Wednesday, July 8, 2009

There's lots of stitches

in this block but it was worth it because now I only have a couple of less complex ones to do for the Baltimore. Here's another one I'd like to do, the Mary Mannakee pattern was faithfully reproduced by the Baltimore Applique Society from the original in the DAR museum.
My dream is to do a series of these magnificent red and green quilts and so this will definitely have to be the next one. Anyone want to join in?
One part of doing these blocks I'm not fond of and that's those bitty little circles that get stitched over the bulk of seam allowances. I like to use these mylar templates with starch.
When I do really small circles, I don't cut it out until after I have done the running stitch around the shape, it's so much easier to handle.
I got some great mail this week, I won a giveaway on Ruth's blog, country log cabin. Look at the goodies I got, how generous is this? I love the sign which I'm going to find a special place for. The magnetic pin keep, in pink, and the gorgeous fabrics and just look at that pouch with it's special zip pull! Thank you Ruth.
I've only just caught up on my pies and tarts blocks and this next lot of fabric arrived. Aren't they a good mix? The fabrics I've been sent have been fabulous. I'll have to get busy because I have a few things I want to get caught up on.

41 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely block, great suprise in the mail and I do love the Mary Mannakee Quilt, I might jsut have to order the pattern.

cheers
Christine

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Janet your work is incredible! You are such an inspiration. I am loving seeing the quilts you make, and have made. Keep them coming!! xo

Deb said...

Janet you are do the most amazing applique, I am in awe of you. I so want to get good at needleturn, have to make a point of practising more. That Baltimore is beautiful, I love them. Lucky you with you win.

Anonymous said...

You did an incredible job on this block !Just wonderful !

antique quilter said...

your block came out beautiful.
did you collect the fabrics for this quilt over time?
did you use for the flowers hand dyed fabrics?
just beautiful.
OH YES my dream as well!
Have the pattern out ready to start the Mary Mannakee quilt , I am ready for the challenge!
great tip!!!! I just love my perfect circles.

Kathie

Carol said...

Janet that block is absolutely amazing. OMG what a wonderful tip for using those circles...why did I not think of that...I fuss with those little circles trying to get the running stitch in...thank you for the light bulb moment!

Crispy said...

Oh Janet the block is just beautiful!! Nope, not going to buy another pattern, I'm really not, but I did write the title down just in case LOL.

Congrats on your great win.

Crispy

Carrie P. said...

Perfection! That is the word to describe that basket block.
Amazing red and green quilt. Looks tempting.
I love using the Perfect Circles.
Congrats on your goodies.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Gorgeous block!!! And great tip on the circles.

Unknown said...

That block is jut absolutely amazing!! Your work is impeccable!

Lindsey said...

That basket block is so complicated, I cannot imagine how to do it!

Betsy said...

Janet your applique is pure delight! You are the queen of applique. I saw another blogger who is going to also make the applique blocks so you will have company.
I too have the mylar circles and they are a life saver.

Karen said...

Your applique block looks so professional!

Darlene said...

Stunning block, Janet! Everything you do is stunning - sigh! :-)

Awesome tip to make circles - never thought to do that - duh!

And, I love the new mix of fabrics for your Pies and Tarts.

Kaaren said...

Your applique block is 'over the moon', Janet. I don't know how else to describe it.

I use the Perfect Circles for making mine as well. Thanks for the tip with the small circles.

Karen said...

That is one beautiful block Janet! Also, love the Mary Mannakee pattern.

Dolores said...

Oh my, you are keeping busy. It is nice to have a sense of accomplishment when something is finished. Your work is beautiful.

Anonymous said...

Just fabulous! Great colors and precision in your work.

Do you fussy cut the fabrics or are you using paints or pens to add detail? I see embroidery too but the details on the flowers is just awesome!

Rainey
Los Angeles

Jocelyn said...

Your block is beautifully done! And congrats on your wonderful prize :-)

Lurline said...

Mary Mannakee - if anyone can do it justice it is you, Janet - I love it!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Unknown said...

Wow, what a simply stunning block Janet.

Annette said...

