Hearts a-flutter.....

Wow....time flies so they say, and boy, they weren't kidding!

I have been working studiously on my APQ UFO challenge this past week, trying to get it finished in time for the end of February, but even with an extra day thrown in, I didn't quite make it!

Once I'd put it all together, I noticed I needed 3 more blocks, so I appliqued a heart on the bottom corner block, and drew two other blocks up to match....one a snow hearts label and one other snowheart.

But once I've finished those two stitcheries, I might add a couple of borders on, then it's time to quilt.....so much further along than I was at the beginning of the month, so even though I'm not finished completely, I'm entirely happy with where I'm at with it. (you'll notice, the date on the label???.....2011......so this has been resting for a looooong time!)

I've also made a start on my 2016 Homespun BOM, a design by one of my favourite designers, Natalie Bird of The Birdhouse....another great Aussie designer. (Queenslander!)  This one's called "Foxley Village and with it, I'm rediscovering my love for needleturn (and Tilda *swoon*)

It's funny, I don't know about you, but needleturn was one of those techniques that never really 'grabbed' me....that was a style that 'other' quilters used, not me!  But over the course of the past year or two, the slow stitching and 'preciseness' of it all has really drawn me to it...need I say it makes my heart flutter?   Have you found there's one style you swore off for life, only to find it's one of your favourites now?  I can't say it's my absolute favourite, I love all kinds, needleturn, raw edge, hand applique, machine applique, not to mention piecing and stitchery....I just love it ALL!

And I've made a start on the Splendid Sampler....are you doing it too?  It's hosted by Pat Sloan and our very own Jane Shallala-Davidson and incorporates 100 blocks from over 80 designers from around the world...I'm sure you'd have heard of it?  There's over 16000 people signed up to participate and well, I'm just a little slow off the mark.....there's two blocks per week and I've started with number 3 block and that's all I've done so far....we're up to number 5!  Ho hum....nothing like starting behind the 8-ball!   So here's my progress....

with all the tools I really,  reeeeeeally needed to make this block!  

Needless to say, I didn't have any complete finishes for OPAM for February, however I'm sure March is going to be a whopper!

xox Sugary hugs :o)