Pottering about

It's been really nice just pottering about this weekend doing a bit here and there on different projects.I decided not to go to the Appliqué Group day for a number of reasons but mostly I just needed some r & r at home. I was inspired by Christina's beautiful sewing room to have a bit of a tidy up in mine. 

Yay some clear surfaces! This allowed me to do some preparation for AWS. I cut out half a dozen background blocks. I like to use the wavy blade for appliqué backgrounds to prevent too much fraying.

Then I prepared block #6 by putting the pieced circle over a piece of FG fabric and pinning it all down.

Then marking out the appliqué by putting the piecing templates on top and tracing around the external lines. I used a frixion pen for the outside edge.

And my new chalk pen for the inner circle where the fabric is dark.

It was my sister-in-laws birthday the other weekend so I wrapped up the AWS blocks that I've done so far along with the border and sashing fabric to give an idea of what it will be like. I also had Di's book at the ready to show her a photo of the quilt. As it is a significant 0 birthday other family members have contributed to have it it professionally quilted. Well I'm happy to report that she was overwhelmed and there were tears of joy.

And whilst we're on the subject of AWS Judy has finished block #13 - great use of striped fabrics!

My version of this block is currently in my header pic.

So now it's time to 'fess up.

The real reason for tidying my sewing room is that I've started a new project! I know I'm completely bonkers but I've been thinking about Anni Downs' Gossip in the Garden since I saw it on her blog last November. 

Lenora at Elm Grove Patchwork is offering it as a BOM and I love the happy vintage fabrics she is using.

I spend a lot of time working out the fabrics for AWS and Aunty Green so this is like a summer holiday having all the fabrics ready to go. I was going to wait until I'd finished AWS but couldn't resist once I'd opened the squishy package the came in the post last week. I've already finished the first stitchery section of block #1.

I'm already doing so much needle turn with AWS, Aunty Green and the CCCQ I'm wondering whether I should machine appliqué this quilt???