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Tuesday, February 18, 2014

I've Got the Fever

Hi Everyone,

I'm not sure how much I'm going to have to share this week.  I quite simply have caught Olympic fever and am spending very little time doing anything but watching the games (and appliqueing.)  I haven't even watched Sunday's episode of Downton Abbey yet!  Neither am I spending much time online reading blogs and making comments.  If you have been missing me, never fear--I'll be back next week.

I can update you on the applique blocks I've been doing.  I set the goal to finish the four, identical center blocks of Sarah's Revival and over the weekend, I got all the red done on all four of them.  It was some really nit-picky applique as the red consists of flowers with "star-shaped" blossoms.  That means they are full of sharp points, and my least favorite shape to applique is sharp points.

I began on the green, basting it in place as I finished each center square.  When I finished all of the red, it was time to begin with the green.  It is so much easier than the red--even though there is more green in each block than red--it is going much faster.  I thought I would share some photos of the process.


1.  The block with the green basted in place



2.  I've started appliqueing around the outside edge of the motif

3.  I've gotten part-way around the outside, and I've revealed some of the red.

4.  All of the outside is done


5.  Beginning the inside.  (Red peeking out)

6.  All of the inside is done.  I just have the small heart to stitch.

7.  It's finished!  One down, three to go.

Are you watching the games?  Do you have a favorite?  I can't say that I do.  We were on the edge of our seat watching the US vs Russia Hockey game.  Many American athletes who were expected to get the gold haven't.  I'm not sure if I'm that disappointed.  Sometimes when someone "rules" the sport, it is nice to see someone else finally win for a change.  The exception for me was that I really wanted the American ice dancers to win gold, so I was pleased for them.  I am looking forward to the women's hockey gold medal game on Thursday, however I have a luncheon at the same time!  Ugh.  I guess I will record it and not look or listen to any news, computers, phones, etc.  My least favorite thing about the games--the spoilers!

I hope you all have a great day!
JoAnne



15 comments:

  1. Your applique blocks are simply GORGEOUS!! They do look quite nit-picky and you're doing a great job with them!! I've been watching a lot of Olympics myself but I have put my featherweight on the dining room table and can see TV from there so two birds with one stone and all! HA I just want the US to win everything, not asking much! LOL

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  2. I've never tried needleturn applique, and watching your step by step progress is like watching a magic trick. The red mysteriously appears!
    Pretty blocks!
    Been watching the Olympics and knitting instead of sewing. As long as the hands are busy, I'm good. :-)

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  3. That is an AMAZING block!! So gorgeous!
    I am very much an Olympic fan, but we only have regular network television, so I am usually just watching prime time evening coverage. Yes, I was cheering on our ice dancers--they deserved the win! I have a pet peeve about the spoilers on our local news, but I won't get into that here--I will spare you my soap box! *LOL*

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  4. Love the block! That is so cool. I am a huge fan of the Olympics and wish I had booked 2 weeks off work so I could watch everything live. I am really looking forward to the Canada-US hockey game, but I'll be cheering for the girls in red. :-)

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  5. Wow...your applique is amazing! I love the step by step pictures! Normally I watch the Olympics more than I have this year...I'm not really sure why. I love the ice skating the best and just haven't followed any of the skaters this time around.

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  6. I have never seen appliqué done that way but I am intrigued as your block is just beautiful.

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  7. Wow, wow, wow! I have heard of this applique method but have never actually tried it. Thanks so much for the step by step photos so it's easily understood how to do it. Your block is beautiful!

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  8. You do beautiful applique work! I've been watching the Olympics too. I like the figure skating (had to watch the ice dancing final last night and was rooting for Meryl and Charlie who are from near where I grew up in Michigan) and I like the acrobatic snowboarding.

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  9. Thanks for sharing your beautiful stitching. I've done a little applique with this method - back basting? - but the block languishes. I haven't done much of any kind of applique. I enjoy it, not sure why I don't do more.
    I've only watched a little of these Olympics. Wish I'd seen the ice dancing. Saw a little online. Davis and White looked amazing.

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  10. Hi Joanne!! Your applique is absolutely gorgeous!!! LOVE it!!! I too, am so enjoying watching the Olympics - favorite - ALL of it!!! I'm excited for the women's hockey team - I'll try and catch that game!!

    I do have another question - I was googling Robert Callaham's Country Album I and your blog post came up about it!!! You did a great job. I'm looking for a copy, but the only one that I have found is on Amazon for $75 - needless to say, that is way out of my price range!! Was wondering if you know anywhere else I could find one, or if you would even sell yours (if you still have it)!

    Enjoy the GAMES!!!

    Blessings and hugs!

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  11. This block is stunning, JoAnne! And I'm so glad you showed the steps.....I've been using the backbasting method, but have not had any second-color issues to know what to do. This really helped! Thanks!

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  12. Are you working this quilt in all solids? Same red throughout or different ones? It is beautiful, but the pattern is so expensive!

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  13. What a beautiful block! Thanks for showing us the process.

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  14. Beautiful job with your appliqué. This quilt will be an heirloom for sure!

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  15. What a pretty applique block!! Your star points look wonderful! It was so interesting to see the design emerge in your pictures :0) I just tried back basting for applique this past week and loved it. I can't imagine why I waited so long to try it!

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