Steady progress….

Posted in Friends of Baltimore, Hand-Applique Techniques, Sue Garman Pattern, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

I have never considered myself a stalker! Well, that is, until I discovered Sue Garman and her amazing, amazing quilts!

I had heard of Sue Garman, but it was not until I saw an ad in a quilt magazine for her Block- of- the- Month, “Ladies of the Sea”, that my jaw hit the floor! I was awestruck. I had to meet her! I emailed her and asked her how she stays motivated. She gave me the best advice….only work on quilts that you absolutely love, not sort of love, not kind of love….just absolutely love!

I absolutely love Friends of Baltimore (another one of Sue’s BOMs) so it is easy to stay motivated!

I was lucky enough to meet Sue Garman a couple of years later at Quilt Market. I told her I was her biggest fan and she giggled! I wonder if she knows how much of an inspiration she is?

The fuchsias on this block are actually dimensional which makes the block interesting.

Here is how you make them..

Make 2 circles using the 1 1/4″ Perfect Circle. Use a light and dark fabric and make sure you use matching thread.

Fold one of the circles in towards you and pinch with your fingers.

Take the second circle and fold it around the first circle.

Take a few stitches to hold the petals in place.

Thread an embroidery needle with a couple strands of embroidery floss. I used yellow. Knot the thread and stitch through the back to the opening at the top of the flower. The knots will be on the back of this unit. Cut the thread an inch or two from the flower. Repeat this step a couple of times.

I used the starch method on the calyxes, so that means the seam allowance is already turned over.

Now I can just glue it in place at the base.

Lift up the opening and tuck the flower under the calyx and glue in place. Easy peasy!

Til next time…..

Kerry

16Jun2012

Washing my block

Posted in Friends of Baltimore, Sue Garman Pattern, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

So once my block if completely finished, I figure it deserves a long, hot bubble bath….and so do I!!!

My blocks may not look dirty, but they do need to be cleaned up a bit. I use starch, glue and marking pens on my blocks. The blocks may, or may not, have cat hair on them.

I want all that stuff removed before the block is stitched into a quilt. I do not have to worry about my fabrics running because I have pre-washed everything in hot water and Synthrapol.

This is what I do:

I fill the sink with hot water and add a squirt of liquid soap. I use either dishwashing soap or whatever hand soap in nearby.

Then I dunk the block in the water. Do not be nervous!

I usually let it sit for 20 minutes or so. One time I went out for a couple of hours and forgot about the block soaking in the sink. It survived. I am always very surprised (and sometimes a little grossed out) at how grungy and grey the water is.

I let the water out of the sink and rinse the block under warm water until the bubbles are gone. Then I gently press the water out with my hands. Do not twist the block…it is not a dishcloth!!

Next, I roll the block up in a thick towel and press out any excess water.

Then I lay the block out flat on a dry towel and let it air dry. I like to put pins in the corners to keep the block flat when it is drying.

And finally, once the block is dry, I like to turn the block over and give it a final pressing on a thick towel.

And now on to block 7!! It’s a doozie!! (See below!)

doo·zie

[doo-zee] verb, doo·zied, doo·zi·ing. Informal noun

Also, doo·zer [doo-zer] something that is extraordinary or outstanding of its kind: The storm was a doozie, with winds of fifty miles an hour.

8Jun2012

The bird is done…but the grapes are not!

Posted in Feathered Star Quilt, Friends of Baltimore, Hand-Applique Techniques, Sue Garman Pattern, Uncategorized by Simple Bird Applique

This bird is taking on a life of its own!

So…here are the top feathers.

…and the back and head.

The side feathers are stitched on. I also added the band around his neck. At this point I realized I forgot the beak. I think I was just so darn excited about how the bird was starting to look..well..very bird-like!

…and finally the last piece of the bird is stitched in place!

I un-stitched a small section of the head and tucked in the beak. Now I can concentrate on stems and leaves and grapes! Did I mention there are 98 grapes!

I am pre-washing the fabrics for the appliqued border on my Feathered Star. I am not sure what pattern I am doing yet but I want the fabric to be ready when my idea hits me!!

This is why I pre-wash!!