I’ve made good progress on my Owl and Hare quilt over the last few weeks, I did some prep work before I went on holiday, making sure I had everything I needed for some holiday stitching and it paid off. This is the BOM by Natalie Bird which is being published in the bi-monthly Homespun magasine, July/August has just arrived this week and whilst I’ve not finished the last magasine yet, I’ve done a lot of catching up.
Last time I shared my progress was actually six weeks ago as I missed the week we were away. Despite several weeks work, at that point I had just two embroidered blocks and one coffin wheel block made…
In Cornwall I made another three coffin wheel blocks so the blocks from the first magasine were now completed.
I also made inroads into the next magazine’s blocks. I made three penny circle blocks first, though my 1″ circles look more like dodecagons! I then started the Dresden plate blocks, I like these, I’m beginning to think I’m more of a straight line quilter!! They’re easy to get nice and neat! I’m also a convert to the stick and stitch method of English Paper Piecing, using a light fabric glue to baste the fabric round the shapes, though the next block might prove a bit more of a challenge…
…For the next block I need to make a narrow circular border from ten arcs of EPP, I’ve started gluing, my concern is the fabric distorting and fraying as I remove the papers as so much is on the bias.
The hare was meant to be needleturn appliqued but I decided I wouldn’t get the lovely flowing curves with needleturn so I opted for bondaweb and raw edge applique with a blanket-stitch round it.
As you can see I have my final Dresden plate prepped, I just need to stitch them together. After those two I still have two embroidered blocks to do, I’ve started one, it’s called Queen Bee…
There seems to be two of these blocks in each magazine, these are the ones that take the time. With the first magazine I started with these which is why I ended up feeling so far behind, this time I’ve just put this one in my handbag and I’m just stitching when I can. It’s simple enough stitching to do in my lunch break or in Doctors waiting rooms, I’ve a couple of weekends away in the next couple of months so I’ll probably take them with me for evenings or journeys.
At the moment I’m mulling over the idea of quilting the blocks as I go and then stitching them together with a sashing, I did a couple of quilts with similar size blocks a few years ago and it worked pretty well as I could easily machine quilt different blocks with individual designs. I suppose in theory I could hand quilt them this way but I think in practise it would be adding too much to my current work list!…although I suppose if I waited until I had finished all the blocks (which will hopefully be early next year) I could then just work my way through them…decisions!
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, Daisy, and Connie
I’ll also be linking up with Kathy’s Quilts for Slow Stitching Sunday, please follow the links to see what everyone has been stitching.
thecraftycreek 
I am loving the soft feminine colors of this quilt and am excited to see this put together. Your work is always beautiful 🙂
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Such pet blocks!
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That looks like a very sweet project! I love the embroidery and the words included, and the pretty pieced blocks, too. Enjoy your stitching today!
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Gorgeous stitching and blocks!
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I love the embroidery blocks with the hexies around… such a beautiful project!
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I agree with everyone else, Margaret! The coffin blocks and embroidery are wonderful! This really is a beautiful project! 🙂
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Adore all the blocks and the colours of the materials – such beautiful work and you achieved a lot.
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I love all of these blocks. My you have been very busy. It is a great idea to take those embroidery blocks with you. I am so looking forward to seeing this quilt when it is all assembled….whenever that is. Enjoy your stitching.
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Thanks, I think you’ll be waiting quite a while to see it finished 🙂
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Those coffin wheel blocks are so unique, I love them, and your beautiful group of florals!
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You amaze me with your quilt making! Another work of art!!
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Another very pretty project. Love it.
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Thanks Cathy, they’re pretty blocks
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With those curved pieces, are you starching the heck out of the fabric before you cut them out? I find that works for me, especially if I can get the fabric to the consistency of paper or similar. The fabric is much less like to to stretch, warp or fray, and of course, it washes out after.
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Thanks for the tip, I’ll try that, I’ll probably starch the ones I’ve done before I take the papers out too,
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I guess we’re not actually getting a great idea of the scale of these blocks. I don’t think the hexagons are very big are they? Lots of fine work.
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The blocks measure 8″, these hexies are 1/2″ ones, there’s some 3/8″ ones to do next!!!
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😳
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Those blocks are amazing!
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Thank you 🙂
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Another awe inspiring post. You do such intricate and detailed work
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Thank you, I like the little fiddly stuff!
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