Category: Projects

I have paid for several of Sarah Fielke’s Block of the Month programs over the years.  For some mysterious reason, this is the first I’ve actually worked on.  I can’t explain why, except that I’m learning the block of the month format interests me in theory, but not in practice.  And I also find that I like her sketches better than the actual designs.  But this one, her Secret Garden pattern, stayed interesting to me.  It’s a mix of piecing and lots of applique in a mix of sizes.  I have all the blocks done, but this is the only section I’ve sewn together so far.  Without further ado, these are my Sarah Fielke Secret Garden quilt blocks:

The four blocks are the bottom left corner of the quilt.  I enjoyed choosing fabrics and doing a little fussy cutting along the way.  While I planned my quilt, I decided to challenge myself by using these low-ish volume background fabrics that are aqua and white.  This isn’t the easiest color to work with as a background.  It’s more medium than light, and sometimes makes contrast difficult.  I went for it anyway, partly because I particularly love the two background prints I chose.

I have also challenged myself by using a large variety of methods in the applique.  I’ve used perfect circles, applique paper, freezer paper, aluminum foil, tracing on the front of the fabric, thread basting, pin basting, glue.  I might have missed one or two.  I want to experiment with lots of methods.  It’s been fun.  I have really enjoyed adding the vines along the seams as the blocks are sewn together.

One favorite block is the key.  I used applique paper to make it, and learned a lot.  It’s  thicker to sew through, and stays in the quilt, but will eventually dissolve partially if washed.  Not sure I’ll ever love appliqueing tiny 1/2″ circles, but at least I’m practicing!  You can see behind the key the fun Heather Bailey print I’m using for half of the blocks.  I wish I had more of this print!

I am loving using ALL of the greens as I stitch leaves and stems.  The more, the better.  In fact, I am buying more green fabric all the time. Whenever I scan a sale or clearance section, I’m looking for greens that would be fun to use in applique.  They have their own bin in my sewing room.

I had to put these blocks away when I was preparing to teach my Marian’s flower applique class, and I haven’t had time yet to pick it back up.   Sometimes all the prep for applique slows me down, but when I block out time and get it done, I can stitch, stitch, stitch!  I’m excited to get going on my Sarah Fielke Secret Garden quilt blocks very soon.  It’s been a busy summer and my son leaves soon.  Hopefully I’ll find time to stitch!

I did it again.  I started another applique project.  This time it’s a journal-style quilt.  One heart for every day.  I want to honor a journey – a literal journey that is also a journey of the heart.  It’s beautiful and strong, difficult and impactful.  It amazes me yet doesn’t surprise me.  So there are hearts.  I need lots of little heart blocks for this one, so they’re small.  I think they’re cute!

So far this is all scraps.  I’ve started cutting 3.5″ squares and making the hearts.  Instead of my usual thread basting method, I’m using Cut Rite freezer paper cardstock to turn the edges in advance.  These are going to be stitched with the edges already prepared.  I’ll make it a really colorful quilt, and scrappy.  But there will also be structure.  I will introduce certain colors or fabrics to represent important days, events, or themes.

Unfortunately the idea struck months after the journey began.  (I do this too often, I think!)  Even though it will require extra work, and some of the calendaring will be representative and not exact, I believe it’s worth it.  Plus, who could be unhappy while stitching these little heart blocks?

I’ll work hard now to catch up, and then I can slow down.  I picture myself having a weekly stitching appointment where I applique 7 hearts at a time.  Typically I don’t love the heart symbol.  I have no idea why (My Heart, Today, is an exception, I guess).  But stars, they speak to my heart.  I’m a little surprised that I feel so drawn to this project, and to the hearts in particular.  It’s always fun to have something new catch your interest.  Wish me luck on catching up!  I have almost 300 hearts to make.  Surely I can do it!

Honestly, though.  Do you think I’m crazy?  Would you start something like this 8 months later?  What if the journey is a once in a lifetime thing?  Would it be worth it to catch up?  I’m curious.  These personal story quilts light me up, and I want to know how you feel about projects like this.  Please share!

Jennifer

It’s high summer, when you sleep without blankets and only want to read a book in the shade during long afternoons.  And yet, somehow this quilt also feels like summer to me.  I finished my Hunt Quilt.  That’s one less applique quilt top languishing without quilting, so it feels like a win!  The pattern is by Carolyn Friedlander, and it’s one of those shapes that is incredibly simple.  Two straight sides with tiny little curves on the end.  Simple, but challenging. And dramatic when they’re all stitched!  If you decide to make it, I highly recommend getting the template.

The mini red circle in the quilt is my own doing.  You can read about it here, and maybe you’ll chuckle along with me when I said I was brainstorming quilting ideas.  Why?  Because in the end I just wanted it done.

I chose an edge to edge design called “grape soda”, and sent it to Sew Shabby Quilting.  Custom quilting would certainly look amazing with this pattern, but I also like the whimsical texture this pantograph creates.  It doesn’t detract from the applique.

Mostly, as I said, it’s done!  I haven’t finished many quilts in the last year.  This is a victory!

Now I look at it and see so many beloved fabrics.  Some of these are the very last piece I had saved for years.  Now they’re showcased in these lovely circles.

I selected an old Sandi Henderson floral print from my backing stash for this quilt, and it’s fun to see it off the shelf.  As always, I love the blues.

I bound the quilt in a dark navy.  So far I’ve kept it on the living room couch because I enjoy looking at it so much.

Not only does my Hunt quilt hold lots of precious fabrics; it holds stitches too. And I love the way it harmonizes with the blues in that room.

I spent many hours stitching each blade by hand.  I love holding the fruits of my efforts in a finished quilt.  I’m grateful for this finish.