6/20/14

Aspen Tree

Yesterday was a stay-at-home day for me. Usually, I would swim on Thursday, but I took yesterday off because it was my only chance this week to stay home all day. I don't know about you, but I have to have at least one day at home to collect myself. My plan was to do some housework...of which I did none...and then to do some sewing. I pretty much farted around all day (although there was no actual farting), and didn't get to my sewing until late in the day. I wanted to get started on my Let's Book It project for June. I'm making this Aspen Tree from a book by Jean Wells.


It's a little different technique from what I'm used to. The "portrait" (her word, not mine) of the Aspen tree is a sort of mini quilt framed by a larger quilt. What appears to be a stop border in the rust color is actually a binding. It is sewn to the center panel, and then laid on the larger piece of green fabric, then stitched down using monofilament thread. This seemed like a lot of trouble to me at first blush, but then I saw a quilt constructed in the same way while I was shopping quilt shops on Wednesday. I liked the look of it, and so I'm going to give it a try; "try" being the operative word in that sentence. (You know this often doesn't go well for me.)

So I already had the applique template enlarged.


I decided the easiest way to proceed was to trace the template onto the back using my lightbox (in effect, reversing the image for fusible applique). It seemed easier than trying to trace it to the fusing medium using my lightbox because the template is substantially larger than the lightbox. So I did that:


Only this turned out to be a complete waste of effort because when I had finished this step, I thought to check the image in the book. That was when I realized that the template was already reversed. Oy.

Okay, so then I was ready to turn the template back to the right side and trace it onto the fusing medium. It was large enough that I decided to use painter's tape to tape it down to my cutting mat, thereby avoiding shifting as I went. For this, I just needed the tree.


Also, I needed to cut my background piece, and then I fused the tree to the background. When it was time to quit for the day, I had also begun fusing the leaves.


And that was as far as I got with it yesterday. Today's plan is to fuse the rest of the leaves, but I'll be setting my timer and fitting in some housework as I go. As I've been writing this, I've been getting my exercise running up and down the stairs from my office on the third level to my sewing room in the basement. It seems Smitty has developed a taste for squirrel. Just let that sink in for a moment. And I think that's all I need to say about that.

Sue and I walked this morning, but it may be the last time we'll walk until fall. We're both doing a lot of gadding about this summer, and I'll just say that Sue did not check in with me about her schedule. She managed to be gone the times when I'm home, and home the times that I am gone. So there you go.

And with that, I'd better go check on how the SpotBot is doing cleaning up the dining area in my sewing room. Before I go, I'll say this: If you have pets or young children in the house (or messy adults), you need a SpotBot. Seriously.

11 comments:

Vroomans' Quilts said...

Well, you got a start and that is really what matters. Knowing you, you will fly with it. My furries have been reducing the chimpmunk population (which is getting out of hand)and sharing their catches with me - both remains and live.I'm getting real good at catching those little boogers.

Tami C said...

It looks like you've got a real good start on your aspen tree! My grandson's cat used to bring "treats" and put them on the back door step for my daughter! As for the SpotBot, I'm thinking of replacing all of carpet with wood or laminate. I'm really tired of vacuuming!

Dana Gaffney said...

Wow, that's going to be pretty, there's something about trees and houses that are really appealing in quilts. Mostly tile here, thank goodness, I won't even tell you what Brady brought in yesterday.

WoolenSails said...

It is looking wonderful, love the colors you are using. I had to use my back door to trace a large one, but it was a pain, that way. I finally jumped in the pool, nice to be able to swim when I want and this week BIll has off, so hoping we get out and paddle all week.

Debbie

crazy quilter said...

Well I am quite interested in Smitty's new liking, if he can catch the little buggers I will buy him a plane ticket to Texas so he can help himself to ones that are bothering me this year! I would love to entertain him long enough for him to have a taste of Texas Tree squirrels! He would be good company for me and I would watch out for him very well! I promise, and I bet Gracie would like to be an only child again if only for a week or so.

gpc said...

Beautiful! I love the tree patterns you always seem to find. I've heard that squirrel is quite tasty, an idea that comforts me as I watch them dig up my flower bulbs. I think of them as my own personal pantry in case of hard times. So, with Smitty's discriminating taste, it was only a matter of time. I'm threatening myself with the Timer today, too. The house is getting to be more of a mess than I can handle. Maybe it's time to move. Would have to be easier than cleaning.

Anonymous said...

Tree looks really good. Nope, don't need no more squirrel info!!!! Nothing much here, either.....motivation=zip,nadda,zero--non-existent!!!! Now, to mosey on up to the designated sewing space for just a few cuz it's almost supper time!!!!! Ugh!!!!!! Oh well.....tomorrow is another day, Rhett!!!! LOL!!!!

liniecat said...

Loving the tree design and quite like the idea of raspberry infused vodka too lol
I just read a blog that showed how to make elderflower gin as well - seems Im gonna be busy this week!!

liniecat said...

It'd work with voddy too of course lol
http://serendipitypatch.blogspot.co.uk/

quiltzyx said...

I wouldn't have re-reversed the tree myself - just a new design choice! It is going to be another beauty. Interesting that it is a sort of quilt on a quilt too.
I did actually piece 2 signature blocks that I'll be sending on to The Bitchy Stitcher for her comedy quilt. And sewed more of the braids on my sister's quilt too. The stacks of pieces for that one just don't seem to be getting any smaller. I think some quilty poltergeist keeps adding more to them when I'm not looking.

Brown Family said...

stunning!