I try to make weekly goals on what I want to work on, notice I said want not need. I have no deadlines or urgent finishes really. Maybe just a cot quilt but that's small stuff, right? So today I just couldn't get going so dragged this old thing out to photograph so I could have a photo of my colours and setting. That way, when I want to work on it again, I don't have to get it up on the wall every time.I hate that heart block on the bottom left, it's going to have to go.
In the block with the urn you can see the red rose fabric that's been a feature. I only ever bought a metre and it's nearly all gone. Same with the fabric for the little blue flowers. I'm going to have to improvise for the last blocks.
I've decided to get on with at least another block and put out of my mind the other applique projects for now. I get easily bored with my projects and just can't seem to stick to a few. That's the way I work and I don't think I'd change it. I jump around from project to project, It's a wonder I have anything finished.
I must tell you about my glue I use for applique. I like basting glue, I don't use it for everything but it makes life so much easier sometimes. The quilters basting glue is about $16 for a small bottle here and I'm not that fussed on it. I wash my blocks after using it and it still leaves some residue. I've switched to this fully washable school glue which takes more seconds to stick but it washes completely out. I just use one of those other empty bottles of basting glue to put it in. It's really cheap. Elmers washable school glue is what you'd use in the States.
Here is the next block I'm going to tackle which looks a little intimidating because of the number of pieces. I've traced them all out on freezer paper and I'll probably spend time in the weekend prepping pieces.
I'm going good on pies and tarts, well I was a month behind but I'm just about caught up now. I only have 10 more pies to applique to the backgrounds.
Excuse me for the weekend while I try to focus on some sewing. Have a good one peoples.
Wonderful, wonderful work. What a pleasure to be able to see your work. Have a happy sewing weekend.
ReplyDeleteBoth these projects are really stunning. I know the applique is way beyond my skill so I'll just be content to admire it from afar!
ReplyDeleteI'm like you and jump from one project to another. I'm trying to force myself to focus a bit more but I'm not being very successful. Every time I see something I like on someone's blog I want to drop everything and start one just like it!
You live in Australia and your projects are always so gorgeous ! You're the quilter I would like to be...
ReplyDeleteJanet both projects are astonishing.
ReplyDeleteYour talent is unbelievable.
Well you know I have several projects on my plate too. I guess that is how we work best.
For the life of me I can't see anything wrong with that lovely heart block in the corner.
ReplyDeleteThis is an amazing piece of work!
I also jump around with projects...the difference is the projects...OMG the Baltimore Album blocks are AMAZING! And your pie and tarts, humf! I'm jealous that you are so far ahead of me. I will get back to it someday.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend of sewing...
Your Baltimore is Beautiful..not sure what is wrong with the Heart Block...Your Pies & Tarts are looking Fab too...Enjoy your stitching weekend...same here.
ReplyDeletecheers
And you do what in your spare time? Those projects do take a long time and it's no wonder you flit from one to the other. It's like reading a 500+ page book - you do it a little at a time.
ReplyDeleteYour Baltimore blocks are just amazing. Please keep at it. It is just so lovely and will be a wonderful quilt! But do have fun with your other projects - the pie quilt looks so fun!
ReplyDeleteCheers - Shari
Absolutely beautiful applique, Janet. Your colors are wonderful and that rose fabric is just perfect! Like the others I don't see what's wrong with the heart block, it's lovely.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beuaty you've got going Janet. The quilt is amazing to look at. I'm not sure why you don't like the heart block. I think it looks good with the others.
ReplyDeleteThe pies and tarts are looking really great too!
Your Baltimore blocks are amazing, Janet! Just gorgeous! You know, it has been on my mind recently to ask how quilters with long-term projects like these decide how to spend their time. I really have to focus AND jump around. The jumping around makes me feel like I'm not accomplishing much, but I guess I do it in the midst of other short term projects which provide the satisfaction of completion. Beautiful work as always, Janet! Have fun stitching!!
ReplyDeletewow. wow. wow.
ReplyDeleteI would never attempt such intricate applique. You do amazing work!
What can I say? That is the kind of quilt my husband wants me to make. If only I can get myself to do it, it isn't that I don't like applique....
ReplyDeletecheers
Christine
Wow!!! Actually you get a double wow as I can't even imagine myself sitting down to all those applique pieces! Both quilts are stunning.
ReplyDeleteYour applique quilt is so impressive! All I can say is -- WOW! That is going to be a masterpiece!
ReplyDeleteWOW, I thought I was an applique lover....you have some beautiful projects....keep going !!!
ReplyDeleteHoly Cow Woman! Those are some gorgeous projects! Your applique is beautiful. Now, why does the heart block have to go?
ReplyDeleteOh Janet your work is soooo stunning, I bow to your superior applique skills!!!! Personally I like the heart block, it plays well with the others, what do you want to put in it's place?
ReplyDeleteCrispy
Absolutely stunning! A masterpiece. And the pie quilt is just wonderful as well. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful are those quilts! I love applique, but I'd NEVER try that top one....
