Excited...

The count down begins: Only 2 more days until we leave to return to the USA. I am so excited as that means only 7 more days until Miss Betsy makes her appearance. Along with her appearance however, comes a required complete re-organization of my projects, UFOs and travel accoutrements. And not to forget the same for my needlework.

Just remembered, need to put a photo of the completed BOM #1 of the Merry Merry Snowmen.

When I went to start the 2nd block, I realized that the thread that I received with the project was far too light for the reindeer. I ordered more but it won't be available until we pick up our stored mail. So now it languishes. Oh well, 1 finish is better than none.

I have made great strides on my knitted silk scarf. A long way to go to finish but because of limitations of available fiber, the length will be dependent on the fiber available, not vice versa. All in all however, it will make a great scarf to complement my denim-colored leather jacket, which is a fair weather, spring and autumn jacket. A perfect time to wear a lightweight scarf.

So let the clock tick down ...

Learning to appliqué

It came to me as I was sewing while screwing up my mouth, little pieces of fabric onto larger pieces of fabric, that I should have taken some photos as I progressed. Well, I didn't until this one

and as you can see I had already sewn about half of the pieces on. The white one above the others is waiting to be sewn.
Take tiny stitches I kept telling myself and don't pull your thread so tight that it puckers the fabric. So much to keep in mind, so much too learn ... Still it is oddly relaxing to sit and sew these pieces. Wonder how I will feel after all 9 blocks are completed?
As I neared the completion of the first block I frantically looked for my packet of embellishments. I can only surmise that I left it in the US. So, for now, I am finished with Block #1 and my first attempt at hand appliqué. The snowman is a little wonky but hey, it adds character.

The study in fibers have been completed for segment 1. Of course I can't do anything with them until I get back to the US, but the stitching is done.

Four little ...
The Bamboo Stitch takes a lot of work to get it situated correctly and even then it sometimes look a little "liberated", something that is probably not what is hoped for in the overall design.

Five little ...
The Diagonal Cashmere is a very useful stitch, one that I have used many times in various projects.

Six little swatches.
Triple Rice is what this is called...hmmmm what would I use it for? Suggested uses include paths, window panes and other architectural designs.

And therein lies the first segment of this project. Of course, I only brought the first segment so now it becomes a UFO.

As I had another stitch by Carol and Michael, taken from Needlepoint Now, I decided to add it to this segment ... the multipurposed "X" stitch and it's many forms. I started with a contracting color to show how it can be used as an "outliner", a compact heavier stitch.

I have used the Smyrna Cross many times for this very use, but never the simple "X" stitch...an interesting concept.

I can't wait to get home in order to start on the second segment. But then I also want to complete the work on Cleopatra's Miss Chrissy and get her off to the finishers. And then there is the beard left to do on Father Frost and then get him off to the finishers. Oh my ......

While in an archeological museum in Cuenca I saw a photo of an indigenous King wearing a fabulous coat. Couldn't NOT take a photo. The quilting opportunities swam frantically around my head as I looked at it even though intellectually I knew that it was all painted onto the cloth.

Round 2 and stash busting and preparing for Ecuador ...

Round 2 of the Medallion Sew-along allows me to stash bust all this patriotic type fabrics that I have accumulated. Will have to also dig around for other less focused to go with it.

Finished with the first step of Round 2:

The second step:

Then on to the final step: decided to add a bit of color, albeit muted, but is definitely a bit different from what is being used to date. 

On Sept. 24 we are leaving for Ecuador for 3-1/2 months. I will be volunteering in a women's clinic, I hope, but nothing is definite until I arrive and interview. There is a Women's & Children's home associated with the group as well and I might end up here. Hopefully it will be as an educator/clinician. So what does this have to do with my love for quilting and needlework? Well ...

Along with this is the decision as to what projects to take with me as I won't have a sewing machine. That means I will be doing hand sewing and appliqué: I have a quilt that is a lot of appliqué that I would like to get started with.

Merry Merry Snowmen

 With this in mind, I pulled out the first 2 blocks.

Block 1: 

The instructions are a bit weird, but I start off cutting a bunch of small squares and even smaller ones to make into squares:
Oh what fun -

Then on to appliqué the first of what appears to be many of the same. I am using the freezer paper method of pattern making. The first is a snowman that will eventually use doll clothes buttons for eyes and an embroidered carrot nose. Sew appliquéd square to the previously made square.

 oh oh, I can see that my tiny stitches aren't tiny or uniform enough for this project. Take care Shirley!

Now to put together the background for the rest of the appliqué: I will leave the actual appliqué for when we are in Ecuador. The only instructions for this part is a picture and then a diagram with the dimensions....

Man these blocks are so much bigger than I had anticipated ...My pink cutting board is 12"x18". As you can see, the single block (1/8) is much bigger. 

All the fabric pieces end up leaving me with at least an inch of leftover - am thinking they might end up being enough to make a child's strip quilt. Anyways, will sew them all together and then see how much yardage I end up with.

Block 2:

This one has an amazing amount of appliqué:

Simple strip and block piecing for the background:  Again, look at the size difference. The good thing about this is that the appliquéd pieces are also big.

Block 3;

Do I or don't I go on and piece the third background to take with me? If it is a straight strip and square piecing then I will but if there is an appliqué block to do before, then probably not. Am not sure if I have enough time.

Oops ... another corner snowman to appliqué before piecing. So I guess not ....