More Hints on the Strawberry Applique

The strawberry clusters are probably the most difficult applique pieces on this quilt.  The strawberry tops are teeny-tiny fingers holding the strawberries in place.  The stems are narrow.  The strawberries are slightly pointed.

All of these issues make you pull in all your best applique skills.

I altered the strawberry hulls just a bit, widening the "fingers" and softening the tips.  This made them a little easier to hand stitch.  I kept the stems about the same size, as I did the strawberries.

The best advice I can give anyone with this applique is take your time with it.  Remember, making a quilt is not all about the destination, it's all about the journey.  Enjoy the process.  Feel the pride and self-satisfaction in knowing that you're doing the best work.  Learn from the process.

Sometimes in this modern techno, fast-paced, gotta-have-it-now world, I think we lose sight in the beauty of taking things slowly.  We keep constant check on our email, our cell phones never leave our sides, our Ipads and laptops are never turned off.

This is not good.

Quilters are artists.  The creative process is important.  And sometimes this process needs that time to slow it down and simmer.  Maybe in this fast-paced world, we have become seduced by quick quilts.  They have their place, for sure, but don't forget the beauty in a slower-paced, creative process.

So don't rush the strawberries.

Love and Stitches,
Sherri