I had a great day in the studio today. It has been a while since I had a whole day to play. I built five blocks, quilted one, and added decorative stitches to another.
The first block was a practice piece so I could try reverse applique. When I was growing up, my mother had a wonderful wall hanging called a mola. It was made by layering different colored fabric, then cutting out small designs and needle turning the raw edges. I have always wanted to try this technique, so today I grabbed some pinks from the stash. I started by drawing a large circle on a 9.5 inch piece of fabric. Then I put another piece of fabric face up behind the circle and stitched on the circle line. I cut away the top fabric close to the stitching, then covered the edge with a fancy stitch. Next, I drew a smaller circle on the top fabric that overlapped the first circle. I selected a new fabric to put in back, and followed the same procedure, using a different fancy stitch. The third circle is smaller and has a dark fabric. I cut away the extra fabric on the back as I went. I quilted it with echo stitching on the machine. The fabric at the bottom right is the binding wrapped on card stock. Here is a detail shot of the fancy stitching.
After I finished this one, I decided to create a new Alzheimer's quilt out of a piece I started earlier. I added a narrow turquoise border, and some meanders of decorative stitches. I like where it is going, but I have to be careful about the size. I took this photo before I pressed the borders. They are actually even but the angle I took the photo makes them look crooked.
I made two new blocks for the Market Basket quilt. I am really loving this quilt. My goal is to make two blocks a day until I have 25. As I cut each food fabric for the block, I also cut the rectangles needed for the sashing. I will put them all together when I have all the blocks together
Finally, I cut some flannel for a new preemie quilt and built a block. Unfortunately, I didn't buy enough of the fabric on the outside, so I will have to make another trip to the fabric store. Too bad ;) Don't you just love the little pink elephant?
