I have been industriously practicing my back-basting applique technique this week. I have steadily improved my technique, and as the technique improved I found myself enjoying the process more and more. I've been using upholstery thread for my basting; I don't know if that has helped by making the fabric perforations more visible and amenable to needle-turn applique, but I'm happier with the results.
Here's the completed flower from last Sunday's entry on back-basting. I was inspired to keep practicing, so I chose another project from the back-basting technique book I've been using.
This is one panel of three which will be a wall hanging. I'll be adding a green bird and a purple bird, plus dog-tooth borders. So far, I'm really enjoying the process!
I had the pleasure of some Slow Sunday Stitching on the porch at our camp today. A lovely rainstorm popped up and made the outdoor temperature bearable. I grabbed my portable Ott light to make up for the low light due to the storm. I love stitching here, as I can watch the birds (we have about 5 feeders in sight of the porch), sip my coffee and just generally enjoy the opportunity to be outdoors!
Kathy asked about long-term hand-stitching projects this week. I truly don't mind long-term projects, and I get great satisfaction from finishing something, especially if there has been some challenge in terms of difficulty or new technique. My only problem is staying focused on a long-term project. Case in point, a hexie quilt project I inherited from my maternal grandmother. I always say this is the year I'll finish it, but it always seems to get eclipsed by other, newer projects. You can read more about it here - a Slow Sunday Stitching entry from almost a year ago!
I'm linking up with a host of others who enjoy long-term projects over at Kathy's Slow Sunday Stitching.