ReplyDeleteI use Elmer's glue [school glue] as well. Washes out just fine! And I jump around with projects, everything eventually gets done, so don't worry about it!
Two stunners, no doubt about it. The quality of your applique is so far out of my reach, but I love to see it. Enjoy the weekend.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely gorgeous. You are very talented. These blocks are labor intensive and I can understand why you would want to take a break with another project. Have you tried glue sticks. They wash out completely and stick instantly. The pie quilt is intriguing too.
ReplyDeleteStunning...no other word can describe it.
ReplyDeleteOh my goodness... that is a lot of pieces!!! :o) And ooHHHH so lovely... thanks for the tip about the glue... will take a look if we have something around here that can be almost the same!! :o)
ReplyDeleteWow! Another WOW quilt! Your applique is beautiful. That's going to be one gorgeous quilt when you finish!!!
ReplyDeleteI got some Elmer's School Glue but haven't used it yet. It's nice to know it comes out because I had the same problem with the Roxanne's.
Did you set in the 'pies' or applique them? I love that quilt.
What an amazing work of art!! It's too beautiful for words. :0) You have put a lot of hours of work into this quilt and you have so much done already - you'll finish it. Jumping around from project to project keeps life interesting. I think the heart block you don't want to include looks just lovely.
ReplyDeleteyour applique is amazing....and I like to jump around too...I think that's ok!!!
ReplyDeleteno need for you to reply back to me...just keep on a sewing!!!
Your Baltimore style applique blocks are just gorgeous! You use of the red & the blue fabric really is outstanding. The pattern in the fabrics just flows with the flowers making them look realistic.
ReplyDeleteBoy there are a lot of pieces for the block you are going to be working on. My favorite block that I see right now is the middle block in the third row down.
Your applique work is gorgeous!! Those blocks and pies .... oh my ...
ReplyDeleteFor glue, I use a glue stick, washable and acid free. Like you, I wash my blocks (a couple of times to get the glue out) before sewing them together.
You never cease to amaze me Janet! I am going to slink away and make another pincushion - shame on me, lol!
ReplyDeleteHugs - Lurline♥
WOW Janet, you're so inspiring!!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your projects and your progress.
hugs
Robyn xx
amazing, just beautiful
ReplyDeletelove the pies and tarts too!
I am speechless
Those quilts are both gorgeous beyond words! But Why should the heart block on the left have to go. I personally would place it somewhere more in the middle of the quilt, it looks too tiny in the corner.
ReplyDeleteI am so speechless. I am utterly impressed. gosh. You WAY ROCK!
ReplyDeleteJanet, I jump around with my projects, too! Sometimes I feel like machine-piecing, sometimes just hand-work. Things do get done! I absolutely love your Baltimore blocks and your Pies and Tarts are exquisite!! Great work!!! Have a good "sewing weekend"!!!
ReplyDeleteYour applique is stunning! I too, tend to have several projects going at the same time. As long as you are working on something, eventually they will all get done.
ReplyDeleteJanet, your work is beautiful and if that is your beginning quilting below or just limited, you could go into business. Love visiting your blog.
ReplyDeleteKeep Stitchen'
Bonnie
These two quilts are absolutely stunning. I'm so glad that Kaaren from The Painted Quilt sent me over! Thank you.
ReplyDeleteHiJanet
ReplyDeleteYou have some very ambitious projects on the go there! Th eapplique is beautiful and your work is excellent.
Rhondi
On that lovely heart block in the left corner, I'm in love with it!
ReplyDeleteFits in the theme of the quilt.
Joyce Barham
Funny how a baltimore can bring all quilters outta the woodwork!! It is gorgeous..all your blocks!! but I love what you did with your grapes in the grapevine. the difference in colors is just awesome.
ReplyDeleteI took love the fact I can just work on what I want not what I need. it used to be deadlines..no more.
Your pies and tarts is stunning what an excellent way to use up some of the scrape...janet is this your design? or where did you get the design.. sorry I missed that posting..
I just love checking out your blog. Your work is stupendous. You are such an inspiration to so many including me.
ReplyDeleteThe Baltimore blocks are just beautiful. I love the one you are about to start. What don't you like about the heart block? It's pretty. I don't think I would be brave enough to put glue on my fabric. Pies and Tarts is such a fun one. You pick the best patterns.
ReplyDeleteOh Janet! That Balt quilt is just awesome! All this eye candy I"ve missed while busy working. Man your blog has been a feast for my eyes tonight!
ReplyDeleteI love the circles and the movement they create. Good to know about the glue. I'm always hesitant to use a non-quilting product. The last basting glue I got said the tiny applicator tip would never clog. Big lie! And it smells and looks like Elmer's. It probably is just packaged to give this expensive no clog feature that doesn't work. I won't make that mistake again. Washable school glue is all I will get when my bottle is finished. Thanks Janet.
ReplyDelete