Block #98 in the Machine Quilting Challenge

Good Morning All,

Wow, what an amazing few weeks I've had!

My trip to Spring Quilt Market in Salt Lake City was very productive. I've added several new pans to the fire!

I've just finished the final editing of my color book and it should go to the printer on June 1st! It's such a long process but the book looks fantastic and I'm just so pleased with it. Thank you so much to all of you who have so graciously participated in it.

Here is a new design, I call it Giant Pea Pod. It looks somewhat difficult, but it's really pretty easy. Before you begin stitching it, click on the drawing to see it larger and doodle it out following the numbers. The numbers circle the outside twice so look carefully to avoid confusion. Use a contrasting thread so the the design really stands out.

Beginning on the lower, right stem, stitch a gentle curve up about 9"-10" and finish the line with a quarter sized swirl. Swirl back out and away to begin the opposite side of the pod. Stitch out and away then back in to form the first, smaller indention then stitch back out and form the curve of the middle 1/2 round then stitch back out and around to form the last round portion ending back at the stem.

Stitch up into the pea pod about 1/2" from the right hand side. Once you reach the tip, stitch back down again forming a 1/2"-3/4" wide channel. Once you reach the bottom of the channel, begin stitching small circles inside the channel. Once you reach the top again, stitch gentle, slightly curved triangles along the outer right hand side until you have reached the bottom. Trace back on the stem to the tip and stitch a new line about 1/8" away from the outer right hand side of the pea pod. Once you reach the inside of the swirl begin stitching the small parentheses shapes along the outer left hand side of the pod. Once you have reached the center of the first curve, stitch a swirl inside the curve of the pea pod then stitch back out a scant 1/8" away from the first line to make a very narrow swirl. Stitch more parentheses along the outside edge until you reach the center of the second curve and add a similar swirl on the inside of the pod. Do the same thing in the final inside curve of the pod then continue to stitch parentheses shapes along the outside edge all the way back down to the tip of the stem to complete the pod.

Using a thread that matches with the fabric, stitch the negative space around the pea pod in a small stipple or other fill stitch.
Hope you enjoy this design - I think it would be beautiful angled in a wide border or in setting triangles or squares.
Till next time,
Heather