Sunday, February 10, 2013

Elizabeth and Priscilla

When my workmates and I first moved to a dingy, dirty, ill-equipped building on the other side of the CBD last May, the only blessings we could see were that a) we would be closer to the shops and b) we were right across the road from a pretty little park.

And then two days later they tore that park up to re-landscape it.

Lunchtime crafting in the park, with company - Monday

Seven long months later, the park opened again so I've been spending every lunch hour there to eat my sandwich and work on my Chester Criswell Quilt. Sometimes I have company, but most often I don't. I don't listen to music, or play games on my phone. It's just me and the sounds of birds, traffic and those bloody boot campers.

Lunchtime crafting in the park - Thursday

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On Saturday I missed my park sitting, so I sat under the elm tree at home.

Under the elm tree

Then on the deck to supervise the BBQing going on.

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By the end of the week, I had block 2 (Elizabeth Cowan) sewn.

Block 2 - Elizabeth Cowan

And block 3 (Priscilla and Joseph Turner) as well.

Block 3 - Priscilla and Joseph Turner

I really love the fabrics I've chosen so far. I spend a lot of time auditioning different combinations, and I think it's paying off. What I'm not so happy about is the technique I was using for the blocks 2 and 3. Sadly the soluble stabiliser I used turned out to not be soluble at all, but because it's fused to the applique pieces I can't cut it out of the back and remove it. I like my applique to not be stiff. So it's back to freezer paper for me, until the perfect solution (and I have a couple in of options) presents itself.

Now onwards to Nancy and James R Smith! Whee!!

6 comments:

  1. I'm totally digging this. Love it in fact. I've said it before, but I'll say it again the combination of the (ancient) old school quilt pattern with the modern prints is genius! Love it and I can't wait to see it completed! Rock on!

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  2. Like the vibrant colours against that beautiful measuring tape fabric. Well done!

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  3. Really, really pretty! Wonderful progress, and it must be so relaxing to do the applique out in the fresh air.

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  4. I'm loving what you're doing with this quilt! I'm really sorry the fusible didn't work out for you. You're such a star at appliqué you can do the grown up method with no problem at all, I'm just a scaredy cat who needs a cheats method :) Can't wait to see how this quilt grows. It's so beautiful.

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  5. Your blocks are looking fabulous Michelle. Absolutely love your background fabric. I can't wait till you start putting them together. I'm still in my 'traditional' phase, but am gradually starting to use some brights and funky.

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  6. What a fun modern look to these Chester County Criswell blocks!
    I really like the photos of the background (foreground) where you are sitting while sewing! I can't wait to see your next block completed. Happy Quilting!

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