Wednesday, August 7, 2013

Hocuspocusville Surprise

So way back in May of 2010, I got the wacky idea to try and stitch these Hocuspocusville blocks by Crab-apple Hill.  I had no problems picking out my background fabric, selecting my thread, and tracing the pattern onto the fabric.  The problems started when I tried stitching my first block.  I didn't get any further than the top of one tree before I figured out that I would never be happy with my effort so I quit.    I even gave away the pattern.  I felt bad about giving up so easily, I really loved the pattern, but I just moved on to something else and forgot all about it.  Until I would see someone's blog who was successfully working on Hocuspocusville, then I would be disappointed all over again.



Well imagine my surprise and pure delight when these blocks arrived in my mailbox.





















Yes, someone who reads my blog took pity on me and for over a year worked on stitching these blocks for me!!  The person who sent the blocks said it was OK for me to blog about the blocks but to please not mention their name, which I respect and understand.  I had no idea she was working away on them until they arrived at my house  I also have no idea how she was able to part with them, let alone send them to me in regular mail!!  


Aren't the blocks amazing, I can't pick a favorite, I love them all.


So I've had these blocks for months not really sure how to set them.  I knew two things, I wanted to improve on the blocks setting from the pattern, I thought the center pieced blocks overpowered the stitched outer blocks, and I wanted this project to be Lifetime Quilt Number 113, just for fun.  Once I got to Lifetime Quilt 110 I got serious about looking for some fabric to add to this project.  

I found and bought these two bundles from the Fat Quarter Shop.


Candy Corn by Renne Nanneman and 



Dark Magic, also by Rene Nanemann.  The Fat Quarter Shop still has bundles of these fabrics available.

I wanted fabric with a fall/Halloween feel, a small print, a variety of ghoulish colors, and something with brown and yellow in it.  The thread used to stitch these blocks is dark brown so I was needing some brown in my fabric.  Candy Corn could not have been any more perfect.

So I've measured the block size and design size for each block and have come up with this setting.  I plan to piece a scrappy stripped border, sort of creating a Halloween street to go around all the blocks.



I've checked my math no less than 4 times, it's time to trim the blocks to their required size and add some fabric, keep your fingers crossed that all goes well for me, I'm a nervous wreck that I'll make a mistake and ruin the whole thing.

35 comments:

  1. What a sweet surprise! I'm looking forward to seeing your design!

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  2. Your setting will surely be a stunner. You have a very sweet friend!!

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  3. I just got Hocuspocusville two days ago. I love the sticheries but, like you, didn't care for the setting. I can't wait to see how you "Thelma-ize" this pattern. I expect I'll be copying it -- that, is after I finish Snowmen A to Zzz.

    Cindy in NN

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  4. What a generous gift from your reader. She did a great job. I look forward to what you do with the blocks.

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  5. What super example that quilters/stitchers are the most generous and thoughtful group of people I have ever known. What a wonderful surprise for you! I can't wait to see the finished quilt and if the person that stitched these gorgeous blocks is reading this, I want to thank them for making me proud to call myself a quilter! Well done!

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  6. What a generous gift.. and what a wonderful surprise.

    I can't wait to see how you set it. Your fabric choices really compliment the Halloween theme.

    I am currently doing Crap Apple Hill's "Over The Hill" design. Just getting started on it. Finished up the Snowman/Christmas one earlier this year.

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  7. Wow! What a spooktacular gift! I agree with your thoughts about the setting in the original pattern. I've always thought the same thing. Can't wait to see your new idea.

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  8. Yep! Quilters/crafters/sewers are generous and thoughtful people!

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  9. It does not surprise me that one quilter helped another. That's just the way quilters are! And a super great gesture on the part of the lovely lady to do these for you. They're great! I love the layout you're planning and think it will be perfect! Laura

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  10. That's very wonderful and very generous of your quilting friend! I'm thinking she loves to embroider.... and she knows you will figure a perfect setting for these blocks! :-) I can't wait for the reveal! That's one of the reasons I enjoy visiting your blog... you're always putting your own spin on a pattern...

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  11. OH My Goodness Thelma! What a wonderful surprise for you ! What a very thoughtful & generous quilter to make these for you ! I love your layout and the idea of a street going around to all the houses . You can do it !

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  12. AMAZING! You are one lucky girl! I love the layout you have and the fabrics you chose. Can't wait to see them!!!!

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  13. Wow! That is just amazing and wonderful! You must have an angel watching over you! Love the fabrics you chose to set them. Have fun!

