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7.20.2012

Handstitched




I thought I'd be elated when I finally finished the embroidery work around the center of my quilt.  I was relieved to be finished, but not exactly elated.  Don't get me wrong, I think it's beautiful.  I'm just not sure it's 30-hours-worth-of-work beautiful.  As I worked on it, half the time I felt like I was setting a good example for my kids about finishing what we start.  The other half of the time, I wondered if I was setting a bad example, being too stubborn to scrap what I had invested and start again using a different approach.


Rachel, the creator of the course, offered a simplified version of this border which entailed machine piecing half square triangles and only hand stitching the jewels.  If I were to do it again, I'd probably do it this way instead.


Then again, maybe when I get a little more distance from the process, I'll appreciate these stitches more.

Based on the analogy I made here, I promised the kids I'd baked a cake when I finished the border.   We later changed our minds in favor of pie.  We chose this recipe with this (best ever!) crust.  Evie and I painted the crust with melted dark chocolate chips before filling it.  It was amazing.  Keeping with the spirit of the analogy, we ate the whole pie in one sitting.



Next up for my handstitched class quilt?  English paper piecing, all hand pieced.


This time around, I've learned my lesson.  I'm going to take my time and not stress about getting it done quickly.  (I'm already way behind!)  I'm also going to get back to garment sewing, because boy do I miss it.

Happy, happy weekend!

8 comments:

  1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Sorry...that was me who deleted my message. I keep forgetting to sign out of the email for my guild. :)

    Here was my comment...It looks really great! If it makes you feel any better...I have skipped that part entirely and am doing all of the piecing to come back to the embroidery...I'm THAT behind. :) You should be so proud of yourself...WOW 30+ hours, really? I might not have a chance to ever finish that! :)

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  3. that is amazing... great job
    mox
    ps love evies face.

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  4. That is absolutely amazing! I don't quilt, but holy moly! That quilt is stunning! :) I really like the larger center flower cut out area, too! Maybe just take more breaks next time! haha!

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  5. A great post! I thought the same thing about the "jewels"....E-gads, what have I got myself into?! It is SO worth it, though. I'm so sorry you ate that whole pie before showing it! :(
    See you to the end!

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  6. Thank you ladies.

    N. Maria, I did take a picture of the pie, but it wasn't in focus. My food photography needs work. :/ Your jewels were amazing!

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  7. I'm so glad I clicked over to meet you and your family. Of course I remember our emails =) Balance in everything, right? Blessings!

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  8. Glad you stopped by too! Rachel, if one thing can be said about your class, it's that you overdeliver. Wow - I'm learning so much more than I ever imagined. Had I taken this course last summer when I was pregnant and my hands were (much!) more free, I know I'd be loving each and every one of those stitches. With baby in arms, it's more challenging, yet I will carry these skills with me for sure. Thank you!

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