So I promised pictures last time. I've been working on Istanbul semi-diligently. One of these days, I'll learn to really look at patterns before committing. I love the big blocks of appliqué flowers, but failed to grasp that there were really 24 pieces to each flower block, times three flower blocks equals lots of pieces to trace, cut and appliqué. So much appliqué that I was worried I would run out of thread (you laugh, but I am serious... I only purchased one spool of coordinating thread per color. Totally against my better judgement.) Once I got through that, the piecing of the top went quickly, helped by the fact that I absolutely adore the fabric. I am so glad that I plan to keep this one because I don't think I could part with it. Am now at a screeching halt as I failed to notice that the pattern called for a thin border of the cream. See, this is irritating because this is the second time I have run out of this particular fabric and I have not been able to find it in my local stores, which means waiting for another fabric delivery. The problem is that I started the pattern by making use of a large number of Moda snow layer cake squares I had left over. They weren't big enough for the appliqué blocks, so I had to order more yardage. That's where I failed to notice that I needed even more for the border. Oh well, FQS will be happy to see me again, I am sure.
It was a tough week in my little quilting world. I had the top done on a gift that just didn't look quite right. I hemmed and hawed and then ripped the borders off and fixed it. Now I heart it again. (no pics yet, the recipient may stumble across this blog and then the cat is out of the bag) The search for backing was time consuming, but the fabric's in the mail...
Speaking of backing
What happened to all the cute flannel? A girl can't catch a break. I compromised on backing for Istanbul and The Gift. I couldn't find flannel I liked for either, so settled for cute cotton that was extra wide. I am also on the hunt for cute flannel to back two baby quilts. I have the most delicious set of fabrics for a darling basket weave pattern that am curious to try. Normally backing would not stop me from getting started, but this particular pattern is quilt as you go, which means that I need to baste all three layers before I can start. Doh! Backing...
In other news, I bought a craft magazine with holiday projects (unseasonably early for me, I know!). The Wee One and I have some felt projects to make together, but these little trees spoke to me. I made one in traditional Christmas colors and one in funky retro colors. They are fun and pretty quick to make.
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I heart them all! The pictures that is, nit the flannel that doesn't exist in this town.
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