I know a lot has been written in recent months about the process of quilting. I don’t often write about it, but I think about it a lot. What is it about creating through quilting that draws so many to love and cherish this art form? I had a few moments yesterday to hand applique’ the basket handles on two of my blocks–and realized how long it had been since I’d worked on any hand-work other than binding. I truly loved that window of time that I was able to sit quietly, think, and leisurely sew the handles. I realized how much I have missed having an applique’ project to work on in the evenings.
I’ve been avoiding the blocks with templates, so this week I challenged myself to make two blocks requiring templates–(Block #1 Attic Windows and Block #3, Basket). I only used the handle template for block 3 though–sometimes it’s just easier to do the math than to print out and make the templates.
I love looking at the blocks all together. Taking photographs helps me to see which colors I might need to use more or less of in the upcoming blocks.
Two sets of blocks–that will make two very different quilts. I love both the comfortable dreaminess of the warm Fig Tree fabrics and the happy feeling I get from the bright Kate Spain Christmas prints. I love the ease and speed of machine piecing, and I also crave the serenity that comes from hand stitching. What about you–what are your thoughts about the quilting process right now?
Kristyne says
Sherri, You said EXACTLY what I was thinking when I made the basket block! It's been ages since I did any hand applique and for the few minutes it took me to stitch it down, I suddenly missed hand work so much.
I'm still waiting for my Farmer's Wife book to arrive so I've been only making the ones that I can draw. But when I get it I'll be cherry picking all the blocks with applique.
So nice to find someone else who feels the same way. 🙂
Your blocks look fabulous. I'm really enjoying boths sets.
Mary on Lake Pulaski says
Oh let's see: I love hand applique, machine piecing, embroidery and hand quilting. I want to do everything and keep falling for new lines of fabric. Anybody else in my boat?
Cheryl says
I do love hand piecing, but life is so hectic for the time being, machine piecing is my fav. There's something wonderful about creating pretty blocks from pieces of fabric….love, love your blocks.
Mona says
Beautiful blocks and fabrics. It`s great.
ritainalaska says
process ….. i got stuck while cutting and couldn't stop. well, i did, long enough to change rotary blades. or switch to scissors. in no time at all i hade 12 projects kitted up for when i felt like taking up another piece of the process. good thing i don't mind being in a rut. do y'all have this happen once in a while?
Melody says
Your blocks look beautiful together
suemac says
When I took my Farmer's Wife class I would cut several blocks out and then sew. I am continuing with that. My favorite process is picking out the fabrics. I am making mine out of several floral fabrics in several soft pastels so I have a variety to choose from. I am not crazy about the templates but I like the way the pieces come together when all the little pieces are cut out and everything fits together the way it should. I am enjoying the Flickr photos of everyone's blocks. Everyone has a different vision of how the quilt will work for them. That is the nice thing about this QAL. Such variety. I enjoy how you are using one line for each of your quilts. Everything is harmonious.
Helen in Switzerland says
I just love the whole process, but too much of anything and it loses it's edge – so I tend to switch between piecing and quilting- and I even knit socks in between to spice things up a bit! I think your blocks are looking fabulous – especially the Christmas ones!!
Cindy says
I love every step in the process of making a quilt. (I must because we certainly don't need another quilt in the house, but I keep making them). I find the planning exciting, the stitching relaxing and the final product a surprise! Yes, I'm totally smitten with quilting!
Jennifer Schifano Eutsler says
Your blocks all look gorgeous! I love seeing them in the two different color schemes. And I completely agree with you about the hand sewing. I love the times when I can sit on my front porch and quietly stitch something. Doing it outside makes it even more serene and enjoyable.
Have a super day!
Thimbleanna says
I love seeing your two versions of these blocks side-by-side Sherri — they're both so pretty!
Terriaw says
I love the creative and meditative process of sewing. I love being able to express myself through fabric and designs. I couldn't imagine going just one day without sewing something, whether it's machine sewing or hand stitching. It's a need, an obsession, and a passion.
Love the project you're working on these days! Fun to to able to take your time and work on a couple blocks a week. I bet you really look forward to those moments.
Needled Mom says
Like you, I enjoy both the machine and hand sewing. The hand sewing projects are so much fun to do in the evening and in the car when traveling.
Those blocks look so fabulous in the two colorways.
Sherryl says
Oh, I love love love what you have done with your blocks. I've had the FWQ book forever and seeing what you've done makes me want to jump in right NOW and get started!! And yes, it's so true that there is a simple pleasure to be found in creating with cloth, by machine and by hand… I don't know what it is exactly, but I even enjoy ironing the blocks. Strange but true! I'm so happy to have discovered the wonderful, old fashioned, joyous art of quilting! 🙂
sunshdws@yahoo.com
Janet says
I like both of your collections of blocks! I just love the process of quilting!! I like piecing blocks – opening up and pressing a completed block is like opening a little present :0) My favorite by far though is hand stitching. I love the process of hand quilting and hand applique and I also like that I can do it while relaxing on the couch spending time with family and friends.
Carol says
What a wonderful post Sherri…I was thinking the same thing yesterday as I was using the templates…something I have really steered away from for years. For some reason I'm loving it. These little blocks have given me lots of time to think. Again, thank you for "pushing me over the edge" to start these. I'm having so much fun!
Carrie P. says
Doing hand work makes us slow down a bit which I think we all need sometimes. Your blocks are looking great.
I think taking pictures helps to see the lights and darks better so that you can then move blocks around if needed.
Nanette Merrill and daughters says
Very nice. Very fun. Looking forward to more.
NancyNoBlogBlogs says
Your quilts are always so beautiful. Right now I am into stitching which isn't something I always enjoyed but I love look at the bright colors and happy flowers that are in the Vignette In Stitches project that I am working on. Thank you for sharing your projects!
Liv says
I love your blocks. I ordered the Farmers Wife book today and cannot wait to get started!
Glenna @ Hollyhock Quilts says
These really are delightful. Amazing the difference fabric can make!
Carrie says
Okay. Well. Don't I just feel like the complete slacker right now. In a a good way, of course. 😉
Both sets of blocks are beautiful but Sherri… with two quilts, some folks might think this farmer has two wives. 🙂
I hope the BBQ was great fun and I look forward to seeing what else you've got "processing".
Toyin O. says
They look great:)
Mari, Tenerife (España) says
Hello Sherri. I enjoy your blog, I´m a new follower. Your quilts are wonderful, the quilting, the colours… I invite you to my "humble" blog. See you soon… Mari
Chris says
Hi Sherri 🙂 First let me say that your blocks are just beautiful I love your fabric choices, Both will end up being very lovely quilts! Humm, the process? Well I think the part that gets my juices really going is the piecing. I don't mind the cutting but I get so excited about seeing it all come to life as I piece the blocks and them assemble them. Hand work I usually save to do when I am waiting at the kids' music lessons or in the evening when my husband reads the Bible to us. (Truth be told, if I could carry my sewing machine around with me I would and sew every spare minute! LOL ) Thanks for sharing your FWQA blocks with us, they are very inspiring!
Helen says
You do beautiful work! Love your fabrics.
I love hand work…it's so relaxing.
Mama Pea says
I am really loving the Christmas one!
Ineke van den Akker says
Wow! Wonderland for a newbie!
greetings from Holland,
with love,
Ineke