The Big Reveal

It is time. The Big Reveal! Missie of Traditional Primitives has gotten the quilt done and the pattern will be ready soon for all of you who love to paper piece and applique. I love her patterns and reading her blog. This past summer she asked me test some paper pieced blocks. It is called The Gardens of the King. My reveal is just a few of the paper pieced blocks. I only made four because I have had some family stuff going on and didn't have time to more. One day!

I made a table runner using some modern fabrics. Missie and Karen H. of Faeries and Fibres have used reproduction fabrics.

Sometimes it is fun to see a pattern done in different fabrics. Either way the blocks are pretty fascinating.

I did big stitch quilting with perle cotton thread.

If you like to paper piece, do applique or both I highly recommend these two products which you can get from Missie's web store. I haven't ever seen this finger stiletto before but it is awesome. Use it when you are using your iron to prep pieces. You won't get burned. I haven't tried it yet but I bet you could use it when sewing too. Just be careful as with any stiletto.

These freezer paper sheets are the best. I would rather use the sheets than the freezer paper from the grocery store. The shiny side sticks much better and will stay stuck for longer periods of time than the the roll of freezer paper. These sheets are the only thing I use.
Missie also sells a starch brush too. Check out her notions page for it too.

Now that you have seen my version of  "The Gardens of the King" (Missie's version of the King George III coverlet) go see Missie and Karen's quilts. You will be amazed and awe struck! I hope you will be inspired to make your own version of Missie's new pattern.

Be sure to let Missie know that you want the pattern as soon as it becomes available.

With Passion,
Carrie P.

ps I just wanted to let you know that surgery went well. There was a little bit more damage than the doctor expected so I will be in a sling for 3 weeks. Typing with one hand is hard. Thanks for all the well wishes and kind comments for my speedy recovery. Be back soon.

Blog Break

Today I attended the El's Kitchen BOM at my local quilt shop. This is the block we had to have done by today.

I looked ahead to see what the next block was going to be for December. I made it sooner than I needed to because tomorrow I am having shoulder surgery on my left shoulder. I will have to wear a sling for 10-12 days if the doctor doesn't have to sew up the torn tendon. If he has to sew it up I will be in a sling for 3 weeks. We won't know until he goes in to take a look. UGH! I have been suffering with the shoulder for several years but just was not ready for surgery. Now is the time.

So what's a girl to do when she doesn't like sitting with idle hands? I will read these books. I have been collecting wool to hook a rug which I will start next year. I also have some quilting magazines that I will finish reading.

I have a lot of favorite recipes that I have wanted to copy onto recipe cards. I have been putting it off because I would rather quilt when I can. I am right handed so that is one good thing about having surgery on my left shoulder.

My house is clean, laundry done, meals in the freezer, bills paid, and house plants watered.

I decided to get my sewing room in order too. My fabric is all folded nice and neat again.

 I thought I would just show you this photo because my Christmas cactus is blooming. It is in my sewing room.

My sewing machine is also cleaned. I will peek in my sewing room now and then to take a look at my design wall of projects that will be waiting for me when I am all better.

I decided to treat myself to a new cutting mat. The one I had was so old that the flannel and batting I was making for the Christmas rag quilt would get stuck in the cutting lines. Plus I think it was causing my rotary cutter to get dull sooner than normal.  Linda of Flourishing Palms shared this technique to revive your cutting mat. She shares how Olfa cutting mats love moisture. I guess it would work for other brands too. I might try this as time progresses.

My son found a friend who will watch my grandson for the next two months while I recover from surgery and go to physical therapy. I sure am going to miss him coming over during the weekdays.

I will have a 'scheduled' post this Sunday to share the Big Reveal of my English Paper Piecing project. Remember I was testing a pattern for Missie of Traditional Primitives. Check out this post to read about the beginnings of this quilt that Missie is reproducing. She will have more posts to share this week too. I  can't wait to see the quilt all done.

With Passion,
Carrie P.

Sew Alongs

If you have been reading my blog for very long you know how much I love Sew Alongs. Another one has started. This one is by Jacquelynne Steves.  To get the blocks you need to sign up for Jacquelynne's newsletter. Just go to her website and click on "BOM" if want to Sew Along too. She also includes a design that you can either embroider or applique.

My daughter just moved to a new apartment. We helped her buy a new beige couch. She loves anything "beachy" so I thought I would make a new quilt for her new apartment. I had this seashell fabric which will be perfect for the center of the block instead of embroidery or applique. This is the first block of Jacquelynne's Sew Along.  I think my daughter is going to like this quilt.

I have also been Sewing Along with Jeni from the Willow. Here are some more of the blocks I have finished. Isn't the cat cute?  She just added two more. Better get busy!

With Passion,
Carrie P.