Hand Work and Computer Work

   Monday and today I spent several hours at the hospital sitting with a family member and took some handwork.  I just have to embroider some details onto these animals and I will have 4 more blocks done.   I’m glad I had them prepared to take.  It sure helped to pass the time.

   After watching the rebroadcast of a 10 year old show by Georgia Bonesteel this morning, I was inspired to work in EQ.  I started with the carpenter’s square block 

and next decided to take off the last round of strips.  I liked the new block better.   

Then I discovered that the center portion was very much like the chain block which is simple but interesting.

It can also be used to create a pattern similar to one by Georgia Bonesteel called “Calico Crossover”. I wonder if that is how she got her design idea.  The design will go on my list of quilts I will make one day.  I enjoy the Celtic feel.

A Little Work on Many Things

   I had a little fabric left from Mattie's dress so I decided to make a doll dress to match.  I have done that before.  I started sewing doll dresses a long time ago and the pattern I used today has a date of 1973.  I have a great collection of doll clothes patterns.

  

   For Easter doll and Mattie will be very cute.  

   Since I added the words to my brown crumb quilt, it has been bothering me so I UNsewed and took them out.  I might put them on the back.  I like the words but I think they were too structured.

 Last thing was to get a collection of appliques blocks ready for handwork.  I like to use freezer paper templates and spray starch.  I iron 2 layers of freezer paper together, cut the shape and iron it to the wrong side of the fabric.  Then I trim the fabric about 1/4" larger and brush the seam allowance with starch. I clip inside curves and points and use a hot iron to dry and turn the edges over the freezer paper.  After that I can take out the paper and pin the neat applique piece to the background ready to applique.  I'm ready to take along handwork for tomorrow.

My Half Together

   I got a lot done today; however, not much sewing.  I weeded a flower bed and tilled my vegetable garden area.  I bought a new plum tree and John helped plant it in the front yard about 15 feet from the 20 year old plum tree that is not healthy. 
    In the afternoon I sewed rows together on the Streak UFO.  I got my half together.  For the photo the 2 halves are just laid out next to each other.  They still need to be sewn together and a border added.  It will be a large quilt.  I couldn't really get a good picture of it all.  This is one of those patterns with a ton of points to match.  There is one I tried twice and still was not happy but I did not take it out again.  I challenge anyone to find it.