Two More Blocks for Karen

I did one more redwork block and the first of two pieced blocks for Karen's row. I still need to add trim to both of the redwork blocks, as well.

flower power

Colene, hope this is something like what you had in mind. Once you told me it didn't have to be baskets but that vases were ok, that seemed t0 break my mental block. I tried doing a bit of machine applique but it just didn't work and really I wanted to do some hand work anyway. These are all glued and two are finished, the other two won't take too long. Hopefully I can send them on to Karen by next weekend, mostly on time.

and in the meantime I remember why I love applique so much, having a wonderful time playing with needle and thread and all these lovely colors and "crisp" shapes.

Pats row from Colene

Here are the four blocks I made for Pat M.

Block one for Pat

Here is my first block for Pats row. I am using the Carol Doak 50 Fabulous stars.

Current Round Progress

Well ladies, how is everything coming along? I know that Karen completed Dee's row and I've received it. I've got the first redwork done for Karen's row, and hope to get started on a 2nd one today. I think I'll only have time to stitch 2, so the rest of the row will be pieced blocks.




I will continue to update this post as the Round 1 (starter) rows make their way to the next quilter. The "Round" number will be how many completed rows it has. I think that makes sense?

Updated May 3rd...future updates will be in a different post.

Colene received Rebecca's Round 2 row AND Misha's Round 3 row!!! (5/3)
Dee received Pat's Round 2 row (4/30)
Karen has received Colene's Round 2 row
Misha has Dee's Round 2 row
Rebecca has and Karen's Round 2 row
Pat is empty handed now (5/3)

If there are any updates, please add them to comments!

Stem Stitch vs Whipped Back Stitch

from left to right: two strand whipped back stitch, two strand stem stitch, one strand whipped back stitch...medium sized back stitches on top, smaller on bottom (far right only).

Karen, I can clearly see that at least one of your blocks is done with two strands, so that's what I decided to use...but mine looks heavier than yours for some reason! I'll finish doing this one block this way, but am thinking of doing the whipped back stitch for the other one(s). Here are what they look like...what do you think about the example on the far left??

The Schedule...and Karen's Starter Row!

Well, ladies, it was fabulous seeing most of you last weekend. Of course, I say "most" because our dear Rebecca couldn't make it! I hope next year will bring us all good health, and we'll make the draw for retreat!

I've worked out what I hope is a reasonable schedule for MAILING our rows. Remember as always, we are sending precious cargo so always ship with a tracking method, whether you use FedEx, UPS, Priority USPS or something similar.

So without further ado, here we go:

Round 1 - we all have our own rows done, and 5 of them were delivered at retreat. Rebecca is mailing hers asap to Pat
Round 2 - mail by May 5th
Round 3 - mail by  July 14th
Round 4 - mail by September 22nd
Round 5 - mail by  December 1st
Round 6 - bring to the 2013 retreat, or mail in time to be delivered prior to retreat!

Since it shouldn't take longer than a week (I hope!) to get each package, it gives us 9-10 weeks to work on each round. You're more than welcome to mail early if you are ready.

If you've forgotten who you are mailing to, here's the line up again:

Colene ---> Dee
Dee ---> Karen
Karen ---> Misha
Misha ---> Rebecca
Rebecca ---> Pat
Pat ---> Colene

If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know!

And....drum roll please...here is Karen's first row!

Sorry the pic is so small, I had to use my phone to get the colors to show correctly. Karen is sending around fabric, DMC floss and a book. Now before you start to panic, let me say that she is NOT requiring us to do embroidery! It's just an option, ladies! If you would rather do pieced blocks that's perfectly acceptable, no pressure :)


Here are some close up pics...again, from the phone:

 I'm excited to get started as soon as I can!