Wow, I can't believe two of you already have March block done and I'm still trying to wrap up a few projects to get Jan block started. I thought about giving needle turn a try but may go with the raw edge applique and use my Bernina. I've been telling my husband what a great website this is and how slow my progress is with quilting since I work so much- he hasn't taken the hint to say "well honey, why don't you just quit that silly job of nursing and devote all your time and attention to quilting". LOL. That will be the day. But seriously I love seeing the blocks and have downloaded the instructions, does that count??? Rena

Nina, the yellow roses look very nice. I really like your basket choice.

Nina, love your fabric choice for the basket!

Maggie in rainy, gloomy E. Central Illinois

Good for you, Nina!!!
I think it's interesting that the first two March blocks that have been posted both feature beautiful YELLOW roses!

I know what you mean about the pictures taking time! My tutorial has definately slowed down my progress, but it sure is fun to see everyones blocks!!!

Nina, I love your basket & star fabrics! Beautiful!
Florence
and my what a beautiful day today!

My March block is done and posted. I took a picture of and posted my Feb. one too. I think it takes me longer to take, down- load or upload??? and post the pictures than it does to do a block.
Nina in sunny Va.

florence wrote:
Florence, if you like the back basting, you might want to try the machine basting technique that I used for the March basket. It's worked from the front, and done with a sewing machine instead of by hand so it goes really fast! I've got to tell you that I am LIKING this! My new Bernina 630 has what they call a "Basting Stitch" (#30). I drop my feed dogs, the machine takes two stitches then stops. I then just raise my presser foot, with the knee lifter, and slide my fabric to the place where I want the next securing stitches to go! The stitches hold the fabric securely in place but are easy to remove when I don't need them any more!
I think that the technique could be done without the special stitch if you can control your needle position with your foot pedal. If you have the option of changing the needle position with a tap of your heel (most Berninas?) it could probably be done that way.
There is never just one way to get it done!

(The "light box" is shown in album 5. Feb's Daisies w/Bias Stems)

Margo I'm a little behind on checking your webshots since I opted for back-basting on February, but I got a chuckle out of your light table... it's the exact same model as mine
Florence
trying to decide what method to try for March!

RobinQuilts wrote:
Hand applique is definately NOT the method to use if you are looking for instant gratification!! It is time consuming, but it is definately a wonderful way to center your soul once you get comfortable with the process.

I just hope everyone finds a technique that they like and will share their journey with us! ENJOY THE PROCESS!

Margo

maggieszafranski wrote: Love that raw edge appliqueD! That's my technique also but I've just barely gotten the directions printed out. I, too, was dreading all those leaf edges but I'll just work on it a little at a time.

Maggie,
I can't believe you got it finished in one day, although I do agree that raw edge applique is much more efficient than hand. I thought I was doing well to get the block downloaded; then a quick trip to the quilt shop for more background fabric (I started this project knowing I didn't have enough but figured I would solve that problem later); then I got the design traced onto my background. Today I will select my fabrics and start getting them cutout, even though there are more important things around the house that need to get done. However, there are definitely some days where NOTHING is more important than quilting and I think today might just be one of them.

Margo, love the basket fabric ! Maggie

Margo, your basket fabric is great! I can't wait to see your block when it's finished.

CharleneNJ

cute fabric for the basket Margo. Geezsh you gals are quick! I did spend all day on January BOM and still not half done.