Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Commission Work

Former neighbors, and really good friends, recently sent me a quilt started by a relative (wife's mother, I think) that they would like for me to finish. If they weren't such good friends I wouldn't even consider tackling this project. It is a Christmas block of the month from 1998. Four of the twelve blocks are done.


The rest of the blocks are just patterns and little bags of fabrics. The one below is for the fifth block and the fabrics are even labeled as to what she planned use where.


The fabrics are "not my style" is the nicest way I can think of to put it. The blocks are mostly applique (yuck!) surrounded by a little bit of piecing. The applique on the four completed blocks is done by hand, and quite well I might add.

I'm not sure if I will do the rest of the applique by hand too or switch to machine applique using invisible thread and a blind hem stitch. The pattern says to use freezer paper applique which is what I will do regardless, but the original maker used poster board to make her templates. I was actually a bit surprised to see that the pattern specifically said to use freezer paper since the pattern is from 1998. I didn't realize folks were using freezer paper for applique that long ago. I wonder why the original maker didn't use freezer paper?

Interestingly, I do like the four completed blocks. I've looked through the rest of the block patterns and they are cute too. I would never purchase this BOM myself, but I'm kind of looking forward to working on it.



4 comments:

Denise in PA said...

Oh, Bless You, Lynn! I would absolutely machine applique with the blind hem stitch. I'm finishing a quilt for a cousin. Not nearly as much work though, because all of the blocks are (beautifully) cross stitched (and it's a Christmas quilt - the 12 Days of Christmas!). I only need to put it together. And, like this one, the fabrics are so not my taste. But, I will am so glad to do it for my cousin.

Eat Sleep Quilt said...

It looks like a very interesting project, good luck! I think freezer paper was just starting to be used in 1998, I remember taking a class and the instructor was saying how "new" it was.

West Michigan Quilter said...

Bless your Heart! You are a true friend. I know how you love applique. ;o) Good luck. I'm sure it will turn out beautiful.

Mama Pea said...

How come we like working on other people's quilts almost more than our own? haha.

I can see why this one will be a struggle....I know you'll do great work on it. And I know you have a ton of time to do it. :-/ You are sweet to help them out! Is the mother still alive?