EEK!

I've been working on my little wren from Sandra Leichner's workshop. Looks nice doesn't he? I'm really pleased with how my applique skills are coming. (excuse the wrinkles)

Unfortunately, that's not really how he looks. I doctored him up in Photoshop. This is reality...

See the lovely BLEEDING berries?!!!!!!!!!! I used Marking Pencil Remover to remove pencil marks and instead my berries bled (and the pencil marks are still there!).

I've tried salt and vinegar, very diluted bleach and I'm now going to look up "Hari Kari" to see how to do it. If anyone out there has any suggestions, let me know. Pleassssse!

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"Poofy" a Technical Term

Really just adding a P.S. today. Here is a picture of my little teapot quilted up. Notice how nice and "poofy" it is. As recommended by Sandra Leichner, I used a wool batting and quilted around the teapot and at the end quilted right on the applique edges. Results: poofy!

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Applique Makeover

Well, I'm back from Seattle and I feel my applique skills have had a "makeover"! I can now make points I'm proud of, stitches that are vastly improved and invisible applique stitches! Thanks to my workshop with Sandra Leichner. If you have an opportunity, sign up for one of her classes. You won't regret it. She had the most amazing packets for each student with all materials needed, down to the thread and needles in the most darling little matchbooks. It was like a little present. Wish I had thought to take a photo of it. Sorry.

Thought you'd enjoy seeing the results of day two. Below is the applique complete with no embroidery. Now look at the photo at the beginning of the post. It has the embroidery. Amazing difference. It really completes the applique and makes it three dimensional and fun.

Now let me show you the changes in my applique. Here are my points and stitching before and after the workshop. Night and day, don't you think?

We had a blast and I had the pleasure of making some new friends. There's nothing more fun than spending time with women of like interests. Much laughter, teasing and encouraging was had by all.

Have a nice evening!

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Pincushions, of a sort...

Good morning friends!

It is a brisk day here in Florida. Currently 54 degrees with a high of 60 expected. Just gorgeous.

I wanted to show you some whimsical pincushions I just made. The first one is a "Travel Pincushion".

 

Isn't that cute and silly? Reminds me of something from Alice in Wonderland! It is a real thimble stuffed and doing it's job holding pins. Just perfect for a small space.

This other one is very feminine and dainty. The saucer is attached to the cup. Doesn't this make a great gift for a sewer?

I leave tomorrow morning for Seattle. I'm attending Sandra Leichner's two workshops at Quiltworks Northwest. Keep an eye out for a post early next week with an update!

Have a nice weekend.

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