Three weeks ago I’d just started a new project, my vintage quilt has been put to one side for the time being as I wanted something fresh and easy to sew. I spotted the Cottage Garden Quilt book on facebook before it was even published. I ordered my copy in advance through Fabadashery in Halifax, it was there that the author, Kathryn Whittingham, ran quilting workshops and included was a quilt-a-long for this quilt. It’s beautiful!
Three weeks ago I’d just started an embroidered block of three chickens…
Well I finished stitching round the chucks and added flowers and grass, it looks really cute. There will be another narrow border round thisblock, then it’s finished. The instructions are to actually hand-stitch the whole quilt, apologies but I’ll hand-embroider, I might even hand quilt, but I’m machine piecing it!
Enthused with how this one turned out, I cracked on with the quilt…
First I stitched a little daisy, I love this one, it’s so fresh and pretty. It’s going to be in the middle of a star block, it’s only little, about 2×3″. I’ve used the tiniest scraps for some pieces – the yellow centre is a scrap from a sunflower on some bee fabric. It’s just stitched with back-stitch, french knots and stem stitch.
Next I stitched a tulip which will also be in a star block. I wasn’t sure about edging with back-stitch at first – I’ve always used blanket stitch with raw edge applique, but I reasoned with myself that it was no different to using the machine to embroider on a block, the fabric was already secured with bondaweb.
Finally I stitched a pretty heart, this will be on a 2.5″ square in the centre of a log cabin block…
I’ve pulled a selection of pretty floral fabrics from my stash – I bought a lovely set of fat eighths a few years ago for a different project which never happened, at the Harrogate show last autumn. I added to it with this quilt in mind, so I have a nice selection of soft reds, pinks, blues and greens,hopefully it will make a very pretty quilt.
I’ve almost finished another block, then I need to make the blocks up and embroider another couple of blocks and the first row will be complete.
Hand Quilt Along Links
This Hand Quilt Along is an opportunity for hand quilters and piecers to share and motivate one another. We post every three weeks, to show our progress and encourage one another. If you have a hand quilting project and would like to join our group contact Kathy at the link below.
Kathy, Margaret, Tracy, Deb, Susan, Nanette, Edith, Sharon, Karrin, Gretchen, Daisy, Connie, Monica and Sherrie
I’ll also be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday.
thecraftycreek 
So pretty.
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These are just lovely, Margaret! I’m looking forward to seeing them in your blocks. I’m with you, no way would I hand piece the blocks.😉
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Well those three chicks are a heart stopper and all the flowers are so precious. I always love seeing your gorgeous work. This new quilt is going to be fabulous!
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This is intriguing and I know thequilt is going to look fabulous.
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I love these embroidered pieces. The chickens are my favorite! This is going to be a stunning quilt!
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Love those chickens and the other blocks! Beautiful work!
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your chickens look lovely, Margaret. Very happy & clucky with all that grass to peck ^^
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What a lovely project… the chicks are so fun!
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I am in love with your chicken block, Margaret! 🙂
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Those chickens are too too cute! Looks like fun and the added embroidery just takes it over the top!
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I’m in love with those chickens.. they’re adorable! You definitely were cracking out some work.😄
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Your blocks look so pretty, this is going to be a lovely quilt. I look forward to see more blocks in the months ahead. Happy stitching!
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I love the daisy! Very pretty!
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A wonderful combination of your talents, Margaret ~ your beautiful embroidery (the chickens are so cute!) and your precise quilting.
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I really like the chicken block, but I’m with you – machine piecing the blocks! All those little applique and stitching pieces will add so much to the pieced blocks, too.
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