Insanity 2009

It's not like I don't have enough going on to keep me busy for the next 40 years, but I have decided to join two Block of the Month clubs (BOM).

The first is through a local quilt store so that I can learn how

to do hand applique. I was actually surprised that this particular shop decided to do the Halloween Baltimore quilt by Pearl Pereira. Pieceful Gatherings ,in Fox River Grove, specialises in Civil War reproductions and darker fabrics with some 1930's repros and wool thrown in. They don't usually do Halloween that I know of. It's a nice little shop and they are the only ones in the area that are open on Sundays. Their applique teacher does beautiful work and talked them into having this class. Boy am I ever glad! Have I mentioned that I love Halloween and bats? This quilt has a ton of bats too! I hope I can do it justice! Pearl has a really cute "Little Red Riding Hood" quilt on her site as well.

The second BOM I've decided is a free, yes FREE, online sew along from Anne Sutton of Bunny Hill Designs. It's called "A Tisket, A Tasket, 12 Months of Baskets" and is the first one cute, cute, cute! I've been following Anne's designs for a few years and think she's just wonderful. I have the kits for the "Pumpkin Hill" and the "Rabbits Prefer Chocolate" BOM's that I haven't made yet because of my handwork phobia, and I really think the Rabbits need to be hand done as opposed to fusible webbed. Since I've been participating in the embroidery club at Tammy Tadd's, my fear of it has lessened quite a bit, and I'm finding that I enjoy it somewhat, so I think 2009 will be the year I learn some hand applique! Maybe if I get these three done in my lifetime, I'll make the Baltimore Bunnies too!