I’m enjoying making the Cottage Garden Quilt, the pattern is in a book of the same name by Kathryn Whittingham, it’s so pretty. Three weeks ago I’d just finished the first two blocks of the bottom row…
I’m stitching the bottom row before the middle as I realised earlier in the project that the bottom is a reflection of the top in terms of borders and colours, this is what helps it to look balanced rather than busy. I wanted to make sure I had enough of some of the border fabrics before I used the fabric up on little squares.
I’ve been busy over the last week, embroidering on an evening to get these blocks ready for piecing the quilt. The next block to be stitched was a pile of plantpots. I love this block, the colours work well, though the dandelion at the bottom could have been a bit brighter. I’m particularly pleased with the pink primula at the top, I fussy cut it from a rose print and with the embroidery over the shading on the print it just works. It took quite a while to stitch this one as there’s quite a lot of stitching, back-stitch round the pots, blanket stitch round the tops, then the flowers and the ladybird. This one will be pieced the same as the tall flower at the top and the red paisley is the main reason I’m stitching the blocks is this order as I haven’t got very much left!
The remainder of designs for this block were little ones, so fiddly to cut out but fairly quick to stitch.
I stitched a snail with a flowery pink shell and a green frog on a lily pad. These will go in the centre of green star blocks to mirror the flower blocks above…
I stitched a pink heart to go in another log cabin block…
The final embroidered block was a trowel which pairs up with the hand-fork above…
So my next task is to make these into blocks and join them up with various filler blocks, so this…
…turns into something which balances this…
Then I can start the middle row!
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, Deb, Nanette, Sharon, Karrin, Gretchen, Daisy, Connie, Monica and Sherrie
I’ll also be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, please follow all the links for lots of hand-stitched inspiration.
thecraftycreek 
I must admit I am not a quilter – definitely an embroiderer who loves playing with textiles but seeing your beautiful work I am tempted!!
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So pretty, just lovely! What a great project to stitch on during these crazy days, happy stitching!
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You have been very busy and these blocks are just gorgeous! Wow. Enjoy your stitching.
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incredible appliqué work. That stack of flower pots is gorgeous ^^
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You have been really busy and got a lot done. Love the flower pots. I absolutely love the choice of fabric for this project. Your working is always gorgeous.
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I do love those flowerpots all stacked up, and the pink flower is really quite amazing. This will be one stunning quilt, Margaret!
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The stack of flower pots is excellent, I love all the little details on this quilt
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Love those stacked flower pots! This is one fun project, Margaret! 🙂
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Absolutely charming!
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Love seeing how these blocks are coming along, just beautiful!
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This is going to be a reeeally loved quilt, Margaret!
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I’m also admiring your stack of pots. 🙂 And everything else! I can appreciate that you have to work carefully to avoid running out of a stand out print. It’s looking great!
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This quilt is just a total delight to see being put together! Beautiful work!!
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These are wonderful and I love the colors!
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I love this quilt- those flower pots are wonderful.
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Very pretty – cannot get the book in the US. So we will enjoy your progress!
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