Here Come the Birds

It is definitely time to add some subject matter to this project, so I sketched two birds to nest in one corner. I will cut the shapes from an interesting batik fabric, add fused details and finally appliqué them onto my quilt.

I find it easy to trace the pattern using my "solar powered, vertical light box".  I can see my drawing through the white fabric and can trace the shapes for the detail of the bird. 

 I can then cut and fuse these small pieces unto my bird.

Since more detail is needed, my last step is to use paint to add additional shading. Now, the birds are ready to trim and appliqué in place. 

(Although in nature, these birds have different coloring, I chose to coordinate them with my quilt. Thus, a new variation of  bird is created. Oh, the power I have!)

Vines on my Mind

I have been busy adding vines to my background. I can see after adding the first leaves that I need more variation. One fabric, once again, cannot do it all.

Now I added more fabrics and am happier with the results.  Color variation elevates our projects by adding more dimension just like the texture of the quilting makes our projects sing.

And, on we go......

That First Stitch

As with most things, the first step is the hardest and in this case, it was the first stitch. After procrastinating about creating the quilt top, I was determined to quilt it now that it was ready.

Well, maybe.....
I spent the day rearranging my threads, dusting and cleaning my machine, planning how I was going to quilt the different sections and finally, there were no more excuses.

I made that first stitch. And then the second one.  Suddenly, I remembered why I love quilting. The fabrics were taking life. Textures, wonderful textures, were appearing on my quilt. Now, I am enthused and zipping along enjoying each new stitch.

There will be no more walking around or stepping over this one, I can't wait to see how it will turn out. Stay tuned........

Slow Progress, Oh so slow.......

After a month of selecting fabrics, 

scattering them on a mat on the floor, 

pondering them, 

ignoring them, 

walking around them 

and around them,

rearranging them, 

and eventually sewing them together, 

my fabrics are finally made into a background for a new project. 

Today, I sandwiched the backing, batting and top together ready for quilting. 

 Now what?

 Will I actually start quilting? 

Or...... will I procrastinate for another month?

The Seeds of Good Deeds

Brighten someone's day today with an encouraging word.

The seeds of good deeds become a tree of life.

Proverbs 11:30