One block done

I finished my first quilt block, hand pieced. I love how it came out. There is definitly room for improvement but already my running stitches/back stitches are more uniform and tiny. There is a lot of learnin being done in this block. Already I have cut the pieces for the next block and I have the half square triangles sewn together. If anyone is interested where I am getting these from and why some of my blocks are split when normally they would be a single large piece of fabric, I am using a book called Jelly Roll Samplers. All of the blocks in this quilt can be made using one jelly roll and then additional fabric for sashing, border and binding. I just this because I figured all of these little pieces will give me plenty of practice before I attempt the quilt of my dreams. I am still embroidering the blocks for Elora's quilt but I wanted to try my hand at patchwork and quilting now, and because I am impatient I chose to do this one now. Here is the completed block and also a picture of the layout to the next block. All ready to start sewing the blocks into rows then the rows together.

(Please ignore the paint spattered table peeking out from beneath)

Progress!

Just a quick picture to show my progress for today.

I can see areas for improvement but I really like how it is coming along. Not too shabby for my first time.

Quilting, take one

I took a leap yesterday and bought the fabric and supplies for my first quilt and today I started piecing my first block. Since I don't feel as comfortable using a sewing machine as much I do using a sewing needle I have decided to hand make this quilt. I am loving how this is working up and so far have only had to redo two seams. I haven't completely given up on the sewing machine but for now I am happy doing it this way.

Three hours in today I have all the pieces cut for my first block and six half square triangle sets sewn together.

Another stocking front done

Another stocking front completed. I was going to do the liners and backing a to all the completed fronts but I misplaced the font I wanted to use for the names so I am stuck untill I can reprint it. In the meantime I cut liners and backs for two of the stockings. I need to buy some more red felt to do this one. I completed 55of the pieces over the past two days. 

Here are some detail photos:

Tonight I organized my box for another kit. This one is for myself and I love the color palette. Here are the threads.