Opus Tweet new blocks

Three more blocks done, really enjoying the mix of applique, embroidery and stitching.  The layers give so much texture and interest to the pattern, it is lovely to see them come together.

Cappuccino Placemats and Tablerunner

I have also been creating some class samples for our Stepping Stones class which starts shortly.  The same block is used in the Cappuccino Placemats and Tablerunner pattern, so I've made up a couple using some striking black & gold fabric.  I tried two different types of wadding:  pellon in the tablerunner and the Matilda's bag wadding in the placemat.  Both easy enough to quilt with although the bag wadding was stiffer under the machine, but I like the firmer feel for a useful placemat.  This is a fun, quick & easy block, each of which uses only two 2 1/2" wide strips of fabric, with no wastage.

Holiday stitching

We have had a lovely two week break with a week at the beach, where I did some stitching on my Opus Tweet block of the month, so I thought you might like a photo of my version using pretty Tilda fabric.  There is more to it than I first realised as it is an unusual mix of embroidery, applique, embroidery on applique and piecing and uses the newish iron on stablisher from which to cut templates.  It stays in when you quilt, but the glue will wash out, leaving a soft stabiliser within the applique shapes.  I have also been machine quilting the Mariners Compass, halfway - my should is telling me to just have a little break :)