Despite the gray skies outside, it's a beautiful February day here, because I am surrounding myself with lots of gorgeous color. I've been stitching up a storm! So much so in fact, that I just noticed a little callous on my right index finger (where I grab the sewing needle to pull it through fabric).
All this manic stitching is paying off though, as I'm making wonderful progress on my projects. The hot pad (above) turned out darling; I still need to sew a plastic ring on top to hang it in the kitchen. It's entirely decorative, of course, and will likely never see any serious action near the stove. Let's hope not anyway, because it's only lined with cotton flannel.
"Work" on the hexagon quilt continues... I've added a few more embroidered patches. These are fun, and although they are small, only about 3" in diameter, they seem to take as long as anything because they are so detailed. I'm using just two strands of cotton floss; and occasionally three. And working it all in the tiniest of stitches.
For about a week now, the quilt has been taking shape and growing; I have it all laid out on the floor and have begun stitching various small sections together. I think I'll add another row to make this more of a rectangle though, because it lacks symmetry otherwise, something I didn't consider until I stood back and looked at it. Definitely a learning process as I go along. Every quilt I've ever made has taught me something.
As far as fabrics go, these are mostly older and "vintage" with a few newer prints scattered around. This is a great stash-buster project! Especially for all these small bits--with otherwise limited potential. I wanted to make this quilt bright and colorful, and it is certainly that.
A rainbow of color, that's what.
We frequently get rainbows here in the northwest, and particularly over this back field behind our house at certain times of the day. When this happens, everyone scurries to the windows for a look-see, and if it's good and spectacular we will properly trip over each other to find a camera before the brilliance fades. This was a three camera event rainbow, as I recall.
Inside sewing headquarters...my stash of rainbow colors for stitching everything under the sun. And then some.
Love the stitching you are doing on these. Do you have a pattern pack?
Posted by: Else T | February 13, 2013 at 11:22 AM
Ooooh, a double rainbow! I love when those happen. :)
Posted by: Jane S. | February 13, 2013 at 11:35 AM
all your embroidery is so sweet.
Posted by: Carrie P. | February 13, 2013 at 02:28 PM
Oh I Iove this quilt and I'm having great joy in watching the pictures appear as you create it. I wish I had the patience for this detailed stitching. But I have realized something about myself, I'm a production, not process crafter. I need to see results and completed projects very quickly. Love the rainbow picture. I took the loveliest double rainbow picture in Portland, OR last fall. Are you close by there?
Blessings,
Betsy
Posted by: Betsy | February 13, 2013 at 03:30 PM
Colour is something we're all craving at this time of year. Those hexies with embroidery are so sweet.
Hope the rainbows come again.
Posted by: Lorrie | February 13, 2013 at 05:47 PM
I LOVE your needlework and I can't get over the adorable small images on your quilt. I wish this book were easily available to all. But, I am still enjoying watching your beautiful work evolve. Thank you so much for your great blog and for the Pattern Bee. I have lots of pleasant hours embroidering (my favorite pastime)patterns I've gotten here. Happy Valentine's Day!
Posted by: Patricia Showe | February 14, 2013 at 06:17 AM