Handpiecing and Applique

For Slow Sunday Stitching  http://kathysquilts.blogspot.com I'm working on my basket quilt.  I have 135 blocks completed and 17 left to applique.  I'm thinking maybe a lap sized quilt for these blocks.  I have really enjoyed the applique on them.  I used the back basting method because they're such simple shapes.  Very addictive!

Another addictive slow stitching project comes from Temecula Quilt Company.  Its called Summer Circles.  I adore all the small quilts this tiny store creates.  Go to their blog http://temeculaquiltco.blogspot.com to learn more. 

We took a road trip to Oregon to visit family over the 4th, so I had plenty of time to stitch.  Sadly, much of our state is on fire.  We encountered two huge fires on our trip.  One on the northern border closed Interstate 5 to traffic, but we were lucky to have made it through before that was necessary.  It was clear that the fire was out of control and spreading everywhere.  Fortunately this area is sparsely populated.  I've have lived in California all my life, and I've never seen the amount of fire activity that we're seeing now.  My prayers go out to everyone involved, especially the fire fighters who risk their lives on a daily basis.



Challenging Myself

I've always loved the look of a scalloped border, so I decided to give it a try.  I probably should have watched a video on the process, but I reasoned that I could figure it out.  A little bit of math and a whole lot of patience were required.  The hard part?  Putting on the binding in the rather deep vees  I had created.  Why it didn't occur to me to make shallow scallops is a mystery.  I guess I have to learn things the hard way.  The binding is on, and I just have to do the hand stitching.  I take a photo of the quilt when its done.  Its a small one- 58x58.  I'll probably use it as a table topper. 

I've also been cutting some pieces for my basket quilt.  Blacks, greens, and purples.  I already have reds, pinks, golds, and blues.  We're planning a trip to Arizona, so I'll keep busy doing handwork on the road and while staying at our condo. 

I'm looking forward to meeting with my sewing group, The Bag Ladies on Friday, and on Saturday I'm taking a hardanger embroidery workshop through my guild. Lots of stitching goodness!