Mountain Laural

My December block for the Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album quilt. I rarely make quilts from published patterns and I must admit I have struggled a bit with this one. It isn’t because it is complicated. I am just making it difficult by trying to be true to the pattern and trying to make my own minute changes at the same time. Let’s face it, I have already made the biggest change by choosing my “cheddar” background. I do hope Esther would is looking down on me with a wink on that choice. Somehow I think we might be kindred spirits. After all my favorite block is the whimsical “Liberty Tree” – need I say more?

I backbasted this one just to make sure I didn’t miss one of those tiny buds. I will also share a helpful hint in the applique of those tiny stems. Whenever I have a fabric change in such a tiny spot as in these little stems I machine piece (with extra tiny stitches) the two fabric together before cutting my appliques. It reduces lots of bulk when you come to that intersection.

I have also been quilting the last two pineapple blocks. I adore this yellow. I bought this fabric in 1993 in St. Bart's. I mentioned in an earlier post that my husband travels to the Caribbean (for work) in the late Fall for boat shows. I think it may be time for me to go down next year for a little fabric shopping!

I also made two tops for our Veteran’s Quilts project. I will take them to another volunteer for machine quilting. We have a few quilt angels in our group who longarm the tops which gives me more time to piece them.

And, Audrey has inspired another of my non blogging friends to join in the Quilty 365 sew-a-long. 

My friend Charlotte has started hers with some 1930’s reproductions and they are adorable. I am so enjoying this. I love waking up to a little circle applique each morning. It’s like my daily vitamin!