Sunday, September 6, 2009

Back to the applique

I'm back home after five weeks away and I'm rearing to go on my applique again. I did manage to get the feathers done on my last princess feather block while I was away. This time I decided to make use of the blue washout pen to mark the background for the rest of the pieces so I don't have to wrestle with the large overlay. I'll wash the block when it's done to get those marks out. I really had so much fun prepping the pieces and handling the cheerful Kaffes again.
I really should downsize on my fabric collection because I have run out of places to stash it all. Do you have that problem?
I thought I would show you my Kaffes which are in plastic drawers and now they're full and still I want more. Is that greedy of me? The great thing about his fabrics are that the same colours are used from one collection to another so they all work together. I do have several quilts on the go using these. Just saying.
I can't even throw the scraps out, these do got tipped on the floor to use for applique pieces.
The pattern is so large for the blocks and borders of the quilt that I thought I'd share with you how I tape around the edges with masking tape. This way, the pattern doesn't tear easily and it helps to keep it in good condition. Not that I think I would make another quilt the same!
I mentioned in my last post that there were quite a few parcels waiting for me after doing a bit of online retail therapy.
Another lot of pieces for the pies and tarts bom I'm in. I am behind now, never mind.
These fabrics are mainly for the Mary Mannakee blocks so mainly red and greens. Luscious!
I've already prepped the next block using some of these. I don't enjoy the washing and ironing part but at least it's done.
And two new books, This one is actually used but is in new condition. I love it but since it's been out of print for awhile I did have to pay a premium price for it.
You might be surprised by this purchase but I've seen this French cross stitch letters book around and decided to grab it. It's mainly alphabets and it's a great resource book for something I have in mind in the future.
I'm still waiting on a few more parcels to come, another book, more fabric and another bom. No need to worry about me, my buying only comes in waves usually and then I'll come to my senses. I must be like a squirrel, stashing for the future.
Good to be back but I did have to assure GD #2 that my plane wouldn't fall in the water and therefore the crocodiles wouldn't get me, lol.
Now I'll have more time to catch up with some blog reading. I have two new blogs on my list that I'm enjoying keeping up with, go pay a visit if you haven't already.

38 comments:

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Oh Wow, you are back with a BANG!!! Where do I start commenting on this post? I love it all! It's sooo good to have you back. And yes, I also have overflow of Kaffe stash, I have outgrown my small sewing room and have my eye on my 16 y.o's room...how soon do they leave home? (kidding!!). Thanks for all this eye candy xo

Abby and Stephanie said...

You have a terrific collection of Kaffe! Princess Feather is drop dead gorgeous. I do think it our duty to shop and squirrel away now so in our retired years we're well stocked!

antique quilter said...

what a kaffe collection of fabrics you have.
Love your princess feather block .
YOU will LOve that book! Love the new fabrics those reds are just so perfect, I really like the greens you bougt I didn't get those bluey greens what line are they from?
I can see a use for those in my CWB quilt
wow all those packages must have felt like Christmas morning when you were little!
lucky you!
Kathie

Deb said...

Hi Janet,
So glad you're back, I just love seeing your sewing. The Kaffe's are to die for - you have to squirrel them because they go so fast don't they? And the princess feather - stunning. Have fun with the rest of you packages.

Cheers

Deb

Kaaren said...

I think santa visited your house a bit early this year, Janet. What a super collection of fabrics and two wonderful books as well!

Now we'll just have to wait to see the beauties that you'll create. Enjoy the creative journey.

Janet said...

I've been away too. I love your collection. Even though we known we don't NEED any more, we keep adding to our stash. I too can not throw the small bits. They do come in handy. The mail brought you lots of goodys. Love the fabrics for your Mary M.

Nedra said...

Boxes and boxes of Kaffe's. What could be more beautiful? My favorite was the Princess Feathers.

ranette said...

Hi Janet...glad you made it without a crocodile incident..lol

Your princess feathers block is really looking good and my, my I think you have more Kaffe than I do. I really need to cut up some of mine, but I'm savoring it I guess.

Love the reds and greens and I have most of them from a splurge last month.
I tend to shop in spurts as well...fun isn't it?!

Unknown said...

Okay, I thought I had a great Kaffe stash, but you certainly won!! Oh my, can I come over to play? Your princess feather is just beautiful. Boy did you ever have some mail waiting for you! What fun!

Juliann said...

Welcome home! Your feathers are so beautiful. Every time I see them I just oohh and aahhh!

Anonymous said...

Hi Janet,
Your stash looks nothing like mine! However, I find that I'm really liking yours quite a bit! That was fun to see for sure.
As for the packages, that had to of been a blast to open, touch and just feel each to slice of fabric. They are wonderful...and then two books to sit back with a cup of tea and enjoy...ahhh...Quilting Life is good!

Lori said...

Your princess feathers block is looking good. I bet it feels great to be back in your sewing room.
It seems I make my quilt purchases in spurts too. Love the reds and greens especially!
Thanks for the links for the new bloggers.

Rhondi said...

Hi Janet
Welcome back. You sure are one usy girl!! I love Kaffe fabrics too. Every time you show us some of your applique I am amzed at hoe good you are. Those feathers must have been very tricky to do.
How fun to have all those packages waiting when you got home. I can't wait to see what your plan is with the alphabet stitchery.
Hugs, Rhondi

MJinMichigan said...

