Busy as a bee!

Blogging took a back seat to stitching for most of the summer.  It was slow going at times, and there were a few distractions along the way, but I'm happy to show you my beehive block, completed just this morning.

There were a few anxious moments wondering if it would all come together.  Sometimes one's vision just doesn't become a reality.  In the case of this block, I was pleasantly surprised. 

I meant to take photos at each step of this block's construction but, once in stitching mode, the best laid plans...

Here is a first photo, taken on July 19 when I was at the very beginning with stems and leaves.

Then came some flowers about a week or so later.

This is the block with the appliqué complete on August 21st.  I worked on some small projects during that month but the beehive was mostly front and center.  It's interesting to compare a block before and after embellishments are added so here they are next to each other.

I have to say the tendrils and sprigs were starting to make me a little crazy, but I persevered.  

When I finish a block, I'm always thankful for the generous encouragement of fellow appliqué devotees:  Elly Sienkiewicz who introduced me to this Baltimore journey;  Cynthia Williford who instilled a love of embellishment;  Jeanne Sullivan who taught me prepared edge appliqué;  and Patsy Lastra, my sister friend, who gives me her honest opinion always and helps me get unstuck.  These are just a few of the women I've been so fortunate to meet because of appliqué.

Well, back to the sewing room!  I need to figure out what's next!  Happy stitching to you!  

From my garden, a David Austin rose called Carding Mill