Friday, April 1, 2011

Piecing....Embroidery....Ducks.....

I feel so good because I set my mind to getting a few things off my 'to-do' list and now they are 'to-done'......
One is super top secret so I can only show very teeny sneak peeks...




This is only partially complete....but it is getting there...
In the summer I will be offering a Dresden Plate Pillow Class.  A fun way to learn the Dresden Block, some applique techniques and hand quilting without the stress of an entire quilt....
So I worked on another sample for this pillow....I simply adore this sweet Hokkoh blue polka dot fabric.....


Then there is my QAL with Lily's Quilts....I have been itching to try something different with this quilt....yet stay true to my idea of a vintage looking quilt....so I decided my circles will be fans instead...


I love fan quilts...there is one at a local tea house that I covet....


Sorry - these pictures don't do it justice....I still need to sew the rows together, but it is lovely....


I had to cut the outer circle about 1/2 inch on both ends...and of course the center circle is just a quarter of the size....

Molly has been working on some embroidery for me....
This very simple embroidery....


Done on a vintage hankie....
And this piece is for a special occasion.....


So we have had a good couple of days....and this morning as I looked out my back door these little fellows waddled across my lawn...


Love ducks!!!
Hope you are having a great Friday!!!
mary
at

14 comments:

  1. TiffanyApril 1, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I like the fan idea! I really need to try Dresden's... I haven't broken down and gotten a dresden ruler yet but that seems easier than cutting them out using a paper template which always seems to get smaller and smaller as I cut :)

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  2. Jackie's StitchesApril 1, 2011 at 1:48 PM

    Beautiful! Love them all and can't wait to see more of your sneak peek!

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  3. ritadApril 1, 2011 at 1:49 PM

    You always get my creative juices flowing.. My Dresden project in my to-do stack might turn out to be fans...sounds fun. Or should I say "just ducky"!

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  4. Live a Colorful LifeApril 1, 2011 at 2:43 PM

    Ooh, and the super secret sneak peak includes one of my favorite orange dots!

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  5. JodiApril 1, 2011 at 2:44 PM

    I must say your piecing and ironing looks so perfect! Nice and neat and smooth! I aspire to that! Thanks for sharing!

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  6. **nicke...April 1, 2011 at 3:31 PM

    I LOVE LOVE your fans! They are so pretty and I am dying to see what your sneak peaks are in full! I love that pink and white polka dot, it is so dainty. I wish I could take your dresden class. I bet you have some cool tips and tricks that are invaluable!

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  7. SusanApril 1, 2011 at 4:07 PM

    I love what you have done with the dresdens! I wasn't liking the size I'd made for the QAL so I think I'll follow you idea instead...much more practical and manageable too! And look at the points on your pinwheels...fabulous!

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  8. trishApril 1, 2011 at 4:21 PM

    Oh boy! Do you mean that you will be offering the dresden on your blog? That would be so wonderful!!
    Your fans are gorgeous! :o) I have not pieced anything circular yet. The thought gives me hives! :o) ha ha ha
    I know you have been quilting for many years, was there anything in particular to quilting that sorta scared you a little bit? :o)
    Have a wonderful weekend Mary.
    Sincerely, Trish

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  9. UnknownApril 1, 2011 at 4:45 PM

    oh Mary ... wonderful :)

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  10. NickyApril 1, 2011 at 4:52 PM

    Gorgeous blocks and ducks!

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  11. Mary on Lake PulaskiApril 1, 2011 at 6:52 PM

    Your fans are fabulous Mary!

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  12. corners of my lifeApril 1, 2011 at 10:31 PM

    I think your love ducks were swimming on my pool cover this morning.

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  13. Eileen {bluebirdluxe}April 1, 2011 at 11:35 PM

    I seriously lose count how many times I scroll up and down your post! Beautiful! Ohhh, those fans! and those lucky ducks who get to take your Dresden pillow class.. ;) I love your tutorial links! :)

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  14. CarlaApril 2, 2011 at 12:40 AM

    Just beautiful! I love the backgrounds on both the dresdens~

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