Under the Pressure Foot #21

It has been a while since I have done a Under the Pressure Foot post. Why I don't know. Maybe I haven't felt like I have been under too much pressure to finish things off until this last week. With deadlines loaming it is time to bring a few things to a close before starting some new projects including a couple of large quilts that will test my skills in needle turn applique and machine applique. Two techniques I have used a little but not too successful at. Somehow this year is turning into a year of improving my applique skills. I have done a few projects and have improved my skills by adapted new ways of doing hand applique. I don't think what I am doing is new but being left handed in a right handed world sometimes things don't work out as easily as they should, I feel. So hopefully I have found my way with hand applique and I may learn to enjoy do it.

Are you curious about the two projects I about to start? The first one is Pemberleyhas. I have been plastering all over my Facebook page for the last couple of month as I will be running it as a Block of the Month starting June.

There is still time to join us if you are tempted. All the details are on my website. Plus you may have seen I have the Pemberley quilt on loan hanging in the shop. So Saturday being the first Saturday of the month the shop is open as it is Project Uninterrupted day. Perfect to come and have a close look at it.  No touching allow but you can have a close up look. It is so much better in person. My pictures don't do it justice.

The second one is Michele Hill's William De Morgan Sampler.  I have admired her work for quite a while and getting the chance to hear her speak about William Morris(A big fan of his work too) last year at our annual retreat inspired me to have a go. I have had the pattern nearly a year and a couple of my friends have already started their. So I am a little behind but at least the decision has been made to do it and I can look at pulling fabrics for it.

So I think I am up for a challenging time making these two beauties. When I get them finished I am sure they will became treasured pieces in my collection. I will be sharing my progress especially on the Pemberley quilt as there is a group of us stitching at the same time.

Until Next Time 

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Some Free Motion Quilting Time

It has been a while since I have try something new on the quilting front with my main machine out of action for 8 weeks.  My quilting pile has grown.  So it was time to tackle some of the projects, as some have deadlines that needed to be met. Luckily they are all small projects so I was able to get 2 of the small projects with deadlines quilted. My second colour way of my Tea Party Table Topper  (picture above top right)which is a retreat workshop next month and my contribution to Kate's Scrap Crazy workshop samples. Nothing fancy but nicely done.

Then there was two cat quilts that got pinned. I did manage to start on one of the cat quilts and this is where I get to play. I saw a wavy check tutorial by Leah Day last week and I wanted to try it. So this was the perfect piece to try it on. Not too big so it would take me all day, but not too small that it would be over before I got the hang of it. I got halfway through quilting it before I ran out of time but the effects were brilliant for the first time doing it. I think I will be using this one again and again in different sizes. I hope you can see it. Excuse little Miss Pochee she loves to walk through photos.

You can see it better on the back.

When I finish it I will share it  with everyone. I am sharing this post with the Free Motion Mavericks. Take a look at what others are up to.

Until Next Time 

Keep Stitching

Cynthia

Bringing some Projects to a close

After a busy morning cutting retreat kits I treated myself to some sewing time. Admitly these projects needed to be finished. All three projects are ready for quilting. So I pressed backings, pieced batting, yes pieced batting. Perfect to use small leftovers cuts that are too big to throw out but a little small be themselves. I like to use them for small projects.
First I pinned my alternate colour way for my retreat workshop kit.

My sample for Kate's workshop was next on my list. She would like it by the end of next week.

Lastly the second of my trio of cat quilts, which is on my Project Uninterrupted list.

All three pinned ready for quilting.

I may have trouble quilting this one. Some little cat of mine is trying to claim for herself. It is the wrong one but try and tell her that.

I think Winter is here and all the cats are looking for warm places to sleep. Hopefully I can get them quilted tomorrow.

Until Next Time 

Keep Stitching 

Cynthia