Busy Hands

There's no machine sewing going on around here so I got on Amazon & found two great hand embroidery books. Plus I couldn't resist purchasing some new DMC floss. Surely I can get something done. Is anyone else having trouble getting into the mood for new or old projects. Let me hear from you.

 

Boots, Vines and Broderie Perse & a Finish!

Boot block #9. This is the final block in this Block of the Week series although I stretched things out in two week intervals for a couple of weeks to make things easier for all.

This pair of boots are what I think of as more girly. Not because of the flowers added but because of the swirls and the tilt of one boot into the other. 

Hand embroidered vines to add blossoms next.

After this block is all sewn down, I'll be putting all nine block together. Each block in my quilt measure 6 1/2 inches unfinished.

I had some borders in mind but changed my mind several times before all was said and done. 

Here's the finished quilt which measures 21" square. I meandered around the boots and vines in a tight stipple so that each boot stands out.

I look forward to hearing from those who sewed along with me.

Boots, Vines & Broderie Perse

Boot block #8 is another of my favorites because of the zebra fabric. Isn't it wild....just like me!!!

Added hand embroidered vines then I plan on adding some Broderie Perse leaves. (see top photo) 

Again, love this boot! 

Can you believe it, just one more boot before the reveal of the mini quilt.....I am screaming and jumping up and down.....Can you feel the earth shaking......giggles!!!

Boots, Vines & Broderie Perse

Boot block #6. You will notice that I've added a stripe and buckle to this boot. As I was working on it, I loved the fabrics but there was just something missing when I drew the design out. 

Love the snake fabric so much. I've had it for "years."  Can anyone relate.....hehehehehe

I've drawn off some viney like bushes to hand embroider and Broderie Persed some cross cut logs to the mix.

Boots, Vines & Broderie Perse

Boot block #4. I love making the boots first then choosing the background later. I chose the dark brown fabric tinged with a medium blue because it reminded me of someone who'd been painting a house, spilled the paint bucket on them, then tried to wrap it off. That would be something I'd do......sigh!!

Hand embroidery but no Broderie Perse again. Remember, these are free designs that you can enlarge, reduce add to and make it your own.

This embroidery looks very much like lightening until you position the boots.

Boots, Vines & Broderie Perse

Boot block #3. A worn pair of boots are what I remember about my dad's work boots. My brother and I would help dad pull his boots off and then clean the mud from the soles.

More hand embroidery. No Broderie Perse in this block.

Boots, Vines & Broderie Perse

Boot block #2 is ready to go. This block has Broderie Perse leaves and blooms in it.

I like to keep in practice my hand embroidery skills, such as they are. So you will see some of the blocks with embroidery and nothing else as a step.

Sneak Peek Revealed

This past November I posted about a project that is due in February. I mentioned a Hereford Bull we named Curly. Above is the finished top measuring 72" by 98."
As always, I had a blast making each block. I decided to title it "Way Back Then" because most of the blocks depicted, my mom told me about. This is from my family's history. Below are close-ups of the blocks.

Now to get it quilted in a timely manner......sigh.....cross your fingers everyone!!!

Boots, Vines & Broderie Perse

Boot block #5 was made with snake skin fabric. It's one of my favorites from my stash. Of course I don't remember where I purchased it and I only have a small amount left but it's perfect for this boot.

Hand embroidered vine and no Broderie Perse in this block. Again, you can add to each block if you wish.

Boots, Vines & Broderie Perse

I've had an idea in my head for several months. As fellow quilters, I'm sure you know how our brains work. 

I love cowboy boots and wanted to do something with them in mind plus dig into my stash.

I'm also using Broderie Perse, which, if you aren't familiar with it, is a French term for a form of applique where images are fussy cut from a fabric and sewn onto a background of another fabric. I will not use the method in every block, however.  

Boot #1 design. You are welcome to copy, enlarge or reduce it. All I ask is that if you post about the designs, please link back to my blog.  

If you have been following the Mini Wednesday, it will be easy for you to take apart the pieces of the design to trace onto your favorite adhesive. I'm in love with Steam-a-Seam and now Heat-n-Bond Lite.

Here is the boot laid out on my non-stick pressing sheet. I've used a piece of Stonehenge fabric. I know it's hard to see that but trust me, it looks good!!

I know this looks funny. What I did was laid the boot on my background fabric but did not press it to set it yet. I used a Fusion Pen, which will disappear when heated, to draw where the vine will appear. As you can see in the first photo, I added two-toned petals.

Every couple of weeks I'll post the next boot block. There will be twelve in all. My blocks measure unfinished 6 1/2". I don't know how I'll sew them all together at this point. If you'd like to join me, feel free.

Oh my gosh!

I went to the Houston Quilt Show the other day & had a blast.

Here's what I got.

Two great magazines.

Thread for embroidery projects.

A water soluble backing for embroidery projects.

More thread for embroidery projects.

And then.......OMG, I found one of my favorite artist's work......Ginny Greaves' piece "Worry" won 3rd place.

On another note, here's what I've been up to these days.

I know the floss color is subtle but I love the old-fashion look. It coming along fairly quickly. Each time I think I'll take a break, I find myself saying, 'just one more!'