tree blocks for Australia

I was inspired by Barb (Fun with Barb) and Wendy (The Constant Quilter) who have each made blocks for the Wollongong Modern Quilt Guild in Australia.  The blocks will be pieced into quilts for people who have lost everything in the devastating bushfires.

They've asked for generous 12.5 inch blocks - any type of tree block welcome.  Deadline is end of February and if you are interested, click here for the details. 

I love doing improvisational appliqué using freezer paper to cut out and prepare my shapes:

"Invisible" machine appliqué: 

I used monofilament in the needle and my usual cotton in the bobbin.  The back looks like this:

I love trees.  They provide solace.  They are life giving and each is unique.  I've almost always lived in homes with a lot of trees all around.  

In other news... thrilled to see my little needlebooks in the window at Blue and White.  They are starting to sell, so that's good news;).  

The ladies at Blue and White took such care to create these hand written tags:

And.... it is winter strawberry season... just the best:

AND, tomorrow is opening day of the Tokyo International Great Quilt Festival (I always have to pause to get the order of those words right, ha ha).  Woo hoo!

xo
Cynthia