The past two months have been a challenge, but quilting is good therapy. So are naps and this is why this quilt is taking so long. However, now that the blocks are done and all the other parts are cut and labeled, it is going together -- at last.
The corner and first block are sewn together. The sashing and next row of blocks are just pinned to the design wall. I'm usually into artsy rather than making a zillion pieces, but this was fun and I'm loving the way it looks so far.
I made an enlarged photocopy and have been sketching quilting motifs and ideas, so when the time comes to get stitching, there will be some options to select.
Btw, I'm feeling okay, have lost the few pounds that were mostly water, and my heart is beating normally. Yet I'm aware that each day is a gift, so taking life (thankfully) one day at a time.
This quilt is coming along... lots of piecing, but relaxing. I had a cardioversion last Thursday and haven't felt like doing much since then, so welcome this as a recuperation project. (For those who don't know, a cardioversion is used to correct an irregular heartbeat. They put me to sleep and put the paddles to me, about the same as being electrocuted. Sort of zaps all the zip out of you... BUT my heart ECG is picture perfect, regular and I'm feeling better every day.)
Anyway, all the blocks are done except the appliqued two in the middle. The third photo below shows progress on the first one. The lighting is not good on any of these, but the color is most accurate on the bottom photo of the applique block.
This is a shot of some of the sashing strips that go between the blocks. They have small 9-patches as cornerstones. I like the larger 9-patches made into 9-patch blocks. When the quilt is done, it has the effect of an Irish chain.
This applique block has more leaves, etc. so is about half finished. The biggest challenge will be figuring out how to quilt this one!
A few quilters from our church are taking one day a month to quilt together. Right now, there are six of us, but yesterday, only two. (Life happens.)
I started improvising mug rugs with Ricky Tims' "Cave Man" style in mind and wound up with a table runner. My dining room is mostly black, white, with blue ocean scene on the wall and a privacy screen with blue fabric, white leaves that look like flying seagulls, plus a large 'sculpture' of sea gulls landing on pier posts. When the quilt is done and on the table, I should take a picture?
Anyway,
this was fun, easy and now needs sandwiching and quilting. I'll do a
pillowcase flip and quilt it with wavy horizontal lines in black, from
edge to edge.
The
other quilter who joined me for the day is a newbie. She brought her
first quilt, a ragged edge one in flannelette for her granddaughter.
Wow, it is nice. She also made a couple mug rugs while she was here, and
helped me decide the arrangement for my runner.
It was a lovely day!
