There was an applique block that I simply did not like so I replaced it with this block which was supposed to go in the 4th corner and the basket block will reside in that corner. I mean, my quilt, my way.
The flowers were originally supposed to have embroidery in the centers, but part way through the process, I started using circles. I like the fabric circles better so there are 5 blocks to remove the french knots and replace with circles. I'm afraid the knots would cause wear & tear under the circles.
My goal for the month of February is to finish the applique on the 25th block and to replace the french knots with circles. This doesn't sound like a very challenging goal, but there are five blocks (including the one shown above) that need a total of 26 circles. And, in February, I am going to be gone a week to Arizona, where the sun shines every single day!
Now for the critique - I know I said I would give a review on the Ott light/magnifier in a month. I don't need to wait a month. I love it! Now remember, I wanted/needed the magnifying glass. There is a circle of LED lights on the bottom of the magnifying glass that shine right on my applique. I turn on those lights, and I didn't use the separate Ott light while appliqueing. The lights on the magnifying glass are enough light.
Using the magnifying glass did take some time to get used to. There is a depth perception challenge, but I've adapted. Threading needles is so easy, the eye is huge.
If you are experiencing eye strain or blurry vision after needlework, then the Ott light/magnifying glass is for you.
I bought the light on a stand. They also had a table top light/magnifying glass which cost less than the stand. I do not know if the table top version comes with the clamp.
I like having the light clamped to the end table. The body swivels on the clamp so I can adjust the angle of the light and magnifying glass. I move the glass up and down, I'm not sure how secure it would be if the light were just sitting on top the end table, I would be afraid I would pull it off. Besides, I don't have room for it on the table, I have too much stuff on there.
There is also a clip to hold paper directions or something. I haven't used that at all.
Linking to - One Monthly Goal, Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching, Quilting is More Fun than Housework, Em's Scrapbag, Love Laugh Quilt, Fiber Tuesday, Esther's Wednesday WOW!, Sew Fresh Quilts, WIP's With Friend's, My Quilt Infatuation, Finished Or Not Friday, Crazy Mom Quilts, Confessions of a Fabric Addict, WIP's Be Gone
32 comments:
Lovely applique! Best of luck on your February goal :-)
The applique is lovely. I don't have the magnifying glass but I have an OTT in the living room for reading and one in the dining room to use by the computer, or for stitching, or what-have-you. They are truly amazing! :)
I have an ott light in my sewing room and just love it. The magnifier would come in handy too. I love seeing your appliqué each week.
Your applique is so pretty. The three basket corners and one different would drive me crazy. I am very symmetrical minded. Must be the math teacher in me. Thanks for the Ott light review. Good luck with your February goals.
You are so close to have the applique blocks done. Do you have another applique project in mind?
So glad to hear you like the new Ott light... will keep my eyes open for it as I really new the magnifier too!
Enjoy your applique stitching today!
Thanks for linking up to Slow Sunday Stitching!
After the blocks have been sewn together, then I can cut the fabric for the borders. Then I start appliqueing borders. I'm not going to applique the borders like the book has them, I don't like their design. But anyway, the journey hasn't ended yet, still more to go. Actually I do have several more applique projects I have kitted up but I'm not starting them until I am finished with this project.
It took some time to get used to the magnifying glass but I'm a convert now.
That basket block is so pretty! I'm with you, though - why wouldn't all four corners have the same block or at least similar?! Glad you are making it your own. It will be a beautiful quilt!
I admire the beauty in applique quilts. I'm not that fond of applique but sure love the look. I'm probably not fond of applique because even the easy applique I've tried does not look very nice.
So glad the ott light is working great for you! Your blocks are beautiful... you could always prep those circles while you are gone and sew them down when you get back! Enjoy your trip next month.
Applique is just like anything else, practice, practice and more practice. Thank you.
I can't wait to see all your blocks together. Your work is beautiful. Thanks for linking up with Oh Scrap!
Thanks for the review. I agree with you - four baskets makes more aesthetic sense.
Your quilt is going to be so pretty. Nice write up on the lamp. You do so well when you do replacement blocks on this quilt. Glad the lamp is working for you. Hummm I need to look at that block in the book. Interesting.
Lovely lovely blocks Gretchen and I would have also added a basket in the other corner LOL It would have frustrated me seeing that block there LOL Hugs Glenda
Good luck on your goal, those blocks are beautiful!
What a beautiful block. I totally agree with you about using a fourth basket block in the last corner.
I'm going to have to give the magnifier a try--thanks for the review.
Such pretty blocks. Thanks for linking up with Elm Street Quilts One Monthly Goal and good luck on your February project.
Wow....loving those blocks.
I love your blocks - and it makes sense to do the corners the way you are. Nice to read your thoughts on the Ott lamp - I have an Ott light and love it but it doesn't have a magnifier - sounds like something that would be really useful :-) Thanks for visiting my blog, sorry you come up as no-reply so am replying to you here!
I admire anyone who does such lovely handwork. Well done.
Thank you.
Thanks for replying. I'm not real computer savvy so I'm not sure what to do about the no-reply thing. I normally do leave my e-mail address when I leave a comment. I'm sold on this magnifying glass. It has made a big difference for me.
Thank you.
It has made my applique so much easier. Hope it works for you too.
Thank you. Thanks for hosting One Monthly Goal.
I couldn't figure that out, why wouldn't there be a basket in the 4th corner? Now there is!
It would have annoyed me every time I looked at the quilt if I hadn't done that. She looks perfect now.
Your blocks are great. It is going to be a wonderful quilt :)
Oh the magnifying glass sounds like such a good idea with the lights - perfect for evening sewing when you don't want to have the full lights on :)
Post a Comment