WIP: Handstitched Medallion

Over the winter, I took the Handstitched class offered by Rachel of Stitched in Color with my friend Daisy. While Daisy took on five of the smaller weekly challenges, I decided that I wanted to attempt the medallion quilt.  I knew it would take me longer than the nine weeks the class spanned, but with three kids, that's just my reality!

I have been chipping away on this fun pattern little by little and here is where I stand:

Handstitched Medallion Border 3

The center of the medallion is a reverse applique flower with a visible blind stitch done in perle cotton.  You can see more detailed pictures on my instagram account.  
The second round includes half square triangles embroidered onto a white background.  I haven't finished all of these yet as they take a REALLY long time for me to do, especially while juggling my little ones. 

Detail of embroidered HST process

The third border includes this modified Storm at Sea block.  You can see in the picture above that these serve as cornerstones to a pieced border.  Those fun little two inch squares running along the sides will serve as space for some fun hand quilting when the time comes!

Even though this is a long term project for me, I have found that I really enjoy the experience of hand piecing and I see much more of it in my future.  I also have some embroidery projects in mind as this project begins to get a little too large to take with me to daily activities with my kids.  The embroidery fits quite nicely in a small pouch that is easy to tuck into the diaper bag!
Linking up with Sew Cute Tuesday.

Penny Patch Quilt

My mom is amazing.  I won't get into all the reasons she is the perfect mom for me here, but just trust me ;)  I have been working on the Penny Patch Quilt with Rachel at Stitched in Color since she began her blog series last fall (yes I am slow! I have 3 tiny humans!).  But recently, I have found the motivation to pick up the pace on this fun project.  My mom is going to be spending three days in our local hospital for monitoring as her doctors adjust her heart-related medications.

Penny Patch Quilt

Now this is all standard and totally precautionary, but three days in a hospital, regardless of the reason, is no day at the beach (something my family much prefers)! I want my mom to have something special with her so this quilt is for her!  I have two weeks to finish it up.  I have one final row to piece and then it is on to basting, quilting and binding!

Linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced and Can I Get a Whoop-Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict.  Thanks for stopping by!