Sunday, February 08, 2015

Slow Sunday Stitching

I have to start today by saying thank you for all the encouraging comments left on my blog yesterday.  I am a lucky person indeed to have so much positive energy to spur me on in my new adventure on the Scrap Squad
Today I will be calming down from all the excitement and enjoying some hand quilting on one of my scrappy projects - Always Home. I hadn't worked on this one since last summer and would like to finish it so I can hang it on the wall and enjoy it every day.
I am using my usual strategy of making up the quilting design as I go along. Using a ruler and frixion pen I mark some lines to roughly guide my stitches. I am using a lot of mustard colour of thread on this quilt because it seems to melt in with these plaids.

This pattern is by Country Quilts and is perfect for using up 1" scraps. (For local readers, I bought my pattern at the Heart 'n Home quilt store in New Hamburg.) 
Every time I pick up this quilt to add a few stitches, I remind myself of the challenges of working with loose weave homespuns. See how it looks wobbly on the right hand side? See how the red apartment building is leaning slightly to the right? It's not just the photo - it is wobbly. I love it anyway... just like my home, wobbles and all!

What are you stitching today? Link up your blog post below and join the hand stitching party.






24 comments:

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Let me get out my magnifying glass and look for wobbles. Would never notice...it's such a cozy, homey quilt...love the design and colors.

Deb @ Frugal Little Bungalow said...

Let me get out my magnifying glass and look for wobbles. Would never notice...it's such a cozy, homey quilt...love the design and colors.

The Cozy Quilter said...

The wobbles add personality! This must be fun and easy to quilt with the homespuns. Have a quilty day!

Created by Kathi said...

Kathy, thanks for sharing the whole quilt... I love the unique flavors of this quilt and the homspuns make it all the more whimsical to me... maybe add some big stitch to the border or something would be appropriate too I think! It will tell you I bet what it would like as you work on it :) Be careful of using the Frixions for marking if you want them to wash away the company themselves have stated that this was not meant as temporary marking on fabric only on paper. Just a heads up for ya ;) Kathi P>S> Thanks for the linky!

Deb A said...

I have the same issue with homespuns... but they add such personality to a quilt it is worth it. Love seeing this little quilt have progress made on it.

Lisa J. said...

I found the Japanese Wovens are a bit tricky to work with as well.I had trouble quilting my hexagon quilt because the fabrics shifted. I'm looking forward to seeing this beauty of yours when it's finished.

KaHolly said...

It's an adorable pattern! The Wallhanging is full of character. I've had a little success using spray starch. Thanks for the link to the pattern. This would make a wonderful giftie!

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

I like your wall hanging -such a primitive look with those plaids

Denise :) said...

Aww, I love your little wall hanging ... and the sentiment it expresses!! :)

Kate said...

Sometimes it's the little things in a project that make them all yours. Love those buildings. Enjoy your slow stitching today.

Quilting Stories said...

Lovely country style project Kathy! And thanks for the party!

Sharyn Mallow Woerz said...

Just repeating what KC said above, on Quiltville's Open Studio there was a letter from the company saying clearly their pens/chemicals weren't designed for use on fabric.

CathieJ said...

Your "wobbly" quilt is very pretty. It gives a slightly primitive vibe.

Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things said...

Thanks for the warning about homespuns. I am just about to start cutting strips from my homespuns and some other plaids to make a log cabin quilt. Maybe I should do a wonky log cabin.

Debra said...

Belated Congrats on the Scrap Squad induction!! Your country/primative wallhanging is great just the way it is. To me, primative should not be perfect. It adds so much more character to the whole piece if it is slightly off... but honestly I never noticed!!

AnnieO said...

The quilt I designate as my very first was of homespun and applique. It was a "weekend" project that took me months. Very wobbly but I love it just the same. Your quilt is fun and full of charm!

Karen in Breezy Point said...

I love house quilts--this is such a cute one!

Juliann in WA said...

I am so happy that you are getting encouragement. Isn't that the best thing about blogging? Love those houses too.

Stephie said...

Love this wall hanging - it's so sweet! My home's a bit wobbly too!!! Many congratulations on the scrap project - I really look forward to following along and seeing what you come up with!

Scrappy quilter said...

What a pretty wall hanging.

Jennie in GA said...

Love your homespuns! It really is a learning curve to accept their wonkiness and love them anyway....which I do.

Janet O. said...

Just a great comfy/cozy quilt. : )

Kathy ... aka Nana said...

Just love that wall hanging ... so sweet and so homey. ;-) I love homespuns and hope to make a quilt using them at some point. Now I know what to expect.

Vivian said...

First off congrats on making the Scrap Squad! I've followed each group and think the scrappy variations they come up with are always great. You should do well!!

I love homespuns when working with wool, I stash them for backing and binding. They can be fiddly but you'd never know it from looking at your project. Looks like they build comfy homes!