Last week, I decided which of the free BOM's I was going to make. I selected Red Delicious, A Tisket, A Tasket, Veranda Views and Country Calendar. My goal for the week was to prepare the project boxes.
Fabric was selected and background blocks prepared. Muslin was cut to go behind the stitchery and also some for the Polka-Dot Girls, so I can get back to stitching them. Next, I cut out my applique pieces for the first block of Red Delicious and A Tisket, A Tasket. Then traced the first blocks of Country Calendar and Veranda Views onto the background fabric and gathered together the DMC threads to be used.
Speaking of DMC threads.........I wondered what the shelf life was for cotton floss, as I have a large stash left from my cross-stitching days. I was unable to find anything on the Internet, so I sent an e-mail to DMC and was told that 25 year old thread has the same integrity it did when originally produced. So, that's good news. I also found this information, about spools of cotton thread. Bob Purcell, President of Superior Threads said, he would not hesitate to use a spool of cotton, good cotton quality thread, 50 years from now. So, that answers my other question, about my large stash of quilting thread.
Even though most of my quilting time was spent doing prep work, last week, I did get a little stitching done. January's Noah's Ark block, The Bugs, is half finished and my first Red Delicious block, Lovebirds, is complete. I have yet to put eyes on the birds. Tiny black buttons will go on later.
I also completed the January Country Calendar block. My background fabric is a nice knobby textured natural cotton. The muslin, behind the stitchery, worked out great. As you can see from the photo, I did all the stitchery on one block. I decided I would make a Calendar Quilt, instead of individual monthly calendars. In keeping with the country theme, my completed quilt, will have a scrappy patchwork look.
Until next week.....happy quilting!
Karen
23 comments:
Gosh you are organised with all of your little containers Karen. How impressive.
Karen you are going to be ONE busy lady this year - I'm keeping copies of the Red Delicious patterns each month (maybe sometime but not right now) and I'm also checking out Blue Meadows mystery quilt freebie which has just started - but I really need to get into my new room and sort out some WIP's an UFO's first.
I'm doing Country Calender as a quilt too, rather than individual blocks. And I've done Red Delicious as Red work. I've never taken part in a BOM before, it's fun to stitch along with everyone else.
This I would need..some to come home to me and organize everything up!!! Will have a lookout for the great storage boxes you have found...might find some somewhere...:o)
Thanks for the tip!!
You have been very busy! I just love your little red birds, they are fabulous.
Karen your love birds are spectacular.
WOW! You are so organised. Your Red Delicious block looks fantastic. Looking forward to seeing all your blocks during the year.
Christine
Great birdies, Karen! I have downloaded the blocks also and have gathered up fabric. Plans are to do them in machine buttonhole stitch. Great info about the floss and thread! Being 80 and having sewn for over 60 years, you can imagine how much old thread I have. I have tons of DMC also since I used to do some crossstitch and my husband did a lot of it. Will keep watching for your BOM blocks!
Will you please come to my sewing room and organize me? Very impressive! I am either doing the same BOM's are you or have the patterns saved for the future. I love your red delicious BOM, the prints you used really brought it to life.
I'm impressed!! Where on earth did you find those boxes? They are so perfect for organizing projects! Your red birds are wonderful!
Thanks for sharing the information re threads. I have some old DMC thread too and wondered about it. Now I know.
Wow! You are so organized, it is positively inspiring! And your Red Delicious block is lovely.
I'd also like to award you with a Kreativ Blogger award. Many thanks for sharing your quilting adventures with us all! :)
I just love you Love Birds block and I'm blown away by your organizational methods. What a great idea!
Wow! You've been a busy lady Karen! Good job getting so organized! :0)
your little red birds are adorable....and i'm envious of how organized you are with your new projects!
Hi Karen, Glad to find your blog! Ros
I love how well organized you've gotten. Would you please come visit and organize me, as well. :-)
I've just discovered your delightful blog. I'll be back often!
I am in awe of your organizational skills! My only thought on the older threads is it really makes a difference how the treads have been stored. Down here in the south I've seen threads that have been baked by living in attics or even in plastic bags/boxes in the trunk of a car. Defiantly puts a crimp on the threads shelf life!
WOW! One of us has been busy! Lovely projects you have going on! I see that you are organized! I designate a prep day every now and again - well, when I feel my hand projects are running low. It is time consuming but oh so rewarding when you can just pick it up and stitch away! Cheers!
I am so impressed with your tidy boxes!
The Red Delicious applique is really beautiful
Can you share with us where you found those perfect quilters containers? Love the birds...
Wow!!! You are so organized with those great containers!! Beautiful work, I so aspire to do such beautiful applique. I really need to be more patient while doing needle turn and put in more practice!!
Thanks Karen, for your comments on my blog. I enjoyed visiting your blogs and seeing all your wonderful projects you have going. Keep up the good work! Regards, Nessie
Keren, you could send me the blocks 1, 2, 3 and 4 of the BOM "Red Delicious block"? Its is beautiful. I arrived late and did not find more these blocks had already been removed.
I will be grateful.
margotpb@gmail.com
hugs
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