Hand Stitching Projects

I enjoy English Paper Piecing (EPP). It is very accurate, portable, and relaxing. I use the traditional  method of basting fabric to cut papers. I have seen some of the newer methods using glue or freezer paper. They seem very interesting, but I have not tried them yet. I usually EPP when I travel so I am trying to keep it as simple as possible. I just need needle, thread, thimble, cut paper, and cut fabric. The photo below shows some flower hexies that I have been working on The hexies are one inch on a side. I chose these fabrics because they are all the same pattern in various colors. However, after I started, I realized that they are very close in value, especially the lavender and pink. I have not decided what to do about this. I have thought of adding additional fabric, appliqueing individual flowers on blocks, or adding green hexies or triangles between the flowers. We shall see. In the meantime, I am enjoying hand stitching the flowers.

English Paper Pieced Flower Hexies

Many years ago, my Mother collected the Ruby McKim  Flower Garden newspaper series that was run in the Indianapolis Star. I was living in Houston, TX at the time, so she would cut them out and mail them to me each week. At that time, I had two small children and not much time. In addition, I was intimidated because I did not know how to transfer the embroidery pattern to my fabric. So they sat in an envelop. When my children were grown, we moved to Oklahoma. Somehow that envelop became lost.

​This year is the one-hundredth anniversary of the publication of Ruby McKim's first quilt pattern. In her honor, McKim Studios in collaboration with Barbara Eikmeier for Paintbrush Studio has produced a printed panel that consists of line drawings of all 25 flower blocks. This Mother's Day, I decided to complete the quilt using the printed drawings. My Mother passed away in 2010, but I like to think that she would be pleased to have me complete it, and it would certainly please me.

​I think that I will put the blocks together  in a non-traditional way. Mom would like that. I purchase a fat quarter bundle of the Vintage Thirties-Ruby's Treasures by Paintbrush Studio as well.  I will figure that out  after I finish the blocks.

Ruby McKim's Flower Garden Quilt

I am heading to a retreat this week, so I have packed my blocks and supplies. I have even included a small book on embroidery stitched just in case. I has been a while since I have embroidered. The photo below shows my travel kit.

All Packed and Ready to Go

Today I am linking up with Slow Stitching Sunday. Follow the link to see some other slow stitchers.

​Happy Quilting!

​This post was originally shown on JANDA Bend Quilts.