Wednesday, March 12, 2014

Benjamin Biggs Block 3

First a thank you to all who expressed concern about my little dog Emma. She seems to be mending well and is getting back to her crazy, barking annoying self. I feel awful admitting it, but this dog is not my favorite. She has been difficult from the start with behavioral and physical problems but like any family member, we do our best to treat her well and accept her just as she is. Does anyone else have a dog that goes nuts with barking and running around every time they even suspect that the printer might be used? You can't even sit down at the computer without her going crazy and before surgery she would jump on the couch and climb on to the table to attack the printer. But, on the other hand, her antics make us laugh and she is a constant source of entertainment even if she does not like to cuddle and has such a strong startle reflex that she will attempt to bite anyone that accidentally disturbs her while she is resting. But enough, let's get back to quilting.

I did finish stitching the Soupçon but since it looks the same as the last picture there is not much to share there. But I did get my 3rd Benjamin Biggs BOM by Just Takes 2 finished. I am doing these blocks at 12 inches and that made the stems for this block really tiny. So, after considering several options, I decided to embroider the tiny cherry stems using a chain stitch and 2 strands of embroidery floss. The leaf stems are made with 1/8" bias strips and the circle is done with a 1/4" bias. I just needleturned the cherries but I had forgotten how unforgiving Kona solids can be when using them for appliqué. Something about the weave and heaviness of the fabric makes it difficult for me to get nice curves. And then I made it worse when I pressed the finished block. Oh well, keeps it looking antique. I should have used the perfect circle technique but I actually enjoy just needleturning circles. Maybe next time!

 

 

12 comments:

Karen - Quilts...etc. said...

that block is so pretty - love the combo of red and green

Mayleen said...

I'm glad to hear your dog is on the mend. One of our cats likes to fish the paper out of the printer while its being printed. Its a good thing he's cute and is a source of entertainment because this is only one of his quirks.

Raewyn said...

Your BB block is looking really good - I had forgotten you had decreased their size. Good on you for keeping up so well!!

Frog Quilter said...

Love the way your block is done. Mine is prepped ready for stitching. Enjoying this BOM!

Barb said...

I love your block, it is just fabulous.

Yes, we have a dog, went to the pond the other day just to sit and relax but the silly thing played in the water and then wanted to jump on me...drove me nutzzzz...had to go home...I was not a happy camper.

Every Stitch said...

Gorgeous! you set such high standards Heather - the cherries look wonderful. Sometimes 'perfect' finishes take away from the handmade quality. That's what I like to tell myself :)
Hilda

Rachaeldaisy said...

That block is wonderful!! I used to have a dog that would go crazy if the vaccuum cleaner was on , she'd bark and try to attack it, in the end I'd put her outside when I vaccuumed.

Miriam said...

Beautiful!!! Love the fabric you used for the leaves.
Glad to hear your dog is recovering well.

Oops-Lah said...

Another beautiful block! I had to laugh about your dog; yes, you are right, they do have their individual characters, don't they. Ours was stubborn as a mule and although I fed him, walked him and spend most of the time with him, it was my husband he adored. Made me quite mad at times ;)!

Cathy said...

I've got the patterns but haven't started to work on them. I love your block. Hugs

Michelle May-The Raspberry Rabbits said...

Attacks the printer? Lol! Oh my.... Naughty. Gorgeous block!

Teresa Rawson said...

This is a beautiful block...I love red and green quilts!