“Woodland Holiday” BOM

It was with great excitement that I launched Puppy Girl Design’s first Block of the Month (BOM) called “Woodland Holiday” earlier this week!  It includes some of my favorite backyard birds like Red-Bellied Woodpecker, Titmouse, Mourning Dove, Nuthatcher, Chickadee and a pair of Rose-breasted Grosbeaks.  I even added a cute little chipmunk nibbling on an acorn.  You will notice that by adding some extra stitching – like within the candle inside the Lantern or the tree and branches of the Cardinals block – there is a more realistic or fuller appearance to the piece.  Also, the designs are gentle enough to allow this quilt to stay up for long after the holidays. 

The materials and flosses needed are as follows: 

Red – 1-1/4 yd., White – 1-1/2 yd.  This will make the top, the flange edging and the binding.  Personally, I would buy a 1/4 yard up to 1/2 yard extra of each, just in case.  I cut all fabrics for stitching larger than necessary for ease of hoop use and for possible stretching of fabric.  And, (personal preference here) I always wash/dry/press with starch alternative (I use Best Press) all fabric prior to use. 

DMC Flosses: A skein of each of the following:

938 (dk. brown), 937 (green), 816 (red), 934 (dk. green), 318 (gray), 413 (gray), 3820 (yellow), 434 (brown), 3776 (burnt orange), 740 (orange), 310 (black), 317 (gray), 414 (gray), 451 (tan), 3350 (pink), 842 (cream), 435 (lt. brown)

Needles: 

I use size 8 or size 10 Jeanna Kimball’s  Redwork needles http://www.jeanakimballquilter.com/store/. The most important thing to consider when selecting a needle is that the eye of the needle (where floss is threaded through) needs to be big enough so that it doesn’t shred the floss AND the needle length should feel comfortable in you fingers.  A needle that is too short for you will have your muscles cramping up, a needle to long and you won’t have good control over it.  Also, use a new needle, just like you would in your sewing machine.  Used or worn out needles can have burrs, be crooked, etc.

Hoops:

Again, it’s about comfort when you’re working.  Find the size hoop that your hand can hold without discomfort.  I find I use from 6″ to 8″ hoops, larger or smaller cause hand fatigue.  And thoroughly clean (and dry) your hoop before starting.  Debris, dust or left over threads can cause stains on new projects. This is for wood as well as plastic.  Little hot soapy water, rinse and dry thoroughly.

Transferring the pattern to fabric:

I use a variety of methods to transfer the pattern to fabrics but I always use a mechanical pencil with eraser.  Inexpensive Bic brand works quite well. You want to see your lines but not so dark as to show after stitching.  If you drawn line is a bit too dark, very lightly erase some of the line, brushing away the debris from the fabric.  Sometimes I need a lint roller to get rid of all the little bits of eraser left over.

It’s time to get started!