Hand Applique

I took a long break from my Baltimore album after being so frustrated with my stitches. Three months ago I started taking the hand Applique class in my shop. The teacher is amazing. I have learned so much and feel that I can actually do this now. I am hoping to get back to my blocks. I will still use my originals because I feel that they tell a story and show my growth.

6 month's out

Okay. I'm in my 6th month of the project and I have to be honest, I have not touched any of my applique in the last 30 days. I am so behind.

updates

It's now 2010. Can you believe it!!! Well, the holidays were nuts. I was able to do a lot on my blocks but just haven't been able to post.

I am currently working on the Christmas Cactus. This was December's block and I have drawn off January's block. It's the lyre with garland and a dove.

I will have to charge my camera so that I can take some pictures.

The Pineapple

The Pineapple brings the meaning of "You are Perfect" and hospitality. Frequently people would use one piece of pattern fabric but in traditional Baltimore's, it is always layered fabric to bring in different colors. Personally, I don't know how a sharp scalely, tangy piece of fruit could mean hospitality. I would go more with open hands, or a hand shake or something more frilly. But then again, I don't know what the colonials were thinking. Meanings change all the time. Maybe pineapples were hard to get and were a delicacy. Who knows.

Completed Block #1

Okay, here is the first completed block. It started out rough but I am starting to get the hang of it and it's moving along faster.

The Double Heart

Octobers block was the double heart. Usually in the Turkey red. From a strong german influence they occurred frequently. Original blocks were hand cut and looks more like a puffed up cookie.

The Journey Continues

I have been away for awhile. I am making great progress in catching up. We have had three classes and at the last class, I was still on the first block. I have since finished the first one, am half way through the second and trying to decide on what pineapple I will do for the third. Pictures to come. Hope everyone else is catching up to. Although, I think I was the most behind.