Hi All! Sorry I've been absent again. This time between February and March is so, so busy, both personally and professionally. I was supposed to fly to Iowa this morning to do some consulting, but with the winter storm, my flight got cancelled. I was going to try to drive it, but I got talked out of that this morning by folks in Iowa. I guess it's pretty bad. (We haven't had any snow from the storm here yet, though it's said to be coming.) I'm going to try to fly tomorrow and see if we can at least get one day's worth in! But the upside is that this gave me a little downtime to get in a blog post or two. :-)
I have been plugging away on Hazel's Summer Garden. Remember, this is a quilt along that Shelly is doing over at Prairie Moon Quilts. (Click here to go to Shelly's page about Hazel's Diary...scroll down on the right-hand sidebar. You'll see the 1953 quilt along there. All the blocks and info about the quilt along can be found there.) I managed to finish Block #3 this past week. And here it is! Trying to find good light for a photo is a challenge for me these days. This is my best attempt...hanging off the porch railing.
Here it is from another angle. I am still having a lot of fun with all the stitches and flowers.
I feel like there is so much texture with all the French knots, satin stitching, etc.
And each of the flowers is so different. I use Shelly's color selections as a guide (I am using similar colors), but I substitute other colors in sometimes. Like here, I am using yellow in the center of the flower. I have some yellow in the fabrics I'm using to coordinate with these blocks, so I wanted a touch of yellow in the blocks.
And I enjoy all the flower shapes. This flower was pretty quick to do, but I really like it.
Well, I'll have to tell Shelly that's ONE block for my 365 Blocks Challenge she is hosting. I felt bad counting all those pinwheels that were small, easy, and that Caroll helped me with. But this block makes up for it! LOL. As many hours in this one block (or more) than there were in all 65 pinwheels!
Shelly hasn't put out Block #4 yet, so I am officially caught up on this project...at least for a minute. I keep telling Shelly that she does not have to rush getting Block #4 up yet. I want to bask in the joy of being caught up for a minute.
I'm back down to the sewing room to see what else I can get caught up on today with my "found time."
I have much more to report. Had a good trip to see relatives last weekend, and I finished that project for Sweet Pea I gave you a sneak peek for earlier. I can't wait to show you.
Hope you are all staying warm. I am craving spring.
Until next time,
Wow! Your block is stunning! Enjoy your found time!
Posted by: Lynn | March 05, 2013 at 09:44 AM
Your stitching is beautiful! I wish I were as talented as you. I am really enjoying following along with this project with you. Thanks for sharing it!!
Posted by: Lacie Jane | March 05, 2013 at 10:18 AM
That is so gorgeous! You are such a great stitcher!
Be careful when you travel and I hope you have a great time!
Posted by: Sue | March 05, 2013 at 11:49 AM
It's beautiful! Good job! I'm getting close to posting Block 4, so look out!
Posted by: Shelly | March 05, 2013 at 01:04 PM
Your stitching is just beautiful!
Posted by: Sherri | March 05, 2013 at 01:26 PM
Your block is stunning. You do beautiful work. Sounds like you've really been busy. I was getting concerned because we haven't heard from you. Glad you got some time for you. Hope you can make it up to GR this weekend.
Posted by: Caroll | March 05, 2013 at 02:07 PM
Ooooh, your embroidery is beautiful Mama Pea! I hope you can get out tomorrow. I'm on travel and supposed to come home from Washington D.C. tomorrow - I'm hoping your cancellations won't be this far south!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | March 05, 2013 at 07:51 PM
This is so beautiful, Stephanie! And some time when you're in Iowa, let me know! Travel safe!
Posted by: Cindy | March 05, 2013 at 11:05 PM
Such pretty colors!
Posted by: liveacolorfullife | March 06, 2013 at 12:17 AM
I love your embroidery! It really does bring us a breath of spring (even if we too still have snow on the ground).
Posted by: Marit | March 06, 2013 at 04:45 AM
The embroidery reminds me of slower, simpler times! Great job! Stay home and take a breath!
Posted by: Maggie Szafranski | March 06, 2013 at 07:46 AM
Wow - your handwork is awesome! Be careful traveling!
Posted by: Deb | March 06, 2013 at 02:25 PM
Beautiful block and I love all the colors you used.
Hugs,
Donna
Posted by: Donna | March 06, 2013 at 10:12 PM
I'm so so impressed with your embroidery skills, Stephanie. It is just beautiful!
Posted by: Carla | March 09, 2013 at 12:58 AM