Hi Janet
Welcome back! I got my overlay made for the princess feathers and found background fabric so I am ready to start on it! You have a great collection of Kaffe fabric. I couldn't resist adding to mine last week when I found lots of his fabric on sale at quilternity.
Having all those packages to open at once must make it seem like Christmas came early.
I know you're going to love the Sandi Fox book.

Darlene said...

Wow, wow, wow - love it all. I swear I need to be your next door neighbor - talk about an inspiration. :-)

I know you're happy to be home with all your toys and such.

Karen said...

If you purchased a few more plastic bins, then you would be short on Kaffee fabrics and could purchase more.

Crispy said...

Isn't it amazing how out stashes ebb and flow? I too love making sporatic purchases...don't want the stash to ebb too much LOL.

When Kaffe first came out I hated it, but now I can hardly wait for the budget to allow me some purchasing time.

Crispy

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

Beautiful princess feather and new stash!! How fun.

Mary said...

Welcome home! Beautiful work on the feathers but that's what we all know you do. What fun to come back to packages, too. I've been working in my yard but soon I'll be back to fabric and quilts - and my blog. I hope you really, really enjoyed the baby.

Barb said...

I love your feathers.....your material and yes, my material is pusing me out of my sewing room....I must stop!!

Kate/Massachusetts said...

Have you seen this blog for needlework alphabets? It's really incredible! Enjoy!

http://needleprint.blogspot.com/

Chookyblue...... said...

so good to see your back safe and sound.............lovely shopping..........

Red Pepper Quilts - Rita Hodge said...

Wow - five weeks out of action and you have much to show. I love how you store your Kaffe Fabrics, and no it is not greedy to want more of that goodness. You certainly have enjoyed some online retail therapy, hooray for the internet.

Good to see you back.
Rita

Julia said...

Good to see you back home safe...
Love your princess feather block .
great fabric purchase...makes me want to go shopping!
Julia ♥

onlymehere said...

This applique is gorgeous and I'm glad the crocodiles didn't get you too! I go in spurts with buying and then using up too. Right now I"m in a "use it up" mode but I think the buying will have to start again before long, lol! Cindy

Joanna said...

I am completely jealous of your Kaffe collection!! And I know how much they must have cost in Oz dollars....ouch! Every time I start to complain about paying 9 bucks a yard for fabric here I remember how much it is back home and for some reason I am instantly grateful that I only pay that much!

Janet said...

Glad you're back - I bet it was hard to say goodbye to that precious little boy. Your feathers are marvelous!!! also both books look very interesting - what fun packages.

Carrie P. said...

Welcome Home. I like using the blue pen for some things too.
Lots of goodies in the mail.
And you do have a lot of fabric. I find since I do applique more that I don't buy as much fabric.

Karen said...

Your feathers are coming along nicely and such a wonderful stash of Kaffe. Love all your new fabric. I am like you for purchasing in waves and have been riding on a big wave lately!

Jayne Honnold said...

Can it be that I have someone who can rival me in hoarding Kaffe Fassett fabrics? I will make a note to photograph my KF stash to share in a future blog post. I love your blog and the pics are inspiring! Thanks for the shout-out for my blog! Jayne

wishes, true and kind said...

Fabric, Kaffe, embroidery, books, appliqué, Kim McLean. You really hit all my favorite things today. I literally said "OH!" when I opened your post =).

julieQ said...

Wow, lots of Kaffe to drool over at your house! I think I may have 5-6 pieces...and really love them! Looks like you are going to be busy...

Four O'Clock Quilt Company said...

Glad you're back! A shopping binge is great therapy!

Browndirtcottage said...

Glad you are home safe and sound.....your stash looks marvelous....if they would quit coming out with new fabrics faster than we can get the older ones sewn up we might be able to stay even....darn it!!

Thimbleanna said...

Yay you're back -- and with some beautiful booty! Thanks for the cool taping hint. And I have the space problem too -- everytime I buy new fabric, I'm scouring the shelves for non-fabric stuff I can get rid of to make new space!

QuiltedSimple said...

Glad you are home safe and sound. And what lovely fabrics!!
Kris

Susan said...

I have had you on automatic feeds for a while, so keep up with your happenings.

What caught my eye the other day is the "French Alphabets" book. Did you get it here in Aussie land or through Amazon or somewhere else?

I love x-stitch as well and would love a book like that!!! I too have been keeping up with the "Needleprint" blog that someone told you about in an earlier comment.

I'm making x-stitch samplers in honour of my grandmothers, mum, mum-in-law, myself and my daughter, which will all go into a "treasure box of memories" with other things I'll make and their written stories of their crafts and handwork and memories of past generations as well. I've blogged about this on a couple of posts, if you like to read them.

Regards,

jwsmoore at bordernet dot com dot au
http://seasonsforsusan.blogspot.com/

janinejgunn said...

Hi quilsalott.

I have stumbled onto your blog and have now Idea what I am doing as far as leaving a message so I hope this is it. I had a stip of fabric sent to me on an order recently and fell in love with it. I saw it on your Blog and was very excited and hoped that you could tell me what it is. I have searced all my regular haunt's to no availe. It is in your Pile of red Fabrics (4th down) Photo after your big Mail delivery.Can you please let me know
jjgunn@bigpond.com Thanks