I am finally seeing some progress on a few of the quilts I am working on. As you can tell, I like to hand-applique and hand-quilt. As we all are very aware, both are time consuming, and it can be a long time before any results can be seen. So when I get close to finishing anything, I get really excited
First, I woke up yesterday with one thing on my mind. Finishing the hand-quilting on Circle of Tulips! I am sooooo close! I must admit, though, I have been in my pre-mourning stage for a week or two. I start to miss the quilt before it’s even finished and I wonder what I will do to fill the void. Sad, but true!!
So, after a couple of hours of stitching and watching re-runs of Downton Abbey, I am finished! Yippee!!
Now, I just have to bind it! The pattern for this block is available as a free download on my website.
I have also been making some progress on the second border of Sue Garman’s “Friends of Baltimore”. This is the left side of the vase almost finished.
So, now it’s time to start the right side of the vase! I added the fern and a few roses and buds.
These borders have lots (I mean lots!) of bias stems on it. So I end up with lots of short pieces. This is how I use up those tiny pieces…
I find a spot on the pattern where I can inconspicuously hide the joins. Now you see the joins….
…and now you don’t!!
To keep my (extremely unorganized) self from losing track of all those leaves and flowers, I prep them in my usual way and then I glue the pieces to the paper pattern. Also, when I cut the freezer paper shapes out, I place them on the paper pattern in the spot they will eventually be glued and stitched, just to keep everything nice and organized.
So, now I just pick up each piece and place it on the background. Easy peasy!
So…here is the right side of the border!
And, finally, the border is (almost!) finished…I just have a bit of stitching to do!
Til next time…
Kerry
Simple Bird Applique 
Love, love the handquilting!! It’s a beautiful quilt and I look forward to seeing it trimmed and bound – it’ll be even more beautiful. Your vase border is gorgeous as well!
Thank you! I will be binding the quilt this weekend. Looking forward to it!!
Your stitching is just incredible! Love all your work and I’m sure you’ll soon find another to fill the void.:) The applique border is wonderful!
Thanks Audrey! Yes….I am sure I will find something to fill the void!!
Beautiful quilt and stitching. Gives me such inspiration!
Thanks! Glad you like it!
Wow! You’ve gotten a lot done. I love the circle of tulips quilt. I wish I was a good hand quilter.
Thanks!
Kerry your stitching Is amazing. Why do you glue the prepped pieces to the paper pattern?
I glue the pieces to the paper pattern so I don’t lose them! Also, I can preview my fabric choices before I glue them on to the fabric. It works for me!
The border is very pretty but one pink flower looks lost. Is it just the photo or does it show up in real life?
Hi Dolores:
It does not show up in real life:(
I will be changing it to a darker pink:)
Kerry, you are amazing!! Your quilting is beautiful – congrats on the finishing of it. Love your appliqué too.
Thanks so much! I am very happy to have it almost finished.
Maryellyn
I love that you are so generous with your design ideas and enable those who are following you to utilize what you have learned. Your work is so beautiful. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks you! I love to share my work. I also like to show that applique can be very do-able!
Kerry, how do you keep the freezer paper pieces from flying off your pattern? Do you use a spot of glue on them?
Your Tulip quilt border is really over the top beautiful! I love piano key stitching. And your FOB vase is so exquisite. Love, love your work.
Thanks, Eileen! I use a glue stick to attach the freezer paper. At least then I know where they are!!
Wish I can hand quilt like that. My quilting tends to look primitive. Lots of big and uneven stitches try as I might. But atleast I keep at it, and I imagine one day Ill notice improvement.
What kind of batting are you using? Try using wool or a good quality thin polyester to get those tiny stitches. Mind you, I love the look of primitive stitching, especially with a heavier cotton thread. It does take some practice, so keep stitching!
I can’t wait to see what you choose for your binding. That is always the hardest choice for me. I start selecting from the beginning and often buy four or five before I am finished and ready to use it. Your work is superb and sue’s patterns are glorious so what’s not to love? Congrats! Gale Polk
I am hemming and hawing about my binding. All along I assumed I would use pink, but I used ping in the little inner border and I can’t seem to match it. Then I thought of white, but wanted the binding to actually be a frame for the scallops. So I have (tentatively!) decided on green…I think!
Kerry…just wanted you to know that you have so inspired me, that I just ordered a block of the month for the Friends of Baltimore quilt. I am so glad that I will have all your posts to guide me in making this beautiful quilt.
Thank you for all your wonderful advice. Hope to meet you at an Applique conference someday!!
Wow! Good for you! If you have any questions about anything I haven’t covered in my blog, please just ask. I will be happy to answer any questions.
Beautiful work Kerry. I can hardly wait to start the quilting on our wallhaniging and see what it looks like finished.