FMQ challenge: Leaves & Ferns: week 2

Just back from a travels and playing quilt catch up. After time spent watching videos, doodling, and quilting on scraps... I was ready for leaves & ferns on my FMQ panel.

Paisley Meander Leafy Meander Thready Leaves    Just Exploring... "pebbles & leaves"" Thread Painting... Leafy Meander Plume Feather

#TulaPinkNova... CENTER... let's start at the very beginning

Thanks to the #TulaPinkNova online support group- I've jumped off in to the deep end of the English paper piecing pool!!!

After weeks spent on line- admiring all the EPP these artists obsessed with "all thingsTula" 

has created- I joined in. 

After all this time spent in covid isolation, I figure it is perfect for taking with me wherever I go!

Alas, that meant DECISIONS!!!

Hours and hours lost gazing at Pinterest, FB, videos...

After deciding daily which ideas and color selections move me the most- 

I'd change my mind the next day... 

Then, I FINALLY made the decision to 

MAKE A DECISION AND STICK WITH IT!

No more spending hours in awe of "others" on FB & Pinterest... 

avoiding that first fabric pick, first cut, first stitch, first needle prick!

My inner center block is finally complete. Enough pieces cut to be my companion for a while for out and about. And best of all: NO MORE DECISIONS- at least until I get past the next few rows!!!

SEW excited to finally take the leap in to EPP!

First up, make sure my arthritis actually would allow me to do this before I invested the money in supplies

It is very slow handwork... 

but- I even impressed myself! 

And I found it very satisfying.

Ohhhh, and glue sticking the fabric

to the precut card stock hexi- 

I felt like I was back in school art class!

Sew much fun!!!

t

A pillow perhaps?

Time will tell-

Tula Nova awaits!

Why is it so dramatic 

to make that first slice in to Tula fabric?

Once I finally did... 

I created my pieces like a happy Girl Scout 

and I was ready to do my best!!!

Tula's magnets hold the 2 pieces to be joined 

in place perfect- once you pry them apart!

Once my center was finished-

 I was back to the indecision of the next 2 rows...

Every piece of Tula I owned was unfolded

 and admired... 

and then refolded and put back in the bin...

but eventually I decided and cut and pasted...

I finally finished my center...

& I love it... (I think... )

If not, It can become a corner later!

Stitchwork has room for improvement- but I am happy with the learning curve.

Best of all, 

My next 2 rows are ready to be packed up

 to accompany me on travels...

FMQ challenge WOODGRAIN week 1

I've decided 2021 is the year to take a break from the Covid cringe and learn new skills! I've joined both the free motion challenge and purchased the supplies to begin EPP!

Angela Walters goes on-line weekly to host

 a video and teach. 

All on a panel she herself designed 

to make it easier for those of us 

wanting to become free motion quilters!

No extra charge for her time... 

so kind of her and I am so excited 

to have options beyond walking foot 

and ruler quilting. 

Hopefully, the next 6 weeks 

will allow me that confidence 

as I embark on something 

completely avoided in the past...

After layering backing & batting 

behind the preprinted topper, 

I decided to straight stitch over lines 

to keep it all sandwiched 

(just in case my press in batting failed)...

I also had to piece together and attach outer border...

Eventually, I stopped doodling, quilting on samples, stalling & dove in...

My week 1: woodgrain section is finished! 

 

Nebula BOM 4

I am finally getting into a quilters "rhythm".

I have joined a weekly learn to free motion quilt workshop with Angela Walters!

 It got going this week (and will run for 6 weeks).

I've also decided to learn EPP! It's something to travel with- 

Now that I am vaccinated,

& my options to visit family 

are finally opening up! 

SO, with all my added artistic goals- 

it is even more important I stay focused and not fall behind!

And with that- 

I awaited the airing of her online workshop- 

and got to work the next day!

I completed 2 practice blocks & 2 kit blocks.

Either this pattern was easier- 

or I am growing more comfortable with piecing?

Either way- 

I am happy with results, 

and got it done in just a few hours 

over 2 days!

Triangles sewn to hexes...

newly formed triangles ready to be joined...

Diamonds ready to be merged...

Center seam determines if it will lay pucker free!

All 4 Blocks Complete!!!