Joy - Words to Live By Block One

Joy 

I have to say that I love this JOY block.  The floral wool applique images dance. Maybe the word dance comes to mind because I was watching the Olympic Ice Dancing Teams when I began my hand stitching. This applique came together beautifully.
Join us each month as we blog and sew the Words to Live By Quilt Block of the Month Program designed by Lisa Bongean of Primitive Gatherings.  All of the fabrics and wool are by Primitive Gatherings .

Remember - If you are joining us, please email me photos of your blocks and we will post them!

Helps or Hints:
Thread - I love hand stitching with the 12 weight thread. I don't have the Valdani threads that the pattern calls for in any of the shops nearby, so I purchased a couple of 12 wt. Sulky petite spools which are 50 yards each. Each strand is the same as 2 strands of embroidery floss.  No uneven threads, separating, or tangles.  Very easy to use.  I am a fan!  You can also use embroidery floss.

 Pens - Your kits will include the Ultra Fine Permanent Marking Pens called for in the pattern.  I was mostly happy with the pen.  Just use a LIGHT touch when tracing your image for the fine lines.  Fill in the thicker areas but don't keep filling in the area to make it darker!  Maybe wait and let it dry before darkening.  As you can see the little ball at the end of the J bled just a little.  I will be more careful next time.

Fusible web - When I trace the image I want on the paper side of the fusible web, I always leave about 1/8 - 1/4 each space outside the line.  Then I cut through the webbing and wool at the same time for a more accurate image.

Press a slight crease to find the center of your cotton block.  I folded the square in half, pressed in the center and then repeated the process by folding the block in the opposite direction.  This gave me a center guideline AND a line for the stems. Worked perfectly.  Make sure to follow Lisa's pattern instructions for pressing wool appliques.

The kits are ready to mail!

Sandra and I have assembled the kits!  They are ready to ship.  The first 8 customers receive a FREE Marking Pen and a FREE Half-Square Triangle Paper Guides Roll!     These kits are the starting registration kits.  They include all of the Primitive Gatherings cottons for the triangles and border.  This is 10 3/4 yards of fabric.  CLICK HERE for kits.
The 12 block wool kits are sold separately - by month or by quarter.   Purchase by the quarter to save on shipping charges.  Each kit comes with the wool applique fabrics and 1/2 yard of the neutral Primitive Gatherings cotton.  Note - This tan cotton print will also be used in the half-square triangles and the corner blocks.  The final wool kit will be the center appliques and corner blocks appliques - they also have great messages.

If you have any questions, feel free to email us!  Happy to help! 

Happy Sewing!
Kristin and Sandra