I decided to go with the folded orchids for the Four Seasons quilt and this is it — finished for all but the label on the back. The label is ready but I had to give my hands a rest as it seems applique is now another thing that triggers the pain/inflammation. What a nuisance!
I will get the label on it this weekend and it will leave here early next week on its way to my swap partner. I hope she likes it!
(Edited to Add: I’m counting this as one of my finishes for Peg’s Challenge. I know I’ll not finish five, but there is one more I am going to try to finish before July 31.)
Making this little quilt really has me re-assessing just how much applique is in my future. It is time to go through the applique kits and BOM’s I have and decide which ones to let go. There are a couple that I know I will keep and work on very very slowly, but it’s obvious to me now that applique is not something I will continue to be able to do. I’m thankful I can piece with no problems. It’s odd how that small difference in hand movement can make such a huge difference!
I’m still working on the surprise project and hope to reveal it next week. As I work on it, though, I keep looking at these fabrics. They are definitely calling to me — and I’m trying to sort out just what I want to make with them.
The boys, sharing a little yogurt treat. We never have yogurt without the two of them lining up for their share, although Smudge seems to get more than Lester.
Quilt Obsession 
The orchids came out great!! But what a bummer about your hands. I suppose you’ve already tried the wrist and hand guards. As you say, at least you can piece.
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Love your Orchid quilt…so pretty.What bad news about not being able to do applique if you are an “a” word lover…you could switch to machine applique and improve your skills to the point that it satisfies your need to applique maybe?Our kitties love youghert too…but my dogie loves it more LOL
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Speaking of machine applique, Sharon Schamber does absolutely beautiful machine applique work. I recommend getting her book on it. Really I do. I have just about given up crochet because of hand/wrist problems. But every now and then I’ll pick up the hook; I’ve learned how to pace myself.
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The little quilt is beautiful! The orchids are so graceful.I have arthritis in both thumbs and carpal tunnel problems so I know how you feel. I used to do extensive hand embroidery, but now I do almost everything by machine. I guess from here on out you just need to choose your projects wisely.
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I love the orchids!And the cats eating yogurt crack me up. Our dogs love it too… they sit and stare until you let them have the last little spoonful.: )
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The folded orchids are very pretty. Are they all done by hand? I’m sure your swap partner will love the little wallhanging!
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Love the orchids …. you did a great job. Sorry to hear about your hands; but at least you can do piecing. Have you tried machine applique?
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Wow Cathi you must be so very pleased they turned out so lovely..you have done yet another fantastic job..congrats on another finish…It is nice to see mummy share her food with her babies…
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Hi Cathi,Absolutely BEAUTIFUL! I love all the colors, and the overall look! You ought to be very proud of yourself.Thanks for the kind comment on my floral arrangements. 🙂
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Hi Cathi,I came to your blog via Pam’s- My name is Anna and I live in Edmonton. Pam and I went shopping together in Red Deer. We had a lovely time together and did get some great deals!!Thanks for the kind words about the quilt- I have since finished and given it to our niece as a wedding present. It turned out very well and she and her husband liked it very much.Your orchids are beautiful and you do such wonderful hand work. I have gone back in your blog to see all your gorgeous quilted pieces.And you were the winner of those wonderful batiks- I won the lovely set of reproduction fabrics. I didn’t have any 30’s fabrics in my stash so I was excited to win the giveaway. Your cats are very handsome- We have a short haired orange cat named Mars- She rules the roost even over our dog Dusty.I shall return and visit your blog again- for now I am happy visiting other people’s blogs and leaving a comment or two.Regards from Western Canada,Anna
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Your mini quilt turned out beautifully. I wish it was coming to me. Re the cats; everytime I read your post I don’t scroll down. I like to keep the cat picture a surprise. I never know who’s going to appear or in what position. If you start ending your posts without posting a cat picture, I might just have to stop reading your blog. Just kidding, but I really do look forward to seeing the cats each time.
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Is there a book on applique/folded flowers. I am loving the look of your quilt. Whoever is getting it, is one lucky person.Gill
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Those orchids are lovely. Lucky recipient!Have you tried machine applique? I sometimes use the machine, & use a buttonhole stitch or fly stitch looks quite nice too. Just a thought.I love those soft colours of the fabrics waiting to be used!
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I love how your orchids turned out!
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Your cats are so cute. I don’t think Oliver’s ever tried yoghurt though he likes cream and custard.
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