It’s finished. Finally finished. The number of needles that were bent, dulled and even snapped in two in the making of it are too numerous to mention! I don’t think I’ve ever gone through so many needles making just one block.
The first of the orange flowers for the Ribbons of Flowers Quilt is a marigold. All batiks, even the frame.
The back – and it was definitely not the best I’ve done pressing these blocks. I will go over it again after I grade the seams but I was just so glad to have the block finally finished that I decided to leave the grading for another day.
A commenter suggested I try the Liuxin Newman needles. I have some of her needles, so decided to indeed try one. While I don’t think the small Liuxin Newman needle is anywhere near as fine as a Roxanne #12 sharp, it did not seem to dull and definitely didn’t bend or snap while I completed sewing this block. So if I use either of the first two batiks in the marigold or come across another very difficult to needle batik in another block, I will use the Liuxin Newman needles again. But otherwise, I’m sticking with the Roxanne #12 sharps. I prefer how they feel in my hands and that they’re finer and usually glide through fabrics with no problem. I just happened to run into two batiks in this block that were particularly difficult to needle.
Next up? I’m undecided. I know I want to make two more orange flowers, two more pink ones, one more purple and two more blue ones. So I may take a break from orange and start the last of the purple ones or maybe a blue one. I’ll decide that later today. I’m saving the pink for the end – I think. But who knows – I may give in to my natural inclination to want to work with pink and start another one of the pink flowers – stay tuned! I will definitely decide today and get the printing of the pieces I need for the next flower done.
“Victory Lap (please be patient – this too may take a while)”
Jake was enjoying some time on the windowsill yesterday. He will spend hours watching birds and people out on the roof garden.
While Baxter seems to usually prefer the toy basket during the day while he will spend hours at night, after it’s dark, watching whatever it is he can see out on the roof garden.
Quilt Obsession 
Wow! The orange makes a very vibrant block!
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I’m going to have to make at least one more orange block so it doesn’t stand out too, too much!! In fact, I have just printed pieces for it. And I think I have plans for more. I just don’t want to stop! LOL
Cathi
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Morning Cathi, it was worth the blood , sweat, and tears for that one!
Never tried that needle. I like that you don’t compromise doing everything by hand.
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Thank you! I remember trying those needles when I got them, but I always go back to the Roxanne #12 sharps as they are so fine that they make it easy to sew with small stitches and just feel good to hold. However, if I run into another batik like the ones in this block while I’m making anything, I will definitely remember this and change to the Liuxin Newman needles!
Cathi
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Cathi the orange one is spectacular despite the frustration with the needles! Where did you find the needles?
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Thank you! I think I picked the needles up at Creativ Festival here one year when I bought her thimble. I don’t know what stores might carry them, but they are available via her Thimblelady website at thimblelady.com .
Cathi
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I love your Marigold block! I wonder if you need to add a flower that is both pink and orange in the mix.
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Thank you – I really do like it now that it’s finished, but I cannot believe how difficult it was to make! Since reading your comment, I’ve been to a ton of websites trying to find a flower that actually is both orange and pink at once and I’m getting nowhere with that. But knowing what a stunning garden you have with a huge variety of flowers, maybe you know of one??
Cathi
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Despite the needle issue, that block is gorgeous! Waiting for more blue ones! 🙂
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Thank you! I think it is rather fabulous too – now that I’ve had a day or two to get over how difficult it was to piece with those particular batiks! Stay tuned – I may print the shapes for another blue one this weekend.
Cathi
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oh I think this has to be my favourite one, despite being a pain to sew
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Wow – this orange one seems to be a definite favourite! Now that I’ve had a day or two away from finishing it, I have to admit I really do like it! 😉
Cathi
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That’s gorgeous Cathi. So rich looking. The above idea of pink and orange together is interesting.
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Thanks, Liz. It is rich – so rich that I know I have to make at least one more orange one to help balance it out in the quilt top. A tea rose is what is suggested might be sort of an orange/pink. I’m going to have to do some searching on the Internet to get a good sense of the shades and then go through my stash to see what I have that will work for that. 😉
Cathi
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I was rather dumbfounded to snap a needle piecing recently too. I have no idea where to purchase/order the brand you reference for needles. I’ve heard of Roxanne but use Piecemaker applique needles. They make me happy, so we get the job done.
Despite the needle struggle, the “marigold” is a winner. And, my — that is a rowdy crowd at the finish line. I can hear them cheering.
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Thank you!
Wow – were you piecing a batik as well when that happened? The Liuxin Newman needles are definitely stronger than any other needle I’ve used. They can be purchased via her thimblelady.com website. But like you, I’m really happy with the brand I like best and will stick with them except if I hit a hard-to-needle batik again. Then I can definitely see the value of the Thimblelady needles.
Cathi
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Love that block, you have a wonderful eye to collect the fabrics together. The finishing line, I like the chequered flag held high!!!
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Thank you! My biggest aid in picking out fabrics that go together is a lamp that has a special daylight bulb that I always use when I’m picking fabrics out at night. It’s really quite amazing how different fabrics look in daylight as compared to normal household lamp bulbs!
That ‘toon had me laughing, particularly the finish line flag – but wait until you see Friday’s! It had me in fits of laughter!
Cathi
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Gorgeous! The kitties aren’t too shabby either 🙂
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Thank you! Baxter can look a little shaggy at times, but definitely not shabby! 😀
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