Itsy-Bitsy, Teeny-Weeny, Yellow Polka-dot....

...half square triangle.

While working on another project that will remain under wraps for a while yet, I decided to save my twofers (that's what I call the corner triangles that you cut off when doing stitch and flip triangles on the corner of larger squares or rectangles like snowballs or flying geese). These ones are very small, and I trimmed them up to 1 1/8" square after piecing them with their low-volume backgrounds.  

I'm in the market for a mini-quilt gift for a friend so I figured this made a good starting point. Without a real plan, I sewed the tiny half-squares together to create an on-point checkerboard. After that, 6" squares of low volume prints (including one of my old poppyprints) were added as a large border.

I still had a little pile of the jewel tone scraps lying on my cutting mat, so thought about ways to use them on this border. I've been admiring a lot of applique on IG lately and have been thinking about a little project to have on hand for stitch sessions with friends.  I envisioned a curvy vine around the patchwork with some appliqued berries scattered around.  I dug out my late FIL's old Flexi-curve from his graphic design supplies (which we still keep in a rolling cart: french curves, circle and oval templates, T-squares, india ink, pigma pens, Lettraset...etc) and marked out the curve with a Frixion pen.

I used this technique to machine applique the bias vine, matching the raw edges of the folded bias strip with the drawn line.  The 1" berries were prepared this way (except I used a thread spool and stamp pad to mark the circles on the fusible interfacing).  

My next step is to fuse them to the background and have them all ready to stitch down at tonight's annual outdoor meeting of the VMQG.  I'm not sure where this mini-quilt is headed after that...but maybe someone will have an idea at tonight's meeting. That is the wonderful thing about stitching with friends: there is never a shortage of great ideas!

Jigsaw Love

In February, the VMQG block challenge theme was hearts, hot pink, orange and linen. Members were to make blocks and challenge themselves with a new technique in their block construction. There were lots of people who have never worked with linen before (hello, swishy fabric!). We got some amazing blocks back for our group quilt!

I volunteered for first crack at jigsawing the blocks together. My idea was to put a bit of structure around some of the hearts with an improv log-cabin feeling...more like little borders really. I didn't want to go all crazy wonky since this will be passed on to other guild members and it's no fun getting an un-square, totally insane partly finished quilt top to work on!

My block contribution is the bias appliqued string of hearts. I've always wanted to try applying a folded (wrong sides together) bias strip by sewing along the cut edges, then folding the strip over the seam (concealing the raw edges) and appliqueing the folded edge down.  No bias bars or bias tape making gizmo necessary. It took some planning to get the heart shape right, though. This is a great way to apply stems and vines by machine, too. I first saw this method used by my pal Double N Dianne on a sweet 1930's repro quilt she made.

I can't seem to find any photo tutorials for this in a google search. If anyone knows of one, please share a link in the comments and if not, I could take a few pictures to show anyone who is interested!

Sewing is taking place here, but it mostly involves circus costumes these days (not very exciting since all I make is the basic bodysuits). The big show is in a couple of weeks and we've got lots of work to do! I've also finished a very special quilt but I can't share it quite yet. Hopefully in a couple of weeks.  

In the meantime, the sun is shining and Vancouver gardens have exploded into spring bloom. It's just gorgeous here now! I hope spring has sprung in your town, too.

Les Belles Poires & a Giveaway

My weekend sewing consisted of two potholders.  Although that's exactly 2 projects less than I had hoped to accomplish, I still feel great about starting and finishing this set for someone who has been waiting a very long time.  They are angel potholders for a swap I helped organize between the VMQG and the FVMQG back in the fall. Felicity jumped in and helped make a second set for another swapper in need of an angel, too **polishing our halos - thanks Felicity**

I drove all the way to Bellingham on Friday with my co-pilot double N Dianne in search of the spring 2012 Stitch mag and we struck gold at JoAnn fabric. Gold in the form of many copies of the mag available at 40% off with my super saver card. YES.  Want a copy for yourself? Leave a comment and one could be yours! Upon seeing my Orchard pillow all beautifully photographed in the pages of Stitch, I decided to revisit the pear and use the same template on these potholders. I just love the voluptuous curves.

Some poppyprinted fabric, right there.

I am so in love with Joel Dewberry's Heirloom Ribbon Lattice print for the binding

Undoubtedly, I've been thinking a lot about pears lately.  First, I finally got to share my pillow with you after waiting 6 months. Then, an arborist just came over last week to give our  pear tree a much-needed haircut.  And I've been online WAY too much planning our upcoming trip to France in March, which got me thinking about the last time I was there (at the the tender age of 17, when all I cared about was finding the perfect pair of Vuarnets).  One of the most delicious things I ate (this was not a difficult prize to attain, considering all of the raw steak and tomatoes* they kept trying to feed me) was Poire Belle Helene.  A perfectly poached pear sitting in a pool of warm dark chocolate sauce, drizzled with cream.  Heaven, I tell you!  Considering the last thing I ate before the poire was garlic butter Grenouilles, it's entirely possible the dessert wasn't as amazing as my memory of it is.  I vow to thoroughly confirm my memories in March.

And with that, I leave you with one final detail shot, clearly showing how gorgeous quilting with Auriful 12 wt. cotton thread looks when stitched with a 4.0 stitch length, on natural linen. Heaven, I tell you (again)!

*I am now a true tomato-lover, although I will admit to lying back then about being allergic to avoid having to eat another bite of tabouli.  The raw steak thing put me over the edge and I have not eaten red meat for about 25 years. I am, however, seriously considering trying meat when we're in France.  I might even attempt red wine. You know, when in Rome Provence and all....

I'll leave comments open all week, then employ the RNG on Friday night to choose one winner of a copy of Spring 2012 Stitch mag!  Make sure I can contact you via email if you want to win. 
ETA:comments are now closed, congratulations to comment #15, winner of spring 2012 Stitch mag!

Naturally Occurring?

When I was a kid, I was acutely aware that money didn't grow on trees. My parents made that very clear.

No one ever said anything about gum balls, though.

A girl can always dream. I think this tree has sprouted a few jaw-breakers, too.

It's been so long since I chomped down on a real gum ball. I think I know what I'm going to buy with my penny candy money today.