The last block

I was so happy  when I finished the last of the four blocks in the Princess Feathers quilt, I'm sure I gave myself a headache from being so excited. I  just can't help it, this pattern and these fabrics are just so darn cheerful.

I feel like I've made some real progress after putting together the middle with the sashings.

I need to finish all the circles on the right hand border and now that I've added one corner square, I'll be able to make a start on prepping the applique for it.

I seem to be dividing myself between two projects at once, such contasts in fabrics. I've had a burst on prepping some more Mary Mannakee blocks.

I'm in a rhythym with prepping now, it goes something like this..........

• Make an overlay.
• Gather fabrics.
• Make templates and lay them out on the pattern.
• Select fabric to match up with templates.
• Sew.
• Enjoy.

It all takes time.

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.

Deb from Needles Sticks and Hooks and Jayne from Jaynes Quilting Room

Progress

I got the Princess Feathers on the wall and cut some sashing strips to see how it's all working. I tried a couple of colours for the sashing but I'm sticking with the same as the pattern.
The border on the right has all the circles to go yet. The corner appliques go on after the top is together. When I do the last block, I''ll at least be able to sew the center of the top. The blocks finish at 30" and I recently bought this 20 1/2" ruler which makes the job so easy. It comes in so handy for all sorts of cutting jobs!

Lurline and I have both got this pattern for the giraffe so we are going to make these sometime between the 11th -24th May. It's a good way to get these done as gifts, we'll spur each other on.

Join in with us if you want one of these cuties.

I'm sorry that Anne from Finland has not been in touch to claim her giveaway prize so I've passed the prizes down and drawn another number for the third pick.

Congratulations to Amy from a needle in my hand.

Kaffe colour

A border of birds...

Princess Feathers...

these are the first two blocks of a four block applique quilt, which are quite large
I managed to do one of the borders, I love the birds.
This is a Kim McLean design available from glorious color

She makes the most wonderful quilts and this is part of her exhibition at the Sydney quilt show. You can see the princess feathers quilt to the far left. The quilt is shown as a close up if you follow the links on the Glorious Color website.
I'm in no hurry to finish this one, I'm enjoying taking my time and I need to have some applique on hand to do. Besides, I have to quilt the tops before they become quilts and I have a few of those!