Thursday, April 10, 2008

Cup of Tea Anyone?

I've been seeing pretty appliqued teacups all over blogland lately. Jan at the Calico Quilter is making some nice ones for a swap. She encouraged me to give applique a try. She even shared her technique. I tried, really I did. I even tried a couple of times. They ended up in the trash. I've never appliqued before, and what I learned is that I need a class. But, what's a few teacups in the trash? I think I looked at every teacup pattern I could find on the web, but they all had at least some applique in them...the handles. I just didn't want to attempt it, so I went with my strength and drafted my own little teacup pattern with a pieced handle. After a few false starts, here's what I've come up with so far. Isn't it "Swell". I do love that Swell fabric! It reminds me of the teacups that I received from my grandma after she died. Hopefully the next ones won't take quite so long, but I think I'm going to keep making them.

Not much time for sewing this week, just waiting for the weekend and the quilt-a-thon and some uninterrupted time to create! I do finally have my own one of these. I just couldn't resist spending a bit of cash on this. So many project swirling around in my head. I am working on the quilting of the Red and White Quilt-A-Long quilt a bit each night. I want to finish it before AmandaJean starts the star quilt-a-long on her blog, Crazy Mom Quilts. She gave a preview of some of the stars we'll be doing. It's going to be fabulous!

I want to get the sewing room cleaned so at least I can see the floor (those pesky threads just seem to pile up) before Saturday. I want to be organized and ready so I can get lots done on Saturday. Have a great rest of the week everyone!

20 comments:

Anonymous said...

I love that you drafted your own pattern! It is so sweet! I really like the saucer.

Anonymous said...

love your "swell" teacup. nice work!

Cathy said...

I love that Swell too!! Am trying to decide what i can make with it! Sure there is something! Your teacup is Terrific!! Cathyx

Thriftin and Craftin said...

Love the fabric, and your teacup looks swell for sure! It looks similar to the pieced foundation umbrella I put on my umbrella bag. It is HARD! I'm totally impressed with your cup.

As far as my inspiration challenge goes, just have fun. Don't EVER feel like you're behind. There's no time limits. If you finish a project six months from now, go ahead and post it. Just play when you can, and most of all have fun making stuff! Have a great week!

Sara said...

I love the teacup! I don't applique either (I make my sister do it for me!)so I would be more inclined to do something like you did where there was no applique. It's just not something I have tried and mastered like you! I love that "swell" fabric and teacup!

tess said...

the tea cup is perfect!!

country mouse said...

What a sweet little teacup! Love it! It took me a while before I got the hang of applique. Lots of practice, and I'm still working on it.

Wish I could play along with the Quiltathon weekend, but don't know if I'll have the time. Hope you get lots done :cD I really enjoy seeing your work.

Dawn said...

I adore your teacup! And seeing your blog--I can't believe that you & I have soooo many similiarities. I love that! *grin*

Liz said...

Love it! I too inherited tea cups from grandma...

Becky said...

I love the tea cup. The Atkinson book is wonderful. I have that one and drool over the pictures. If only there were more time in the day or the week.

Kim said...

I always look at Happy Hour and think, hmm, I should buy that soon, but then I forget until I see it again and wish I would have just picked it up when I had it in front of me.

Designing your own pattern must be very satisfying. I have yet to do that. I'll leave that to you!

Indigo Blue said...

Your tea cup is good, you are being to hard on yourself! I read the blog without obligation and I really aggre with it so I have posted the button on my blog.

Anonymous said...

I've got that Happy Hour pattern waiting for me too. Everytime I see one out on a blog or flickr I'm reminded of how great it looks.

I LOVE your red, white and blue log cabin! That's great.

Laurie said...

Jacquie,
I just LOVE your pattern! It is ADORABLE!!! And that book...LOVE it as well! I have it in my possession!
Hugs
Laurie

Amanda Jean said...

what a great solution for your tea cup blocks! you are clever.

Kieny The Dutchlady said...

Your teacup turned out great! Applique always scares me and if I can I try to avoid it.

Kathleen said...

Hi Jacquie I like your tea cup, I have had a a mental block with applique as well and am always in awe of these art quilters and the like who manage to whip things up.

Love the quilt on the front of that book. Is it a well known book over there? I just love the whole colour scheme and layout with the chair,so artful if that is a word.

You mentioned once that you do not have a disposable income at present and just wanted you to know if you need certain things then I'm your gal so to speak, give or take 20 years. I have heaps of fabric etc collected over the years and am going to concentrate more on upholstery style throws in future. So if you are ever looking for something in particular just let me know as with the magic of flickr you can check things out almost straight away...isn't it great? I am off now to check out your flickr pics as want a closer look at the vintage quilt. Oh do not know whether you were aware that I answer comments on my blog within the comment, just in case you thought I was being rude and not responding!Hope the quiltathon is all that you hope for and that you get to see some carpet sometime soon!

Dawn said...

You've been mentioned on my 'randomness' post....

Randi said...

I love your teacup! It's perfect!

Unknown said...

Love the cups of tea!! Fantastic pattern!