Saturday, December 21, 2024

watching paint dry and watching fabric scraps become a star


 the last feathered star for this year's Rainbow Scrap Challenge block is done! I call it "cranberry" color

I'm happy I can sew at all on the janome Gem, it's always a challenge but I think I can actually sew the blocks together on it next week. They are large 

see my finger at the bottom
and a bit overwhelming on the wall in my little studio
cranberry, light green, gray, red, gold, light blue
I hope the 12 blocks together won't be too busy on a quilt top... I want to sew them so that where they meet make another star motif. That means I need to choose color placement on the 3 X 4 block layout. 
then border ideas. What would draw your eye to the centers? 

I just sewed that moravian star into some kind of shape
"sea creature"? 
"warped star"? 
I thought it would be simple... what I learned
my little paper pieces (diamonds) were too flimsy for 3-d
thread basting my pieces doesn't work as they fall into the star body when bent
the stitches all show on photos if not much in real life
I need to read the new pattern directions Sara sent me and glue baste next time

mostly that sewing half together... twice.... then putting the halves together like dh said, does NOT work

I actually painted a wee santa this week... from a youtube tutorial on vintage santa in watercolor and ink
I LOVE him and wish I could paint one for every friend here, but I might go around the edge with some paint still, and transfer the words to the bottom, or glue them and then send out the finished image
tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mGamQxy97hE


not feeling up to sending a lot of cards this year although I sure love what I've received from thoughtful people 

a watercolor paper notebook from Angie, and a collection of quotes from Helen

Phenny and Neily from France... beautiful boys
Sally's triplet fosters... look at the one nibbling the box...  craftscaviescontras   blog

4 comments:

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Your Santa is the epitome of "the jolly old elf" -- perfect! I like that card you got with the guinea pigs on it -- too friggin cute! I'm looking forward to seeing your finished feathered star quilt.

Sara said...

Love the cranberry block. The Moravian star will be easier with stiff cardboard or card stock. You did a nice job especially with the paper shapes.

PaintedThread said...

Like that cranberry star. Your warped little sea creature is interesting! Glad those piggies made you smile. :-)

The Joyful Quilter said...

Love the addition to your Feathered Star collection and that fabulous Santa painting, LeeAnna!! Regarding the frustration of the Moravian Star... I think we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves. It's best to remember that not all experiments are successful and that is perfectly OK. Better luck next time!