I've got 19 blocks done, but the first one I did won't be used (I changed stem colors after doing it). I think I'm only going to need 18 for the main blocks. Now I'm working on the edge trianges, need 10 of them (have 6 done) and then four corners.

I've got most of the strip sets sewn for the double irish chain, so the next step is to subcut them into 2" sections and start assembling rows.

After completing most of the flowers, I realized I'd picked the wrong size. I wanted the largest one and went with the first size, but because the system sorts alphabetically, I got size A, and then AA, B, C, D. Turns out size AA is the largest. I have a 9.5" hoop so can do a 9" finished block in it. the size I went with is an 8" block finished, so not a big difference. It's got enough open space I can trim it down to 7.5 and then it works using a 1.5" finished block in my chains.

It's a good lesson for me, I've been learning a lot of "newbie" stuff with this project.

here is a sneak peak - I plan on doing a small border but have not decided what yet. The colors in the chain aren't showing up well, it isn't quite so stark in person.

http://i31.photobucket.com/albums/c3...psiuvpq8z0.jpg

Wow, that is gorgeous, Cathy!! Now I want an embroidery machine! :D

thanks!

I've got the border figured out, and I'm using up all the extra pieced sections I'd ended up with. I'm going to add extra borders on the sides to get it a bit wider.

NZquilter - I thought about an embroidery machine for many years, but figured I wasn't all that interested in embroidering for clothing or towels, so it seemed not that useful for me. Then I started seeing what some people were doing with embroidery on quilts and I got much more interested.

Your flowers are beautiful. I have an embroidery machine and am learning how to use it. Who are your favorite designers or companys to go to for patterns. I found Designs by JuJu. They are cute for younger children and are fairly inexpensive.

Yeah Macy, you rock!!!!!! Well done, beautiful flowers!

Jannie, my favorite company is Hatched in Africa. Their designs stitch out beautifully and they're always there to help if needed. Embroidery Library has beautiful designs too but most of them are fairly dense, sometimes even bulletproof :) There are lots of companies, some better than others, some very expensive and some very affordable.

Anael, remember back when I got brave enough and stitched out my very first pattern? I think that was when I was working on the SBS quilt. You helped a lot to give me encouragement to go for it - now I'm having so much fun and not afraid of my my machine at all.

I'm already working on my second set of blocks (different design) as I had bought that pattern at them same time as this one. I already know what my "next" emboridery project will be, but want to not buy for "stock" so will buy it when I'm done with the current set.

Your flowers are beautiful.

My embroidery machine is in the upstairs bedroom, my sewing room is in the basement. I always forget something and have to run up and down the stairs. Would be nice to have all my machines in one room.

Your quilt is beautiful and I love the flower embroideries. Would you please post where you got them?

It is an Anita Goodesign pattern called Heather Bouquet

but I used different colors and even divided some of the designs (I put two colors where they only had one).