The Splendid Sampler, Block 6 "Focal Point"

For this block, I actually did need to stay focused. It's another one of those "it may look simple, but really it isn't!"-blocks:

 The pattern is designed by Natalia Bonner, and you can find on The Splendid Sampler's website until spring 2017.

Sarah Fielke BOM - Block 7

This was a difficult one to complete. But the purpose of joining the BOM was to learn - so the challenges are good.

Look! Points! That made me happy :) So far, so good!

Here is the block with the rest of what I have finished so far:

Well....the vine border block on the bottom is not completed. I am still working on that.

Today (or rather yesterday) was also a happy mail day. I received these needlekeeps, they are going to be really helpful for me to keep track of my appliqué needles.

Miss V wants the green one wiht the rabbit, so if I need more than one, I'll have to order a new one for me.

New glasses and some slow progress

When you start sewing needleturn appliqué, you will discover, if you need glasses. I did! 

So here they are, I am very happy, I can now see....even the small things such as the eye of an appliqué needle :) 

I have finished one vine border block, and am almost done with number 2. I am taking my time, and enjoying the process.

...and let me just add: it's a lot easier, now that I can see, what and where I am stitching!

Day at home with the kids

My kids are sick, so most of yesterday, and pretty much all of today, I have been doing this:

No sewing and no work - just Monopoly Disney. And sick kids.

The Splendid Sampler - February blocks done

The first month has been so much fun. The patterns have been so pretty, and also so challenging.

I am still thinking of redoing block 4 "Happy Happy", Those circles just are not very round, and they are not growing on me - quite the opposite!

Other than that, I am happy (!) with my blocks so far:

I want to sew block 6 today, but then, I also want to read these: 

I think I'll make a cup of tea and sit and read for a bit :-)

Sarah Fielke BOM: Practicing needle turn appliqué

Moving on to month 2 of Sarah Fielkes BOM, and this is a lot of applique setting blocks. It's a good thing I have until October to get these done. I am new at appliqué (actually I have no idea what I am doing), but it was one of the reasons for me signing up for this BOM. I have always loved Sarah Fielkes quilts, but have never made one, because I was intimidated by all the appliuqué (we'll talk about all the hand quilting another day....)

Anyway, I have prepped the appliqué blocks with green stems, I have cut my leaves, and I am ready to go. We'll see how I do. This is how far I got, before I had to stop last night. Also, I need to get more thread - I apparantly don't sew a lot in yellow, orange and light green :-)

In all fairness, Sarah gives excellent instructions in this BOM, so if ever I am going to learn, it is going to be while finishing this :-)

The Splendid Sampler, Block 4 "Happy Happy"

2016 will be the year I learn to appliqué...I will! I love appliqued quilts, but I am way too intimidated to try it.

This year I have made sure I am part of different projects that all include appliqué - because then I can't avoid it :) I didn't know The Splendid Sampler would be one of them, but why not?

Jen Kingwell designed this block, and I loved making it. It's a little wonky in places, but for a first try I would say it is ok.