Block 19

I have completed block 19 of the Benjamin Biggs quilt (the current Just Takes 2 block of the month). This block is now ready for trimming and stitch to other quilt blocks. 

This is the July block so I still have one block to do to be current on this project. I do have 1/4 of the appliqué border done. I figure if I complete 1 section of border every 2 months, the border will be finished before the last block is completed. That's a great plan but with travel plans and holidays in that period of time it will certainly be a challenge. We'll see. 

Biggs quilt

I've completed block 7 of the JustTakes2 Benjamin Biggs quilt. This makes me current on the blocks - at least until the new month begins. For me, this block seemed easier to do than block 8. 

At some point I need to get started on making the border pieces so I don't have all of them to do at once. They are appliqués as well. 

Biggs Quilt Block 7

Biggs Quilt Block 8

This is block 8 of the Just Takes 2 Biggs Quilt. This is the current month's block. I still need to do last month's block and then I'll be caught up. 

The most challenging part of this block was the flowers as there were lots of small, tiny curves on them. They're the smallest curves I think I've ever done. I found that I could see the design better if I used a smaller stitch when backbasting, then I used a little smaller needle and tiny stitches when appliquing. As with most things, it got easier the more I did. I think and hope that my work got better too but I know that I have much improvement to do. 

Biggs Quilt Block 5

I just finished block 5 of the Just Takes 2 Biggs Quilt. This is a block a month project consisting of appliqué blocks. The blocks are available from Sentimental Stitches and Dear Jane.  I tried a light green this month. It allows the deep purple buds to show up better. I also to lighten the quilt so it won't scream "Christmas". I love Christmas but want a quilt that doesn't look so seasonal. So I'll use a variety of greens and continue alternating the red and purple as the main color for the block centers. 

This block will complete the 1st row of the quilt so I need to give thought to quilting. I'm think of doing a row at a time, quilt as you go method. 

Biggs Quilt Block 3

I actually started this block last month and worked on the corner leaves and buds. Completing this block seemed to take a long time due to the large number of small pieces and the learning I had to do as I worked on it. I'd never made such tiny stems before so that's what I was learning on this block. Next time I do them, it will be easier but still a bit challenging, I think. I'll get lots of practice on small stems on this quilt so they won't be challenging for long!

This is Block 3, completed.  Block 4 of the Biggs Quilt will be posted on April 1 on
sentimental stitches.com. 

Red/white appliqué

2 more Just Takes 2 blocks finished. Just a few more blocks to make and I can start quilting this quilt. Most if the blocks are assembled. 

Appliquéd Heart

When I saw a pattern for this heart, I immediately thought of friends who have married this month. Both of them had been single for several years after the death of their spouses and very happy marriages. This heart with its two vines seemed very appropriate for them. It was a pattern made for wool and raw edge appliqué so I first needed to prepare a pattern for  turned applique. The finished appliquéd block is 12" and16" with borders. The borders are made from fat quarters I already had. They go nicely with this piece as they have tiny berries on them. I chose to hand quilt and then I put a rod pocket on the back so that this little mini quilt is ready for hanging.  

Apple miniature quilt

I finished this little quilt yesterday. It is 12" x 15". I'm still learning and practicing machine binding and in this quilt I also tried using clear thread for some of the quilting. I particularly like it for stitch in the ditch. I'll do that again!