As I said in my previous post we are currently in Scotland. I do not have my sewing machine with me so have been getting on with my applique blocks. This is the first time that I have done reverse applique and due to Anina's excellent instructions it has gone very well. I am really enjoying the DJ challenge so far and also I am learning so much as it is such a complicated quilt pattern. That is also my excuse as to why I am allowing myself to do it alongside my City and Guilds. Actually I think the two complement each other very well.
Dad's plaids did give my a hard time. As usual the problem was that I did not read the tutorial carefully enough and I didn't realise that some of the diagrams in the book did not actually match the blocks exactly. So when I traced the design onto freezer paper the 'melons' were too large to do the reverse applique. Anyway I think I have figured it out ok - they need to be stitched together - I will do this when I get home on Thursday.
The other two applique blocks worked out fine - I also loved learning the 'freezer paper on top' method of applique.
That is 7 of the 8 blocks completed - I have left Uncle Homer to be done on the machine. I have also redone the Mirror Image by the hand piecing method and will join that by machine later. Of course I will not be doing todays foundation pieced block until I get home either.
Glad to have nearly caught up though as when I get home I must get up to date with my City and Guilds and shock horror I have to go to work next week as I have loads of teaching coming up.
I drafted the design onto squared paper which I greatly enjoyed as I love geometric designs. Colours were introduced.
My artwork is monoprinted using acrylic paints to give texture. The shapes were cut out and built up as a mosaic to represent the folded patchwork. If you look closely at the photo you can see Patches' whiskers!
The folded patchwork was done using my hand dyed fabrics. I really enjoyed making this sample and I am pleased with how it turned out.
And a closer view...
Lynne's properties are in the building to the left of the Black Bull pub.
The other things going on in my world - this photo shows Jack, an unneutered tom cat who seems to have adopted us. He is very shy and I can only get to within about 3 feet of him. As soon as I can grab him he will be off to the vets for a little operation! He comes in to the house for feeding but here he is enjoying a little spring sunshine with Misty on the patio!
Sunday was the first outing for our VW camper to a local car show.
This is my artwork - reminiscent of nursery school?
And here is my rag rug sample!
Finally - guess what I found in the litter box the other day - must have been brought in by the cats and escaped. The poor little thing was safely put back into the garden - not sure how long it will survive though - my cats are excellent mousers!
Chris's soccer field - the first foundation pieced block.
Uncle Homer which was a left over from a couple of weeks ago
Mirror image which I have redone using hand piecing.
Dad's plaids which I have now sewn together.
Dad's plaids did give my a hard time. As usual the problem was that I did not read the tutorial carefully enough and I didn't realise that some of the diagrams in the book did not actually match the blocks exactly. So when I traced the design onto freezer paper the 'melons' were too large to do the reverse applique. Anyway I think I have figured it out ok - they need to be stitched together - I will do this when I get home on Thursday.
I know that a lot of you are fans of Scotland so here are some photos of where we are staying - it is called Tigh Mor and it used to be the Trossachs hotel near Brig O' Turk in the Trossachs. It is now converted into apartments - we are in the annexe on the left hand side.
This is the view from our sitting room - the loch in the picture also belongs to the property - the boys will probably be 'bonding' on a rowing boat tomorrow or perhaps fishing!
Another view of the loch. Today is the first sunny day we have had - hence the biking! The rest of the time the weather has been very Scottish! (Rain and snow).
