So I've been having a fun time with my new applique design and making teapot after teapot. This green check one from vintage gingham (thanks Eileen!) is my favorite I think. I love to fussy cut and embellish. But you know that already don't you. I'm so predictable.
I've had this blue sorta shabby chic fabric for some time but putting red with it kind of makes it my own style. I enjoyed making some of the teapots with rick rack handles.
And you've seen this one. Thanks for the suggestions of blanket stitching around it. I had thought of that, too. But I think until I decide what I'm going to do with these blocks, I'll hold off on making up my mind about it.
I know I don't show blue that much on my blog but I've been drawn to it lately (and in case you didn't notice 3 out of 5 of these teapots have roses on them, and I didn't even realize that until just now). This blue rose gets notched up a bit when partnered with the blue dot I think. When I went to Broadbent's over the weekend I bought a narrower bias maker (those wonderful Clover brand) in 1/4" size so I was able to create this handle much easier than the first block I made.
This apple teapot isn't finished yet. I enjoy gazing at the work in progress and deciding where I want to go with it. I am in my "zone" when I'm working with fabrics and new ideas.
The creative process is extremely important to me and to all of us. I have a talk taped by Dieter Uchtdorf, an LDS church leader, that puts into words my beliefs about the importance of creativity. Below is a quote from that talk:
"The desire to create is one of the deepest yearnings of the human soul. No matter our talents, education, backgrounds, or abilities, we each have an inherent wish to create something that did not exist before."
I don't often blog about very personal subjects like my church, but everyone, regardless of religious or social beliefs can relate to many of the profound statements in his talk. I have listened to it and read it many times. It inspires me and even makes me feel like what I do is important.
If you have a moment or two, I urge you to read it. He has a great way with words.
Edit - I almost forgot - go see Kim at Bitty Bits and Pieces blog. She's having a wonderful valentine givewaway with the sweetest little bag and valentine fabric pieces. It is to celebrate her 100th post. So cute - gosay hi. And then go visit Betsy at Quilting Fiesta and see her sweet "All Dressed Up" applique! It is so darling. Her granddaughter will love the quilt.
Have a good day.
-nanette
I think I'm a fair sewer/quilter overall, but paper piecing is really not my strong point. You'll notice my lid is a little off. And I took liberties to simplify the lid/top some. I guess that is typical of me. The fabric combination turned out nice though.
Unfortunately the dimensions I used were kind of from a smallish teapot so I'm not even sure how practical this would be. But it is cute I think. Certainly not my best work, but charming.
I have one big heart hanging in my sewing room right now. I have to confess it has been here since December 26. We take our Christmas decorations down on Boxing Day and up go the valentine decorations. After all, there is only 49 days in between Christmas and Valentine's Day to celebrate the love of hearts!
And if you are into a smaller project, you could make the 
This was actually one of my first applique quilts and you can tell, eek don't look too closely. I guess it is okay because I've made progress. I do really love this ball gown quilt. I can't remember for sure but I think the purple fabric above is vintage.
The funnest part was picking out fabric and deciding what to use. The pattern is from a quilt by Teri Christopherson in the book she made with her sister Barbara, called "Quilting with my Sister".
This dress in the green and turquoise is definately from vintage fabric. I sure wish I had more of that fabric. Dress quilts are my favorite. Obviously.
A huge huge thanks to 
