Sunday, March 03, 2019

Slow Sunday Stitching

Welcome to the weekly hand stitching link up party! We encourage you to join us by putting some stitches into your project today. Just a few moment of stitching can provide numerous health benefits - click here to learn the reasons why you are wise to invest your time and energy in hand work. I don't know how trustworthy the research is behind those claims, but I can lots of provide anecdotal evidence.
Fabric selection

This week I enjoyed finishing a hand applique block.  I picked the background fabric first, then the star, cardinal, tree and leaf fabrics to contrast with the background.

Freezer templates ironed onto the right side
Tracking the freezer paper pieces from the pattern reminds me of  a process that is similar to playing with paper dolls as a child. You trace the shapes, cut them out, and iron them onto fabric. It is quite a mindless, relaxing task.

Finished block

I use the needleturn method of applique and although there are maybe more efficient and accurate applique methods, this is my favourite so far. Here is the finished block. 




This is the collection of blocks from the 2017 Blockheads project from Moda. There are 9 blocks in this quilt that were hand stitched over the past year. I'm starting to work on the math for the borders for this quilt.

But today I'll be cutting out and stitching block #5 of the Hand Piecing Quiltalong project. I'm a bit behind since block #6 has also been released. 
What are you hand stitching today?  Link up your blog post below and share your project with us.

   

    An InLinkz Link-up
   

14 comments:

The Cozy Quilter said...

What a cheerful little bird...a great addition to your design wall blocks. This will be a spectacular quilt, happy hand stitching day to you!

Gretchen Weaver said...

The applique is a pretty block, it will add variety to your quilt.

CathieJ said...

I like that applique block. The fabrics are great.

SandraC said...

Your applique block is so sweet! This is a beauty of a quilt!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I love the applique block - I have actually been thinking of applique off and on again lately

Sue Green said...

I'll be hand quilting today and, if time, maybe some hand piecing. I prefer needleturn applique also.

Jocelyn is Canadian Needle Nana said...

Applique is my favourite so it naturally follows that I love your block. Also love your yellows last time too.

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

I love needleturn applique the best also. I get upset when some stitchers worry about perfection instead of enjoying the stitching and embracing the charm that needleturn produces. It boggles my mind!

Cheryl's Teapots2Quilting said...

Hopefully I'll be stitching a hanging sleeve on the back of a quilt today.

Kathy S. said...

Your bird is super cute. I'm still working my way through different applique methods. I like needle turn so far. I'm going to try the one with the glue and the freezer paper soon.

Deb said...

I just love that little bird he is so chipper.

Karrin Hurd said...

Love that little red bird. I do applique the exact same way!

Scrapatches said...

Beautiful block. I love needle turn applique. I wish I do not feel all thumbs when I try to sew it. I shall enjoy yours. Thank you for hosting ... :) Pat

Kate said...

Stitching is very therapeutic, I'm sure it's what keeps my blood pressure steady and the insanity at bay! Hope you enjoyed your slow stitching yesterday.