September 6, 2016

This pattern confused me. It was designed by Katja Marek who is more or less the queen of English Paper Piecing. However as I tried to break down the pattern into the various templates I would need it seemed better done as paper piecing. But the pattern provided didn’t quite fit with paper-piecing either so I ended up modifying the pattern to make it work. The flower is the only part that is done with English paper piecing.

My go-to stitch for appliqué is the Blanket Stitch but that didn’t seem appropriate here so I tried a zig-zag stitch. Sorry Jackie, but I need more practice.

My sentiments for Jackie match the pattern’s name – Bee Happy.

September 4, 2016

I never forget these two birthdays and I always remember Dad on this day. These cards are called Whim (from the Splendid Sampler series) and finish at 6 ½” x 6 ½”.

On Thekla’s card I see fabric I’ve used many times before – some from a baby quilt I made (the lion), some from a package of fat quarters Kathryn gave me, (the pink tie-dye) and some from a project I made for Madison (the bright stripes). Seeing these fabrics again is like a gift to myself!

Regan’s card also holds a lot of memories in the fabric – some from Deloise (cherries), some from a quilt I made for Madison (multi-coloured stars), and some of my favourite fabric collection (green swirls).

I was able to use a couple of the fancy quilting stitches my machine does so well.

August 30, 2016

Although Ron’s birthday is well past Earth Day I liked the theme, particularly after spending a restful and serene week at their cabin.

August 23, 2016

I chose this card (from the Splendid Sampler series) for Rhett – not because he sews, but because I liked the squirrel.

I had some trouble with my zigzag stitch (I need more practice) so reverted to a straight line on the tree and leaves and a blanket stitch on the squirrel and flower.