Sunday, January 26, 2014

I’ve been working on my cards again today. I finished up the English paper piecing cards and added some blanket stitch around the edges. When I first quilted with Stacia and Deloise, the machine I was using had the blanket stitch as an option. When I got back home I realized my machine didn’t have that stitch. When I received Ruby I made sure there was a blanket stitch on it; Pearl2 doesn’t have it. Appliqué hasn’t been my favourite technique because I didn’t like the zig-zag stitch on Pearl2. Actually I just wasn’t very good at it; there was nothing wrong with the machine. Of course I had forgotten entirely about the blanket stitch sitting patiently on Ruby. Since rediscovering it, I’ve got a new appreciation for appliqué.

The third card of the month called for paper piecing – another of my favourites. I still have a few issues with getting the fabric in the right spot to completely cover the design, but I think I’m getting better. At least I didn’t have to take anything apart today. I quilted it with some straight-line stitching; so much less stressful than free-motion.

When I went to cross the cards off my list in Reminders (on my computer) I couldn’t find my list. I have reminders pop up a month before the cards are due so that I have time to make them and get them sent off in the mail. I’ve spent a good portion of my afternoon re-making my list. Hopefully I have everyone in there. Be sure to let me know if you have a special day and I’ve missed it!

Pat just made a pot of apple tea so I think I’ll grab a cup and read for the rest of the afternoon.