Applique that is!
I finished my star blocks and got a big start on my appliqued blocks for Halloween 1904. I changed up the pattern a bit, and added my own applique designs to make it more unique. The applique patterns came from various sources--the new Primative magazine, the Henrietta Whiskers BOM, and an old applique book I had sitting around. You can find good applique designs just about anywhere, really.
I got so excited making these blocks I just slapped them up on the deisgn wall right on top of my Shiloh quilt. The colors of the two projects are remarkably harmonious, aren't they?
Honestly, this was so much fun. I felt terrifically creative and so pleased with how everything is coming together.
Although I made wonderful progress, I still have many a mile to go before I rest. The star blocks all need to have their corner triangles attached, and the pumpkin blocks need to have the rest of the applique work finished. I think I am going to embroider curling viney stems instead messing around with bias tape as the pattern calls for. I will also embroider bird legs and oak leaf stems. Oh, and the big job ahead of me is making a gazillion half square triangles to surround the blocks!
A good start has also been made on the half square triangles. I am using the Spinning Star papers and have about half of them cut out.
While baby naps this week, I will be stitching away!
Darling piece -- I love that you made it your own - and made it even better. Beautiful prints use. As I read -- I just seem content.
Posted by: Melanie | October 08, 2012 at 04:21 AM
What a wonderful quilt this will be. Love your pumpkin blocks.
Posted by: Chris | October 08, 2012 at 04:24 AM
Love the faces on your pumpkins! So cute!
Posted by: Darlene | October 08, 2012 at 04:46 AM
Love it. You are out doing yourself on tho one. Great appliqués. Good luck this week with your projects.
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | October 08, 2012 at 05:22 AM
I LOVE your pumpkins! Great job, they add so much to the pattern! It's hilarious to read your blog and mine. There you are, throwing blocks on your design wall, on top of another project no less, and then you have me, doing one whole block at a time. We are a pair!
But isn't this fun!
Posted by: Thelma | October 08, 2012 at 05:29 AM
WOW! Your blocks look great ! Just love the extra applique you did on the pumpkins ! You will have this quilt done in no time .
Posted by: Sue Babich | October 08, 2012 at 05:38 AM
Wow! Lookee what you did!!! Your pumpkins are charming and what a delight to make the pattern your own by these wonderful customized changes!
Halloween 1904 and Shiloh do go very well together. I first thought you'd made very nearly a whole quilt's worth of blocks in the blink of an eye. As if by magic, doncha know?!
My Halloween quilt is hanging in our entry hall. I made it during the OP challenge Pat Sloan held a couple of years ago and had it quilted with variegated orange thread. Love it!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | October 08, 2012 at 06:03 AM
LOL... when I saw the Design Wall at the top of the post....my first thought was.
"I Love This Layout".... second thought was..."Now how in tarnation is she going to put that together"
Then I read that its 2 different quilts and I still love the layout on the top posting!!!!
Posted by: Becky | October 08, 2012 at 06:45 AM
Oh, WOW, this is a delightful pattern, and I love the many ways you are making it your own. Going right upstairs to the closet now to pull out my own stash and pattern...truly fun and inspiring. Can't wait for your next post.
Posted by: Linda | October 08, 2012 at 07:00 AM
I had to do a double take when I saw the picture. I LOVE how the flying geese in Shiloh look with Halloween! You are Miss Creative with this one. I love your add-ons. They really give the quilt personality. I love using the Spinning stars for my HST. You guys are just flying through this quilt! I love it! It gives me so many inspiring photos.
Posted by: Sandy M | October 08, 2012 at 07:02 AM
Creativity is truly a high. Looking good.
Question : are you going to give the star pumpkin an "eye"? All of the others have one.
Posted by: Pam | October 08, 2012 at 07:25 AM
A wonderful looking design wall full of action! I find it very interesting how you and Thelma each approach a project with such different strategies.
Posted by: Quilter Kathy | October 08, 2012 at 07:32 AM
I think you and Thelma should get together and start designing quilt patterns. Seriously!!!
Posted by: Jean | October 08, 2012 at 07:52 AM
Wonderful changeups in the applique, Nicole! I can sense your quilt endorphins all the way from here and the contentment quotient is really high!
Posted by: AnnieO | October 08, 2012 at 08:33 AM
Don't you love a productive weekend? I can feel your excitement through the post. I should get my kit later this week, and I can't decide which method to do the stars. I was wondering on yours, do you have a seam allowance turned under before applique or is that just raw edge? If it is seam allowance, how did you get your points so sharp??
Posted by: Jennifer G | October 08, 2012 at 08:33 AM
I love this pattern and your version is wonderful Nicole. By coincidence I unearthed a box with my assorted orange and dusty green fat quarters in that I collected for this pattern. Now if I can just sort the dark prints ...
Posted by: Gertie Pye | October 08, 2012 at 10:50 AM
I am in love with your pumpkin blocks! They look like they were fun to make!
Posted by: Sinta | October 08, 2012 at 02:53 PM
I love how you have taken this pattern and made it your own. It's coming together really well. I am making Hallowe'en 1904 too but I am doing needleturn applique so it's taking forever. I've only got 7 more stars to go and I'll be done.
Posted by: Robin Booth | October 10, 2012 at 04:51 PM