Merry Merry Snowman Blocks 7, 8, 9

I know I've been bad about posting recently, but I didn't realize I failed to post my finished Merry, Merry Snowman blocks.  I have finished all the blocks!!!  I also recently added both borders so now it's ready to sandwich and quilt!

My mission - find a backing.  At first I was sure I would do a red flannel.  The more thought I put into it, I realized I probably wouldn't be using the blanket a lot.  It will come out after Thanksgiving and be more of a decoration with occasional use.  I put so much work into I don't want to be washing it repeatedly every season.  I've settled on a fabric backing.  Now I just need to decide if I'm going to get a matching solid and add some leftover pieces from the top or pick one of the fabrics in the top to be the back.  Decisions, decisions!

This will probably take quite a bit of time to quilt.  My plan is to stitch in the ditch around each block, then go back and free motion stitch around all the applique.   It will be my biggest challenge in machine quilting so far.

Merry Merry Snowman Block 6

I might be on a record here ... two M.M.S. blocks done in one month!  Three more blocks to go.  I think I could actually finish this by summer!  The very bottom strip I cut just slightly too small.  I'll have to make up my boo boo in the seam allowance when I piece the blocks together.  I really need to practice what I preach: measure twice, check directions twice, cut once.

There are embellishments that go on the snowman, the top present, and their hats after quilting is done.  Such fun.  :)

~ Enjoy ~

Merry Merry Snowman Block 5

Finally finished block 5 of the Merry Merry Snowman quilt.  Four more to.  At this pace I might actually finish it before Christmas! 

I've decided there's a little more hand stitching than I enjoy doing ... but I'm loving all the applique designs.  This is a fun quilt and I look forward to seeing it all put together.

Merry Merry Snowman - Block 2

I'm about to pick up block 7 from Pacific Fabrics, and I just finished block 2.  Whew, this was a lot of work.  Many hours went into this one little block.  Putting the background together went fast - well, once I quit making cutting mistakes anyway.  :) 

Each block comes with just enough of the fabrics needed to make it.  For the upper light colored fleur-de-lis, I cut that piece a 1/2" too small on one side.  I went to the fabric store for a new piece of fabric, and cut that one with the fleur-de-lis' going the wrong direction!  Aye!  Instead of driving back to the store, I cut that piece in half and pieced it so they went the right way. 

The reindeer (ear, tail, antlers), bird, sleigh, snowmen, present, scarves, sign, purse, hats are all applique.  There were many evenings watching tv hand embroidering snowman arms, reins, purse strap, noses, eyes, and sign text.  For this block I learned how to do a slip stitch and chain stitch.  Thank goodness for YouTube video tutorials!

Now, on to block 3....................

Merry Merry Snowman - Block One

I know it's been awhile since I posted... I have been working on some sewing projects for a client, and I finished one blanket that I can't post yet because it hasn't been given to the recipient.  I will get back to quilting soon, my projects are piling up! 

In the meantime, I did join a quilt block of the month club.  Pacific Fabrics in Everett, WA is doing one that doesn't involve going to a class every month.  This quilt will be made up of 9 blocks and includes embroidery and applique.  This is my first time doing either.  Thanks (again) to my friend Judi who helped me through the first block. 

The snowman, hat, cupcake holder, table and sign are applique.  The words, sign string, arms, eyes, and nose are embroidered.  I used a padded satin stitch for the eyes and nose.  I used a basic backstitch for the lettering.  I learned how to do both from videos on the internet!  Now I'm anxious to get started on the second block, which I will post when I'm finished.  :)