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March UFO update and other WIP’s

I’ve made some progress on my March UFO project.  If you remember, I’m working on the alphabet portion of The Quilt Show’s 2014 BOM, A-Z for Ewe and Me.  I’ve put together several groups of letters, and now I have to complete some applique stitching in order to finish the remainder of the groups.

TQS BOM alphabet blocks by Julie Cefalu

 

As I was looking at the photo above, I noticed how drawn-in the letter “Q” is.  Any idea why?  Because I forgot to use a stabilizer on the back while I was stitching around the letter.  You can really see the difference when you compare it to the letter “S” below.  If you want to learn more about using stabilizers check out my tutorial on applique stitches.

TQS bom Q and S alphabet blocks

 

How are YOU doing on your UFO for this month?  There’s just one week left in March to get it finished!  I’ll be posting the link-up on March 31st, so we can share our projects.  This month’s prizes (there are two) will be a layer cake of Scrumptious by Bonnie & Camille for Moda and a bundle of goodies including an Embroidery Pocket Guide, Drunkard’s Path Bloc-Loc ruler and a mini charm pack.

month 3 prize 1

Month 3 prize 2

 

I’ve also been working on my Splendid Sampler blocks.  I’ll tell you, anything that requires embroidery brings me to a dead halt.  It’s a skill that I’m not proficient at, and I find that I have to learn all over again every time I give it a try.  So, I watched a few YouTube videos and I bought a small embroidery hoop today, so I have no  more excuses!

splendid block embroidery

 

I finished the March block for the Sugar Block Club BOM.  I LOVE this block!  And boy was I surprised when I looked at the pattern and saw that it was an orange peel block that is the smitten image of my new logo design!  How cool is that?  I used the same color fabrics that are in the logo, and I love how it turned out.

Sugar Club Block 3 by Julie Cefalu

3orangepeelsdesign

When I was working on the logo with my graphic designer, Tori from Tori Grant Designs, I told her how much I liked the orange peel pattern.  She was so great to work with, and she incorporated my preferences so well!  If you’re looking for that type of work, I highly recommend her.

Orange Peel block by Julie Cefalu

 

I hope your weekend is full of Easter delights!

Julie

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13 Comments

  1. Hi Julie,

    I have a question. My WIP is the wedding quilt for my daughter and son-in-law. I didn’t realize how MANY little half-square triangle sets I would be making (duh) and the last time I did a stitch-a-thon on them, I ended up really hurting my hip. I don’t have much cartilage at all in my right hip, and that really did me in. I’ve had to quit sewing on it for a while. I have a Janome that has the pedal-free mode, and it has a foot lifter (somewhere in my “collection”). I’ve tried using the manual sewing, but, I’ve been sewing for almost 60 years, and I just don’t like the feeling of lack of control when I do it that way.

    If I use the foot lifter, will I have more control over my sewing, or will it just keep sewing away without the foot being down? I don’t feel like I’ve described the situation well, but I hope you understand what I’m trying to say……lol.

    I have several things I want to sew, including a rag quilt for my son’t 50th birthday in May. I have most of the blocks pinned together, but am scared to do much in the way of extensive sewing. When he and his 2 brothers (my little stair-steps) were little, I made all of their clothes except for underwear and socks, and I really miss being able to sew. Of course, I was in my late teens and all of my 20’s when I was doing all that sewing and didn’t work outside the home. I’m 69 now, and have spine and hip “issues”, but I still feel 18 on the inside, and it’s hard to reconcile the two. My brain keeps telling me I can do anything I want like I used to, then the body says “wait a minute, kiddo, it ain’t gonna happen!”

    Anyway, if you have any tips on how to use the machine without hurting myself more, I’d appreciate it.

    Thanks,
    Linda

  2. Hi Julie,
    Love your new logo, it’s very “you”. It looks like you have a good chance of finishing your A to Z, well maybe ambitious this month if you are doing the border too……..but you are still further along than I am with “mine”!
    Happy Easter:-)

  3. Julie, I’m doing the BOM too and your block is so much prettier than min that I’m going to do mine over. Mine is just kind of blah. I love it that you put the polka dot print in the corners rather than white.
    Joann Head

  4. I love your daily email. It is so clear and always informative. I am also trying to find the pattern and fabric for the “A to Z for Ewe and Me” Quilt. Any suggestions?

  5. You’ve been a busy bee this month! I love your A-Z for Ewe and Me. It’s turning out beautiful! I love the orange peel pattern in quilting too 🙂

    I’ve been thinking of ordering those drunkard path bloc locs. Jana makes it look so easy .

  6. Yep, totally, it’s because of no stabilizer. You might have gotten away with it on just a small amount but with all those curls and swirls I think a stabilizer was necessary. Love seeing the progress you’re making, though.

  7. I love all the work and patterns you do. I wish I was so ambitious. The A-Z for ewe and me pattern you are working on is gorgeous. I’ve tried to find the pattern but am having no luck. Any suggestions?

  8. Wouldn’t it be neat if you could incorporate you orange peel block with your signature.
    I’m loving the Splendid Sampler sew along. The soft colors for your block are very pretty. I like the inclusion of the needle and thread on the outside but think I’ll put more of country style flower in the center of the block. When I get it finished that is. So far I have only picked out 5 of the blocks. Are you going to try to do them all? Are those going to be your base colors or are you choosing colors for each block?
    Happy Easter, He has risen!
    Tonia

  9. Ok…..your orange peel block pushed me over the edge…..I have been watching the Sugar Block Club, but hesitate to start one more project! I was doing a different BOM, but the squares are 16″, and I am finding that I don’t really enjoy making sampler blocks that large! Time to catch up after I decide on a color way!

  10. the A to Z is coming along well, interesting will remember if I ever manage applique to use stabliser on the back. think my mental block is like yours but you struggle with embroidery, I know though once you start you will click quickly as you have so many stitiching talents

  11. The orange peel block is a favorite of mine also, I’m planning a blue and white as well as an orange white peel quilt ……..hopefully I’ll get a LOT more time to sew! I wonder how much it costs to hire a cutter??? #alliwanttodoissew Where is our sewing machine emoji????
    P. S. I love your blog posts.

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