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  14. You are one lucky quilter. As a group we are pretty special!! Can't wait to see what you do with the blocks!

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  15. Amazing gift from a very good person. Enjoy it for many, many years.

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  16. Wow! What a selfless, kind and generous thing to do! But Thelma, YOU are a selfless, kind and generous person too for sharing your lovely projects with us and entertaining us. Your benefactor knows what a lovely quilt you'll make from her amazing handiwork too!

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  17. How fantastic! These blocks are so fun...love all the sayings on them! I looked at each block close up with my nose to the screen and they are so great! Can't wait to see what you do!
    And if you make a cutting error, or adjustment by mistake, you can say "the witch made you do that" and patch it up with another scrappy strip!

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    1. Laugh. Love your attitude and your "problem solving skills" with "the witch made you do that".
      joanie

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  18. I knew that quilters were highly generous, but boy, this lady takes the cake! What a thoughtful gesture. I'm looking forward to seeing how it all comes out. (Those fabrics are perfect, too,)

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  19. I love the Crabapple Hill embroidery patterns, but I am rarely fond of the block settings or the pieced blocks with them. Why I never figured out that I could change the setting blocks is beyond me, but I am getting out those patterns and doing the embroidery...I can't wait to make them into something I love! Thanks for the idea! And you have one very nice friend!!!

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  20. Wow - what an awesome gift! Embroidery like that takes so much time! My first thought was the same as yours - the center was too overpowering! Can't wait to see your new design!

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  21. WOW! That's an amazing and thoughtful and generous and really, really lovely gift. I know that you'll do the beautiful stitching proud with a setting for your version of Hocuspocusville.

    Good luck! Have fun! I can't wait to see it. ;)

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  22. I can't wait to see what you do with these blocks. Your design changes are always great!

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  23. Crying over here... such sweet generosity to someone so deserving!

    I love the variation you have in mind ... I'm no expert but I don't see 'pieced' blocks in this quilt either. Your friend's stitching is perfect! Glad to see that you will showcase it :)

    Congrats Thelma!

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  24. You've got the bestest friends!

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  25. How very generous of your new BFF!!! She sure did a fantastic job, and the surprise couldn't have been better!! I don't think there is anything "unlucky" about that number 13!! Love Crabapple!

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  26. OMGoodness. What a gift. If it had been me I would have cried when I opened the package and then gone into a panic attack, knowing how special it all was and how could I ever bring such honor to this gift giver. You are the right person for this task and I know you'll do a wonderful job. Looking forward to watching your progress. Just wondering, is there links to the postings that you could share with us that moved this generous person to do this for you? I find it all so interesting. What a great story.
    joanie

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  27. I just finished all of these block stitcheries so I know how much time and effort went into stitching them! What a wonderful reader/friend you have. I don't know if I would be that generous!! I am holding off putting my blocks together until I see what you do with them. Maybe I will buy the fabric from FQS just in case....

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  28. I have a CrabApple Hill pattern, not this one, wonder if your friend would stitch mine. LOL What a wonderful gift and one that you will probably cherish forever. Every time you look at this quit I bet you think about your friend. I really like the way you have placed your blocks, like it so much more than the pattern. And I think the fabric you have chosen is perfect, in fact I am going right now to FQS and purchase some of the black bundle. Thank you and my husband thanks you for showing me something else that I just have to have, but that's what friends are for, right?

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  29. I have stitched 2 of the Crabapple quilt patterns and I know how many hours go into them. What a thoughtful and generous thing to do for you. Her stitching is lovely and I just know you will do them proud...you have a way of doing that!
    Great fabric choices.
    I don't know how you kept such exciting news quiet for so long...I am sure I would have been shouting it from the rooftops!
    Have fun with this one...we're watching and waiting...no pressure... ;)

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  30. A really true friend you have but considering how sweet you are I am not surprised at all....what goes around comes around and looks like you setting will start another great project. Can't wait to see;)))

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  31. Wow, what a wonderful surprise! But you know what they say; good things happen to good people. She is an excellent stitcher; the blocks are awesome. Great job, anonymous stitcher!
    And Thelma, I like your way of thinking. I like the way you placed the blocks in the last picture. Indeed, it will emphasize the beautiful blocks more if you put them in the middle. Oooohhh!! can't wait to see the progress on this one. Hope you will share many pics. :)

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  32. Quilters are the most generous people I know. What a treat!

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  33. What a wonderful, generous, and surprising gift! A great kindness that shows the quilting community is one with a big heart. Enjoy your blocks and designing the perfect setting!

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