Your bouquet of flowers is magnificent. Beautiful work!! I could just sit and study it for a long time.

Janet said...

I'm inspired by the DAR quilt. I went to the site and if I buy the pattern, I will have to do it. I'm inspired by you and Kathie for doing this quilt. Thanks for the clever hint about circles. I can see how that would make it easier to handle.

Mary said...

I have the Mary Mannakee pattern and red and green fabrics. I just haven't decided on the background - white or muslin? Other than that, I'm ready to go. Are you going to use red and green or a variety of colors? Once I have my background, I'd love to do it with you.

Of course, I also want to get going on the hexagon quilt and the pies and tarts quilt. I need retirement to come sooner than a year!

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

Oh My--what an excellent job of the Baltimore block--just BEAUTIFUL--a Big Blue Ribbon for you!!! I love needle turn applique and am working on perfecting it for me--maybe another 100 years from now I will be at least as half as good as you!!! Have a great day, hugs, just, Di

Judy H. said...

Your Baltimore block is simply stunning! I'm in awe.

MJinMichigan said...

I bought the Mary Manakee pattern a few yaers ago when I went to Baltimore to see an album quilt exhibit. I've thought about starting it several times but would like to make it like the antique quilt. I prefer it with less white space around the designs and less perfection. I think the antique Baltimore album quilts with all of their quirks are more charming than the new "perfect" reproductions.

Allie said...

Oh my. Oh my. You tackle projects that make me cry to look at them. I'd end up bald trying to do the things you do. And you do them SO well!!!!

Juliann said...

Your block is so lovely! I am pulling my reds and greens today - trying to come out of my quilting slump. wish me luck!

Julia said...

Janet your work is incredible! You are such an inspiration.
Mary Mannakee quilt is gorgeous as I'm sure yours will be..
I love Baltimore quilts, your block is so beautiful..
Julia ♥

jean said...

Janet
Your sewing is just impecable , and you are very generous with your hints and tips. Sorry don't think I can come on the Baltimore journey but I will really enjoy watching from the sidelines

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

You do incredible work! Thanks for the tip on the small circles!

Unknown said...

Your Baltimore is just Beautiful...Thanks for the tip on the Circles..I bought Pies & Tarts papers from the sydney show...OMG are they really that Small....
cheers

Janet said...

Your Baltimore block is beautiful!!! I'd love to join you on the Mary Mannakee quilt - its so lovely - you will do a wonderful job of it. I don't think I have the time or skill for it yet - one day...
I sure like the pie fabric too.

Martha said...

All right -- let me just get right to the point -- I am totally blown away by the beauty and perfection of your applique -- all the tiny little embellishments, the attention to detail in the color selection, the amazing stitching which I cannot even see even when I zoom in -- it's just too much!

Rhondi said...

Hi Janet
That is a beautiful block.

Mary Johnson said...

The block is gorgeous, I can imagine how beautiful the entire quilt is going to be!

Robin said...

Oh, my. I'm in awe! (Again!) Your applique work is just so beautiful. And I really want to say thank you for the awesome tip about circles... oh, my gosh, that just makes so much sense and will make my applique life soooo much better! :)

Four O'Clock Quilt Company said...

I come back and look at your blog over and over, wondering how one person can do all that! Your applique is so precise, it's wonderful. I wonder too, how you got the shading in your flowers. It does my heart good knowing you have lots of projects started. That is how I work also... you inspire me to do more.

Anonymous said...

Janet - The block you use for your profile picture caught my eye as my mother is a quilter and is a lover of Baltimore Album quilts. I thought I would connect the two of you - here blog is new so there is not much there yet, but I hope you will go check it out. The two of you have much in common quilt wise. Here is her URL - bapplique@blogspot.com. On to read more of your blog! ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic

Anonymous said...

Janet - The block you use for your profile picture caught my eye as my mother is a quilter and is a lover of Baltimore Album quilts. I thought I would connect the two of you - here blog is new so there is not much there yet, but I hope you will go check it out. The two of you have much in common quilt wise. Here is her URL - bapplique@blogspot.com. On to read more of your blog! ~Kelly

unDeniably Domestic