Folk Art Quilted Traditions Blog Hop

Hi! Thanks for stopping in for my day on Suzy Webster's Book Launch Blog Hop!

I LOVE being asked to help an author launch a book.  It's fun, and I get the challenge of creating something new.  Have you ever done layered applique?  I hadn't.  It wasn't even on my "bucket list" of quilting things to do.  I've done applique, except for needle turn.  I was satisfied.  Until I saw this book.  The 12 Hungarian inspired applique blocks are so pretty!  Suzy asked the Island Batik ambassadors to pick one block, (or more, if you were adventurous) and use it to make a project from the book, or something else.  

I decided to do a table runner.  I figured I would have time to finish it.  LOL.  Not exactly.  Almost.  

I read through Suzy's great directions, and picked Block 12.  I really liked the way the flowers looked.  And since it was my first time, I didn't want to go too crazy with the layers.  This one had 5.  I went through the box of Island Batik fabrics I had, and picked some from Red Tide, as well as some random squares and scraps for the colors, and a background, Parchment, for the Jeweled runner from the book.  Although I could have created more applique blocks, or created my own setting blocks for the block I made, I really did like the look of Suzy's design, and wanted to use it.  

And then I got some special orders, had a craft show, went on vacation (although I did prep the Light Steam a Seam 2 while away, doing the tracing, and some of the fabric pre-cutting).  

We got home from the trip, and I've been working on the stitching for the applique.  And working on another project, and working on getting things organized, and repaired.  

Did I mention living with my mom, and taking care of her, is a full-time job?  Did I mention my brother is moving, and when he comes back to visit, wants to stay in the other upstairs room, across from my sewing studio?  Did I mention we needed to replace the tile floor in the upstairs bathroom, because it was broken and leaked, plus paint and refinish the floor in  the other room?  And we're also fixing up my childhood bedroom?  And I needed emergency dental surgery to pull a broken tooth that was so painful?  Yes, and more.  Although we had tried to schedule the tile 2 weeks ago, something came up with the installer.  It was rescheduled for today (Wednesday).  Yup, the day I needed my machine and studio the most, I had no electricity for a few hours, because they were installing a new mirror and light, plus ripping out the bathroom floor, and painting the hallway and doors upstairs (the one to my studio, etc).  

So, before they turned off the electricity to the 2nd floor, I was able to press the pieced units for the side blocks.  But I couldn't sew, because the bathroom vanity (which was removed so they could rip up the tile and fix the holes) was IN FRONT of my sewing desk!!  YIKES!!

I pressed, and trimmed the sections, and went back down to my vintage machine to sew the sections together.  The worker said he would move the vanity.  He did, but couldn't put the electric back on.  Back up 2 flights to trim the blocks and back down to sew them together, set up the iron and board in the basement, press everything, and go outside to take some photos.  

So, here's my version of Suzy's Block 12 and Jeweled Runner. 

Yup, just for fun, to show you what's on my lawn today.  The toilet is a kid's height one, and we're replacing it with an adult (chair height) one.  

After I took the photos, I waited until the power was back on, layered the runner with Warm & White batting, and a white backing, and got a little bit of quilting done.  I tried to quilt more after dinner, and broke 3 needles.  I give up for tonight!  lol

We'll see.  On days like today, I wish I had a Fitbit.  I would love to know how many flights I did.  I'm also glad I can work around the issues when things get wacky!

So, it's not finished, but I hope to have it done soon.  

I do recommend Suzy's book!  I hope you consider adding it to your library and trying one of the projects.  I LOVE the Indigo Star quilt.  I would love to make that one one day.  

Indigo Star, designed by Suzy Webster, pieced, appliqued, and quilted by Kathy Shier

Which block or blocks do you think you'll try?  Remember to check out the other bloggers, and to enter to win a copy of the book and some Island Batik Fat Quarters.  

Yes, my day is that wacky, that the photo loaded upside-down! lol

Folk Art Quilted Traditions Blog Hop

October 10-14
Monday, October 10

Suzy Webster - http://websterquilt.blogspot.com/

Connie Kresin Campbell - http://www.conniekresin.com/

Jennifer Eubank - https://jennifersewing.wordpress.com/

Tuesday, October 11

Bea Lee - http://www.beaquilter.com/

Sally Johnson - http://sallysquiltingcorner.blogspot.com/

Suzy Webster - http://websterquilt.blogspot.com/

Wednesday, October 12

Jessica Cadwell - http://www.desertbloomquilting.com/blog/

Anna Branch - http://arkangelcreations.blogspot.com/

Vicki in MN - http://knitbug2.blogspot.com/

Thursday, October 13

Pamela Boatright - http://pamelaquilts.blogspot.com/

Teri Lucas - http://generationqmagazine.com/

Maryellen McAuliffe - http://teachpany.blogspot.com/

Friday October 14

Adele Mogavero - http://adelemogavero.com/

Joan Kawano - http://moosestashquilting.blogspot.com/

Lara Buccella - http://www.buzzinbumble.com/

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