Block nine is a darling little block called 'Local Quilt Shop' and was designed by Jane Davidson. I used more scraps to piece it and, although some of the pieces were small, I took my time and it went together very smoothly. I am delighted with the finished block.
As well as my Splendid Sampler blocks I have also been practising my free motion quilting once again. Every year I seem to get this itch to try and perfect this technique and slowly each time I start again I can feel and see an improvement.
I have been following some Craftsy classes to help me and the teacher, Christina Cameli, is really encouraging and helpful both through the online classes and answering any questions that you send her a message about.
Last year I worked my way through several of the class exercises and I was pleased with the results. Now, I have taken up where I left off and I am in the process of completing the exercises from the next lesson.
In between, I have also tried out a couple of practice pieces from Christina's book 'First Steps to Free Motion Quilting' and I am planning to try and complete the sampler quilt from the book over the course of this year. Should get plenty more practice doing it!!
I have updated my FMQ Diary page with my latest efforts and will continue to do so through the year. It is quite pleasing to be able to see the progress I am making. I am happy to say it does look as though things are improving!!
NB. I am not affiliated with Craftsy or Christina Cameli but I am determined to perfect my FMQ and I am thoroughly enjoying the classes!
My goodness Christine - you never cease to amaze me with all the projects you are working on! Free motion is something that eludes me, but then again I have never put in the practice time so it's no wonder. Love your latest block, btw!
ReplyDeleteThank you Mary Anne.... Every year I promise myself that this will be the year that I get to grips with free motion.... perhaps this year will be the year!! Christine x
DeleteYour blocks are really lovely, Christine and I love the stitched addition to the shoppe!
ReplyDeleteYour machine quilting looks great!
Hugs martina
Thank you Martina! This was such a cute little block and I really enjoyed making it! Christine x
DeleteI think this is my favorite block yet! (Although Snug as a Bug and the heart blocks are also favorites.) Your FMQ looks great!
ReplyDeleteThank you Renee! I really enjoyed making this block... it is one of my favourites too! I think I am finally making a break through with the FMQ! Christine x
DeleteDear Christine
ReplyDeletewhat a lovely block!!! Very, very nice. And the fabrics keep all the blocks together.
Your FMQ also looks "wow"!!!
Hugs
sigisart
Thank you Sigrid! I think this block is a firm favourite and finally I think the FMQ is improving!! Christine x
DeleteI love your little quilt shop Christine. Your quilting is looking great. Hugs, Christine xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Christine! I love this block and it was fun to piece! Christine x
DeleteLoving the fabrics and colours you are using for the sampler - your work is so beautiful - this is a very very cute little block xxx
ReplyDeleteThank you Jenny! It it nice that the blocks are small so that it is easy to use up scraps! Christine x
DeleteYour blocks are looking lovely, Christine! Such pretty fabrics too!
ReplyDeleteAnd you are obviously perfecting the FMQ! All very pretty!
Barbara xx
Thank you Barbara! I loved making this little block. I think I am finally turning a corner as far as the quilting goes! Christine x
DeleteLiebe Christine,
ReplyDeletewieder so ein schöner Block und die Zusammenstellung sieht klasse aus. Deine freien Quiltblöcke sind super.
Liebe Grüße
Monika
Thank you Monika! I am very happy with the progress I am making with the Splendid Sampler blocks and the free motion quilting! Christine x
DeleteHi Christine,wow i am sure loving your blocks,well done xx
ReplyDeleteThank you Shez! I am really enjoying the Splendid Sampler Challenge! Christine x
Deletea lovely house and I am impressed with your FMQ I struggle with quilting but yesterday managed to quilt a mini quilt with a walking foot and the stitches were all the same size so slowly getting there
ReplyDeleteThank you Margaret! Quilting does take a lot of time and practice and finally after years.... I think I am starting to turn a corner! Christine x
DeleteAwesome progress! Love the house block so cute - might have to do it myself.
ReplyDeleteThank you! The house block is really sweet and that is the beauty of the Splendid Sampler blocks you don't have to make them all... just make the ones you really like! Christine x
DeleteAnother lovely block Christine and the FMQ is coming along great. I do so want to learn this also but am still waiting for my quilting foot to arrive.
ReplyDeleteThank you Sheryl! Every year I have a go at improving my FMQ but this year I really feel that I have made a break through! The key is definitely plenty of practice!! Christine x
DeleteI think that might be my favorite block yet - so cute! You are doing very well on your FMQ. Do you ever have any "eye-lashing" on the back? That is my biggest issue and "fear of eye-lashing" is what keeps me from doing it on any of my quilts. I know I just need to practice!
ReplyDeleteThank you Linda! I love this block too. I have had 'eyelashing' but it is easily corrected as it is a tension problem rather than something you are doing wrong with the quilting itself. You usually need to make the top tension higher. Christine x
DeleteHello Christine
ReplyDeleteI know i repeat myself. but this is a beautiful quilt. I love it
Kind regards Marika
Thank you Marika! They are such pretty little blocks.... still lots to go too! Christine x
Delete