Something blue, something new and something take two

After a frantic couple of weeks finishing up my Maple Leaf quilt (which is very well loved I'm happy to say!) I decided to take things a bit more slowly and start a needle turn applique project. I'm entering this year's Umbrella Prints Trimmings Challenge for the first time, and my packet of loveliness arrived last Friday. If you're interested in joining the challenge, you can find all the details on the Umbrella Prints blog (and I'm happy to say I've convinced a few IG peeps to join in the fun!) 

I ordered the blue trimmings, with an idea in mind - and they were perfect for what I had planned, so I jumped in almost immediately (hence the blue and new). I hand-drew tear-drop shapes using a silver gel pen, and then needle turn appliqued them onto very light grey background prints/solids (kind of improv applique if there is such a thing?!?). There are a few really tiny pieces that are too small to applique (they are more of a home dec weight) so I'll add those in when I put the blocks together.

I also finished putting together my Marcelle Medallion V2 centre block and added the first border. It took me a couple of hours to decide on this border print, but I'm really pleased with this choice. I desperately wanted to use it in one of the borders, and because I only had a fat quarter it was now or never.

My kids start school holidays tomorrow, so I'm not sure how much sewing will happen for the next two weeks, but I'll pop in here when I can. 

xx Jess

Linking up with Lee at Freshly Pieced.