Keeping my head above water.

My block of the month projects are coming in almost faster than I can keep up.  I got an email that the latest edition of Merry Merry Snowmen  was on it's way so I got the most recent one finished up.

Probably you're not supposed to change methods mid stream but I ended up using my machine to do the embellishments that I'd previously been doing by hand.  It started with the windows.  There were 2 layers of fusible under them (ahemm...no forethought went into the construction) and there was no way I was going to get a needle thru that without hurting myself.  Then I just kept going with the other stitches.  I don't think it will really show in the overall finish.  Seeing as I don't invite the Quilt Police to my house I think I'm good.  

Back to last month's Great Pumpkin block of the month, I found a solution to the bee hive pumpkin.  First, I'm going to complain about the overall pattern for this quilt.... the instructions are seriously lacking.  The photo is tiny and each monthly pack comes minus a picture and without any directions.  When I started this block I thought that yellow part was a candle.  The bees that were buzzing around the pumpkin weren't on the pattern and there was no fabric included to make the little guys, either.  It wasn't until I was putting it together that I started to wonder how one could actually see the candle inside a pumpkin that I realized what it was.  Doy.  But still...no photo larger then my thumb nail and no pattern...what is one to think? 

Since making it into a mouse house was out of the question I've been keeping my eye out for a squirrel.  I found this RugSpun shape that was perfect. 

I used my usual button hole stitch to applique him down. He needs an eye but that will come after the quilting.

Never heard of RagSpun?  Check them out here. They're a pretty neat looking applique.
 

I have the next Great Pumpkin block under way.  There is a mystery piece of fabric in this pack.  I'll show you when it's done.  Maybe I'll have figured out where it goes by then, but somehow I doubt it.  

Libby