Back in September, I finished Block #1 for Hazel's Summer Garden, a quilt along that Shelly is doing (PrairieMoonQuilts.com). You can see my Block #1 here.
Last night, I finally finished Block #2. Yes. I am slow.
But
for me, the finished product is worth the wait! Shelly has done such a
nice job with the design on this and having lots of different stitches
to maintain my interest. See the little red flowr in the lower left?
It's all blanket stitch. That was totally fun. (Apologizing for the
poor lighting in my photos. It seems like it's always dark--either in
the morning or at night--when I have a few minutes to snap photos!)
This
little flower was a lot of fun to stitch, and I think it's my
favorite. I love how it turned out. I also enjoyed the satin stitching
on the leaves. I like a really thick satin stitch with lots of height
to it. I tried to accomplish that on my leaves, where there was satin
stitching.
And I really adore this fill for the leaves. Very fun.
This
is a close up of the center flower for you. I free handed all the red
fill stitching, blue fill stitching, and french knots. I didn't mark
all that. I am trying to keep a real "imperfect," loose feel to these
blocks.
All these little french knots were fun to do. I like the look. :-)
I'm off to get Block #3 started before Shelly can get Block #4 posted. I want to feel caught up for a minute! LOL.
If you are interested in reading more about the quilt along, please visit Shelly's post about it here. Scroll down on the right hand sidebar, and you'll see 1953 Quilt Along, Hazel's Summer Wildflowers. Under that heading are links to all the patterns so far. It's not too late to join in! And if you don't want to make the whole quilt, Shelly provides small projects you can do with a completed block. It's pretty awesome!
I am really enjoying stitching these blocks. Thank you so much, Shelly!
Shelly is also having a 350 Blocks Project, challenging us to complete 350 blocks during 2013. Each month, you can tell her how many blocks you have completed. There are prizes for making the monthly goal. I am participating this year. So, I have one block completed this month (of the 28 I am supposed to get done). Oh, my. I don't think I'll make it this month, with blocks like this and at this rate! LOL. BUT, I did win a prize for my work last month! Those 64 pinwheel blocks for my Pinwheels+Pooches=Peace quilt went a long way to help me make last month's goal! If you need a little nudge, it might not be a bad idea to join the little project! It's not too late. People are still joining!
Until next time,
Wow!! That is gorgeous!! Those colors are beautiful as is your work. Woohoo!
Posted by: Sue | February 06, 2013 at 02:27 PM
Totally beautiful.I love all the different stitches in it. This kind of hand work is so relaxing.
Posted by: Linda in Calif. | February 06, 2013 at 03:34 PM
Your block is stunning. You do beautiful work. That center flower really caught my eye. And the one with all those little French knots. Wow! Thanks for the links.
Posted by: carolld | February 06, 2013 at 06:23 PM
So, you're knitting, quilting, hand embroidering, doing a blog, teaching, being a wife, Mom, room mother, etc., etc., etc.! You always continue to amaze me. And you always do A+ on everything. Quite a woman you are, Ms. Mamma Pea! I'm so proud of you! ;-)
Posted by: PegVan | February 06, 2013 at 07:01 PM
Such a beautiful block! I love the delicacy and colors of the stitching. Do you use an embroidery hoop? Do you ever have trouble getting the creases out? That always used to bug me when I did more stitching projects.
Posted by: terriaw | February 06, 2013 at 08:21 PM
It's beautiful! Thanks for being a part of the quilt-along and the block project. You deserve prizes!
Posted by: Shelly | February 06, 2013 at 08:30 PM
Oh my gosh, Stephanie!! I am in complete awe!! Your work is beautiful! Absolutely beautiful!!!
Posted by: Cindy | February 06, 2013 at 08:50 PM
Beautiful! I have no patience whatsoever for handstitching, but I greatly admire the work of those who do. Love this! And you're right--the variety in it is great!
Posted by: Ellie Q | February 06, 2013 at 09:16 PM
I'm so tempted to join this. I love your block! I may just download the patterns for "later".
Posted by: Lynn | February 06, 2013 at 10:05 PM
Great embroidery! My aunts would approve! LOL!
Posted by: Maggie Szafranski | February 07, 2013 at 07:10 AM
These blocks are so pretty and so charming! More, more, more!
Posted by: jenclair | February 07, 2013 at 10:37 AM