.
I also have the current Birdie Stitches printed off. Just need to get it traced. LOL As you can see, I have definitely gotten my mojo back. I have so many projects floating around inside my head, that it makes me dizzy. LOL I hate to sleep because I could get so much more done if I didn't have to rest. (grin)
It has been terribly hot here, but we have a break in the heat today. We have already had a small storm with some rain. More predicted. The heat has made it unbearable to be outside in the afternoon. Kevin and I have been going out early to work in the garden. We now have everything planted and weeded. Of course, I know we will have to weed several more times, but we are caught up at this time. The yard...not so much. I got gas to mow and weed eat, but now it is rainy. I guess we will have some tall grass to mow next week.
I guess that is enough for today. Thank you for visiting. Please come again. Have a wonderful day!
Winona
7 comments:
Oh, I'm so jealous of all your blocks of Henrietta. I have the fabric and printed out the patterns and there they sit. I still haven't finished A Tisket A Tasket either. What am I doing? But, I am pretty much up to date with the Birdie Stitcheries. Will be anxious to see you Chicken Heart quilt when it is finished. Nola
I just love the BOM you're working on. I've never had any luck with the fusible stuff of any kind, end up making a mess. I do needle turn exclusively, love applique. That's one handsome rooster in your header!
I had the same experience with Heat and Bond and have gone back to Wonder Under. Your Henrietta blocks are adorable. The Chicken Heart wall hanging is going together beautifully. You do amazing hand quilting. Like you, I wish I didn't need sleep - there's just so much I want to do!!
Your blocks are just darling. It is interesting to hear about those products because sometimes they are in magazine instructions but since they can not be found here in Tokyo, I use my usual hand basting. More and more instructions are designed for people who use machines but I should think something like that might not be too easy on maching needles either.
Heat and Bond has a couple of "strengths"....the lite isn't as bad as the heavy. I like the look of your blocks...even though they are driving you crazy they are turning out very nice.
I'm so sorry you are having to struggle with this project, it makes it such a chore!! It is just adorable though :0) Needle turn isn't for getting something done quickly, it's for those projects to do in front of the tv, but I'm proud of you for trying it LOL.
Crispy
Oh~ I love them, Winona! I just love the squirrels- those are too cute.
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