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Firstly, I have learnt (re-learnt?) that foundation piecing is very messy. Very very messy. And in a house which is already somewhat challenged in that respect that is not necessarily a good thing. My window renovations are also messy ..... not conducive to domestic harmony in a small semi.
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Secondly, whoever said use a denim needle at last month's class is a genius. I can't remember who is was, but it was a very good tip. Now if I could get another equally good idea for how to unpick seams with 1mm stitch length when you make a mistake, that would also be well received.
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Cutting the pieces bigger than you think you need is a stress reducing approach (refer second point above re unpicking). And cutting them all out before you start is also smart as it saves time.
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Contrast is a winner. I am trying to get intensity of colour in this quilt. Unlike Kim's beautiful high dry stone wall, the image which I immediately had in my head was handful of quality street chocolates. So the first block I tried went for full on colour blast. I do like it, but it doesn't do justice to the block and definitely doesn't have the wow factor it deserved after the unpicking I did. So I tried another one with more contrast. It isn't intense enough for me, but I do think it works better. I could do ANOTHER one with solids, but the windows are calling out to me.
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My family often suprise me in a nice way. My other half jokingly suggested that I make a quilt for a client's 70th birthday. When I took him seriously he actually embraced it and was really happy with the fact that we were giving him something more meaningful that a bottle of scotch. And even more surprising was the #1 son's endorsement of the quilt, saying that he would know it took a lot of time to make. Here is the finished product in the back yard, with my passionfruit crop also on display. A manly blue stripe backing, simple straight line quilting and a katy jones linked fence binding and we are done.
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Finally, Zoco is still a pussy cat. After two days of rain he was very happy to be catching some rays. I just love the uncomplicated relationship I have with this guy. As long as I feed and pat him, he is happy to love me back. I know not everyone is a pet person, but for me they add a whole extra dimension to my life.
I am off to Cairns on Saturday for a week with the boys. I am looking forward to some intensity of colour out on the Barrier Reef.
See you soon ...
Wow, you have been busy, and I'm loving your 'quality street' blocks.
ReplyDeleteNice to meet Zoco too, my Cinnamon also adds a special dimension to my life and she was enjoying rays today too.
Haven't attempted the block yet...the deadline for the geckos is looming...must stay focused!
hi loving the blocks, all I've done with this block is think about what I'm going to do and that's it. However have looked at colours and will take your lessons learnt on board. Thanks
ReplyDeleteps Have a great trip a little jealous as getting a little chilly here at night. M
OK had a go thank goodness you told me to make the pieces bigger it really helped. The only problem I had was the unpicking, like you, very difficult with little stitches and I had lots of practice and it didn't help the more practice I got. m
ReplyDeleteOK had a go thank goodness you told me to make the pieces bigger it really helped. The only problem I had was the unpicking, like you, very difficult with little stitches and I had lots of practice and it didn't help the more practice I got. m
ReplyDelete