WHATCHA DOIN?

I just thought I would report.  My son's mother in law is gravly ill so needless to say, my time has been otherwise occupied.  I will show you this block.  This is a hand appliques version of the TDA block that has already been sent in to the contest.  I had some problems with puckering and had decided to make another block in hand applique for the contest.  Time got the best of me and had to go ahead and send in the machine appliqued one.  Oh Well, will finish this one anyway, just to see how it would have turned out.  I am not finished, but "just reporting" on a current project.

I had a nice surprise in the mailbox!

With the sweetest note from RHONDA!

I opened the lovely package and began to unfold a strip.  You see, we are doing a Row by Row Exchange.  Do you remember?  We each did our first row and then each participant makes the owner a row to go with it in  her choice of style and color.

I am unfolding the strip

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OHMYGOSH!  So excited to get a strip from Rhonda.  I know her style and talent and

OHMYGOSH AGAIN!

There are no words!  This is just fantastic..  The details incredible!  Let me show some details!

This is my BullDog, Lulu!  and she is after a racoon!  She really did kill a possum, did you know that?  I will have to tell you THAT story sometimes.

This is our Red Heeler, Spud, barking at a cow.  Look at that tree.  I love the fabric she picked for the bark and wait until you see her other choices.

Look at this MF tractor hauling a bale of hay to the cows!!!!

And lastly, another tree and a cow and bull-- 

Rhonda, let me say that I could not love it more.  You are one of the most talented quilters I have ever known.  So much thought and work went into this block, I am overwhelmed with it all.  Thanks, my friend.  Your row is in my thoughts and will soon be on fabric.  I love you.

It's time for Tree Time.  I am a little behind but am going to give you a little preview to keep you interested.  I think it is a good one.  It may not be up by the first, but if not, just a couple of days late.  Stay with me now.  BTW--I sew want to thank you all for your such sweet comments telling me that you are enjoying TREE TIME.  I have loved doing them and want you to also.   Here is the block "unstitched".  I will be back in a flash with the cash (finished block), so be patient!

 

How do you like it?

 

Tree Time and Row by Row Show and Tell

I've been working on my row by row group strip.  My paper pieced cows now have ears, tails, and udders.   I sure hope I made the best choice for my first strip.  We will see-----

You can see the other cow's tail, the swing and the applique tree sections that softened the sharp edges of the pieced tree.  The rope of the swing helped hide a seam between two sky sections.

In case you don't recognize it, this is a block 2 of Tree Time Block of the Month.  I have been encouraging you to "make it your own"---remember?  This is a changed one.  The tree is 3 strands of embroidery floss, the skirt fabric is the same, but I used the Buttonhole Stitich instead of appliquing it--same French Knots for fringe.  For the string of lights, I used several stitches.  A tiny chain using 1 strand of floss is the cord.  A Bullion Stitch surrounded by a Lazy Daisy Stitch for the bulbs--oh and a cute little French Knot for the glow on the end.  I made this February block more February by putting a couple of hearts on the tree and one in the tree topper star.  I am working on a wool version of block 3 so I can show you how that will look.  Try you hand at hand embroidery.  You just might love it.  I have renewed my love for handwork.  See the sidebar for the button--one click will take you to the original post where you will find a link to the general directions.  Blocks #1 and #2 links are on the sidebar under the button.

On A Roll---A Roll of Binding, that Is!! Plus a Little More Stuff

Decided to put on a binding this morning that I have been putting off for "oh so long".  I looked in my box of left over binding pieces and found a perfect roll of perfectly sized binding that looks so perfect for my western strip quilt.  I love it when that happens.  I always save leftover pieces of binding because scrappy binding is just about my favorite.  Maybe because I can use the leftovers---and avoid making more LOL--who knows!  Here iit is as I found it and it is now on my quilt and ready for stitching tonight during TV time.

A Row by Row group challenge--I make my first row then others in the group will make one.  Here is mine before stitching some embroidered flowers etc. on it. 

I have been looking at row quilts on different internet photo sites.  There are some neat ones out there.  This one, for Halloween, I thought was especially neat.  Look at the little ghost nestled in all the candy cane pieces in the border!  Also, the flashlights are really imaginative, I think.  The way that they are shining in different directions--love it!

A little closer look--

I have organized all my Block of the Month patterns into a large notebook.  I include my patterns, directions, fabrics chosen and then put my blocks in as I finish them.  I also put my fabric blocks ready to stitch in and my sketches for my own designs.  I love looking through and adding ideas as I get them.

This is a glue product that I found at WalMart the other day.  I had not seen it before.  It has a fine and wider tip and claims to be a "no wrinkle" product.  I am sure this refers to paper, but I am hoping it will be wonderful for fabric applique.  I will report to you later and let you know if it works better than a regular glue stick.  It is a liquid product.

Do you wear Mary Kay eye shadow?  I do and I came up with an idea to use these little plastic containers that the eye shadow comes in.  They are about 2 x 2 inches. 

I cut my embroidery needles as they were in the package--out in the exact right size to fit in the container.  Then-----

I also cut out the information from the front of the package out and placed it on the top of the outside.  I have several of these with different kinds of needles in them and I can always get to my needles easily and know what kind they are.  Justa little idea I had.  I am sure there are other containers that would work just as well as these.

Just one more thing.  I am about to start my "Snow Bound" Block of the Month by Anne Sutten and Bunny Hill Designs.  I have these two fabrics that I am trying to decide on.  Which one do you think I should use?  I am leaning towards the Blue.  I think with white snowmen, the group of blocks would look richer, don't you?  Give me your 2 cents.  Please.

Don't forget to get your Block One pattern of my Tree Time Block of the Month.  All you have to do is click "Block One" on my sidebar.  For the directions for the series, click the sidebar button and it will take you to the original post.  You will find the link there. 

LATER COWGIRLS!!