Tuesday, November 13, 2012

WIPs on Wed Nov 14

I survived the mixed-method trapunto experiment...but did manage to break about 5 needles.  Which is weird since I can't even remember the last time I ever broke a needle while hand stitching.

Normally I have a stash of needles since I'm forever losing them.

I had to run to the LQS to replenish the stock.  I have to say I'm not too happy.  The Piecemaker's 12's are lovely to sew with, but the glazed quilting threads are too thick to fit through the eye.  The Clover big eye 12's are nice, but really what I would consider an 11.  I was excited to try the Roxanne 11's - cute case, but quite the price since there are 50.  I had all kinds of bad words to say once I started using them as they are what I would consider a chubby 10.   Seriously now...what's the point of a numbering system if it differs by brand???

I am very pleased with this center motif.  It is pieces and parts of Ester's Heart's Desire.  Actually, I think it's all from the same outer border.  The big flowers were in the center of each side and the 3 petaled flowers were draped over the basket handle.  Fill is just straight(ish) lines 3/8" apart.

I re-hooped to the section of leaves closest to the center.  It will also look familiar to many of you who know her design since it was block 2 of the quilt along.

This was me pondering how closely I really need to quilt everything to be happy.

I'm afraid that the correct answer is "very, very close".

The additional veining in dark green and curley-q's in pale green make me very happy.  I stitched the flower buds in magenta.  Funny how those details will be completely lost to anyone standing more than a foot away.  But still, I smile.

18 comments:

Lynette said...

Such pretty work! This is going to be breathtaking. I'm in awe of your quilting stitches. I just started my first hand quilting piece, and - all I can say is: "I'm in awe." ;D

Karens Quilts, Crows and Cardinals said...

Marjorie -- this is so very beautiful! You do wonderful hand work. Thanks for sharing.
Karen

Julie Fukuda said...

I just love seeing your work in progress. That is going to be such a work of art.
I have always used S. Thomas and sons needles but last year I got hold of a longer needle in while working on a group quilt. I wish I could find the maker of that one! I have tried clover but they always break for me.
I hate to buy a whole pack of something I might not like.

Glenda said...

Wowwwwwwwwwww Marjorie: I'm not sure if I'm blown away with the quilting or your lovely quilt of Esther's. Mine is still a WIP's!!!! Your quilting is wonderful and your centre looks so beautiful. Cheers Glenda From OZ www.patchworkdreams.com.au

Unknown said...

This is astonishing hand quilting - I mean seriously astonishing - you are doing great work here Marjorie (whatever the needle problems)

Esther Aliu said...

WOW! First off, I feel your needle pain, but moving right along, what wonderful work! You should be so proud of that trapunto, superb!

And I love the colours you've chosen here for HD, the colours just sing, this quilt will be (already is)stunning!! Thank you so much for sharing these pics.

quilthexle said...

WOW - wonderful, your handwork is amazing !!!

jjthor said...

It looks so pretty!! you have done a great job.

Fischtown Lady said...

wonderful work

Elaine said...

THis is absolutely lovely. Are you hand quilting? Wow!!!
I can't wait to see the whole thing.

Anne Marieke said...

This is stunning work, both Heart's Desire and your Trapunto work.

Thank you so much for sharing this inspiring work.

Caron at Michigan Quilts said...

Absolutely beautiful work! This will be a gorgeous piece when you are finished with it. Love it!

Lynne said...

Gorgeous! Stunning! Superlative! What else can I say?

Thanks for the warning that all needles are not created equal!

Wendy said...

OH WOW!.. I spent all day yesterday just trying to finish the middle blocks!!! Your quilting is AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing.

Bunny said...

Oh my Goodness your work is breathtaking, my work you are good those stitches amaze me. You must be thrilled with this work of art. BRAVO. Bunny

Unknown said...

You've been tagged! A fun little blogging game to help share and get to know each other. Check out the rules on my blog here: http://passionquilting.blogspot.ca/2012/11/tag-youre-it-fun-little-blogging-game.html

Archie The Wonder Dog said...

Oh my goodness, I could look at this all day long! Wow!!!

Anonymous said...

Hello I was looking through the list of hand quilters and saw your blog.
I have been having trouble with the needle and thread size as well and found that Im very happy with Thomas brand size 10 or 11 needles and I use either Aurifil 28 or waxed YLI thread . It fits through the eye with ease and the needle quilts well.