by Sandra | January 2nd, 2010
I hope your holidays were wonderful and I am certainly looking forward to 2010 and playing the many new ideas I have been waiting to convert into fabric and thread. Is there such a thing as a mad scientist quilter? Someone who has a laboratory that is totally devoted to experimentation with fabric and thread in the traditional sense?
I can never be away from my applique projects for very long and I admit I did sneak back into the sewing room even though I told myself to take a short break. Much to Jason’s chagrin, I had to put his quilt aside for a little bit to get working on the projects and kits for my upcoming workshops in Seattle for the Block Party Quilters. He wasn’t happy to see his quilt moved from front and center and he wasn’t shy about telling me so. “Where’s my PUMPKIN QUILT?”, Uh oh I am in trouble.
I like to design new patterns for workshops. This particular workshop, “Garden Bird” has led to a new quilt design idea that I am pretty excited about too. A multi-block quilt (all different of course) in an album style. Am I allowed to say I really like this block? At this point it is still unquilted. I am waiting to get the other project finished for the “Tea with Me” workshop and then I will quilt both at the same time. I may put a small border on this as well. We will see.
I guess I had better make time to take down the decorations. I intended on doing that a few days ago but went into my sewing room never to be heard from until now. I think it was worth it.
all contents ©2010 Sandra Leichner all rights reserved
Sandra, You are allowed to say that you like the bird block. It is really beautiful. Realistic because of the detail. I am also glad that you returned to your sewing room and waited with the decorations! I recall my son being so excited as I worked on one of his quilts… I can still hear his little voice. Oh, how I loved that age. Thanks for sharing.
What a beautiful block!
Happy New Year! I love the bird block for your workshop (I am so jealous wishing I could attend), and happy you are thinking about an album style quilt. I think another book is in order!
HAPPY NEW YEAR SANDY!!
I know it is going to be a good one, just because you spend time in your work room ! and we get to enjoy your work !!!
I love your bird ! I’m almost done with the one I’m working on . Just have to quilt it . I’m busy painting and decorating my house so I’ll have to find some time too .
I’m with Jason ,on this one , LOL !
OH and I forgot to say . Your fabric choices are Wonderful !
Beaututiful bird!
My decorations stay in place for the 12 days of Christmas, so have until next week to play before that job gets to the top of the list. In the meantime, I have some pencils to try on fabric ……….. don’t think they will work, but have to try pastels and charcoals just in case they DO work.
Judy B
Sandra, Ohh, I am so lucky to be attending your workshops in Seattle. The bird makes me rub my hands together!!! I’ve been practicing my embroidery over the holiday-I want to get the most out of your teaching. That little “bright eyed” bird is wonderful. You can almost hear him sing. Hope you had a warm and refreshing holiday.
Thanks Denise, I wish you could come too!
Boop, you have a big project on your hands with painting! Decorating is the fun part. I do love a freshly painted room though.
That is one of the main things I will teach is how important fabric choices are for doing the work. Too many times I see it made over complicated or resort to paint. cringe.
Thanks Judy! As of yesterday the Xmas decorations are put away for another year and the house is clean with no signs of the holidays. I can officially play.
Let me know how you like playing with the pastels and charcoals. I always like to hear about others’ experiences and what they think too.
Melanie it is going to be so fun! I really do love this piece. To be honest, I am chomping at the bit to go shopping at Quiltworks Northwest too! You can always fondle bolts of fabric in a quilt shop with no thinking you are odd.
Thanks Vicki!
Thanks Patti! I always know where things stand with Jason. He is not shy about saying what is what. He is constantly making me laugh.
Sandra,
I am swooning here!!! This is just beautiful!
Hello and Happy New Year! I went to post last week – something like “PLEASE – for the love of all that is fiber – post SOMEthing for those of us who need a Snippets fix – GASP!” But there was no where to post! I missed you! (Sniff!)
I LOVE your little Jenny wren – they are among my favorite birds, the way they flit their little perky tails. I would SO love to see a series of bird blocks – that would be AWEsome! (I am a HUGE bird lover – in fact, I just put out more niger seed for the goldfinches – it is SO cold here that they’re going thru a feeder tube every day!) I think a bird album quilt would make a GREAT book!
Keep it up, Woman! We’re lovin’ it!
Sandra,
Hope you get well soon!
Sandra,
Two questions: 1) Would you show us the BACK of your work sometime? I’d love to see the length of your stitches…and 2) what is your favorite applique thread?
Thanks–
Holly
Thank you Melanie!
Glad you “like” Michele! I admit it, approval means everything to me. LOL
Holly,
I will put that request on my list of to-do posts. My favorite thread for applique is Aurifil 50 wt. cotton followed closely by the DMC 2 ply 50 wt. cotton and Mettler 2 ply 60 wt. cotton. I like Aurifil the best because it seems to be really strong and can take a tug and keep on going. The only down side is the choice of colors is not large.
Thanks Ivory Spring, swooning is a good sign!