23 May, 2007

I Can't Wait!

I'm not good at waiting, I'll admit that. I don't like to wait in lines (this could explain my aversion to cafeterias) or in waiting rooms or even for packages to arrive! I'm getting a new laptop to soon, it's on order, and the time spent awaiting its arrival on my doorstep is almost intolerable! When I was a little girl the wait for my birthday, and then Christmas, were the longest waits of all! If I have something to occupy myself during times of forced waiting I can manage much better. These blocks are quite old. I have been working on them since 1999. They are a portable handwork project that I drag out from time to time, dust off and carry with me when I know I'm going to be forced to sit, and wait. (I think it's always a good idea to have some unfinished handwork packed up and ready-to-go; luckily for me, this is never a problem!) Recent blogs showing "stitchery" brought this UFO to mind. I was surprised to see how many blocks I already had completed when I located this last week. I made two more blocks over the weekend while I was held captive as a passenger in the car! The redwork designs came from a book, Redwork 101 Designs by Suzanne McNeill (amazingly, it's still available!), they are ironed onto unbleached muslin. I layer a piece of red fabric over the top, both right-sides up, and baste the two squares together by machine. I draw a circle on the top fabric and cut away the top layer while reverse-appliqueing the opening to reveal the design for embroidery beneath. I then work the embroidery design with a stem stitch using two strands of floss. I found a pretty ivory and red checked fabric, folded up with the project, that I had selected for the sashing and borders, I like that as much today as I did eight years ago! I have a red scalloped applique outer border in mind and am thinking about smaller ivory circles appliqued on top of the scallops with little red lazy-daisy embroidered flowers on these smaller shapes. Doesn't that sound pretty? I'm eager to see this little cutie come to life as the quilt I've dreamed into being.
Actually, I can't wait!
Life is Good!

15 comments:

YankeeQuilter said...

Love the idea of the scalloped border. These look great. I love redwork!

Mama Spark said...

So cute. I can't *wait * to see it either!!

Nancy Near Philadelphia said...

This is very dear. I've not been afflicted by redwork yet, but I can hear it calling my name . . . .

Anne Heidi said...

It looks wonderful! I'm with you on the "can't wait" side... Have fun working on the borders, it sounds perfect!

Flake said...

I am going to be green with envy of your new laptop. (I finally posted something again)

Unknown said...

Congratulations on your 201 posts! The quilt you made in that honor is very funky. I had a try as well at Tonya´s letters and they are so much fun. I love your redwork. You are right, there is a lot of stitchery going around in patchwork blog land. I had a try too, made one block and found it very relaxing. The scalloped borders sound great, I can´t wait to see more. Take care.

meggie said...

Lovely work!
I have had to learn the lesson of patience! I am a little better than I used to be.

Shelina said...

Okay, let me get this right. You're okay with making your quilts wait for you, but you don't like waiting yourself.

Yeah, me too. LOL A new computer will be fun once you get everything loaded on it.

Shelina said...

I just looked at the closeup of your work. I think that the method is such a great idea - and each of the designs are just so cute. It is going to be a great quilt, especially with scallops.

atet said...

Oh my -- way too cute! I think I'm getting some of your impatience! I can't wait to see this one.

KC Quilter said...

Wow, I love those redwork blocks!! Can't wait to see the finished quilt. I've been on a stitchery kick myself these days--so fun, so relaxing!

YankeeQuilter said...

I couldn't get an email to go through...hope this gets to you in time. This is the site I used to make the my anniversary sign. www.redkid.net/generator/trophy/

Jim V said...

I was going to leave a comment, but...


... I think I'll make you wait a few days.


:)

Sue Seibert said...

Oh, man, impatient is my middle name. I hate to wait, too!

Love the blocks. That redwork is beautiful.

Faith said...

congratulations on your wedding anniversary.... Im a cant wait person too... infact I could not wait to be born hence why I popped out October instead of December.. hee hee I love your quilt idea of the scalloped border.