Slow Sunday Stitching

I'm back to working on Lake Effect. The leaves are done, and now we tackle the berries. Dozens of them! So to work.

We are not here to point out flaws, but future berries will be stitched with red thread. I was too lazy to dig around for it when I last worked on these. I also have much room for improvement in the 'round' department. *grin*

Even though I have had wonderful success with the back-basting method, in the interest of learning new techniques, I tired the starch method of applique preparation. Last week, I attended a nearby guild meeting at which the topic shared by the guest speaker was starch applique. I thought it only fitting that I give it a whirl. (Yes, I am planning a post on the speaker/guild visit.)

 

Once before I tried this method and had these Perfect Circles to use, so I dug 'em out and proceeded.

I really did enter into this with an open mind, but I am sticking with back basting. I have had good success with it and there's a lot less time and mess involved. This photo shows a few berries made, four more ready to starch and a grouping of supplies. I know if I practiced, I'd get the hang of it, but do I need to mess with a good thing? Not at this stage of my quilting career!

Even though the berries are a bit misshapen, I will use them. In nature, some berries are imperfect, right? When looking at the finished quilt full-on, the berry shapes will not concern anyone.

Hope you are having a wonderful Sunday! I am linking with Kathy, as usual, for her weekly hand-stitching party. Go have a look!

Happy Quilting, Friends!