Slow Stitching

Getting back into the slow stitching groove in this new year of 2020 - I am currently working on the top applique panel of my Lake Effect quilt - that 10-year project now entering its fourth year. I try to make myself take a few stitches each evening especially if we are watching a ballgame or a movie.

Since this post is my first slow stitching post of the new year, let's assess where I was the same time last year. That post does not provide a massive amount of information, so I will make the following observations.

This time last year, I had barely begun stitching the hexies together. The picture of hexie sections shows just small parts. I have made significant progress on this in the past year, I am happy to report. In March, I shared my morning of taking stock of the hexie panel situation, and had plenty of pictures of all of them spread out on my kitchen counter.

In this post from August, I show off my appliqued center panel. That back-basting applique technique I learned was a definite game-changer for me. I can actually foresee many more applique projects in my future now that I have learned this technique.

By November, I had the first of the outer appliqued borders completed. The ease with which I am doing these appliqued parts has been quite gratifying. And that brings me to where I stand today. I am working on the 2nd of the four outer appliqued borders.

One additional observation from the past year was my realization in late August that my hexies were all too small according to the pattern. I am continuing with the ones I have and if I have to make more, I will. It was a rookie EPP mistake, for sure. I read 3" elongated hexies in the directions, and did not know that three inches meant the length of the elongated side, and not the measurement from tip to tip. Duh. You can bet I am not wasting these, so when life gives you lemons...

I am linking up to Kathy's Quilts and her Slow Sunday Stitching party. Lot's of pretty projects shared over there! In particular, I have loved following the beautiful hand quilting project that Gretchen has been sharing. Both the quilt and the quilting are stunning. She will have a true heirloom when this is finished. Gretchen is one of my most faithful commenters - Shout out to you, Gretchen!! *waving*

Won't it be fun to see how much progress I can make on Lake Effect in 2020?

Happy Quilting, Friends!