When I made the first piece like this (Sunset), it was pretty much trial and error. Since it was for the Twelve X Twelve challenge, I had to make sure it fit into that space. When I made the second piece, Allegro, I did not plan it as well. I decided to make the pockets a different size. I was not as meticulous about the piecing and the layout. Now that I am working on the third piece, I am realizing the mistakes that I made. I think I will take it apart and redo it.

Anyway, I thought I would share how I am doing this one. The first row of pockets is stitched two inches from the bottom.

After that each row is attached one and a half inches above the last row of stitches. I draw a chalk line on the background as in the first photo.

I then make a chalk line on each organza pocket, two inches from the bottom.

I line up the pocket chalk lines with the chalk line on the background and pin in place, overlapping about one quarter inch.

Each row of pockets is overlapped in the opposite direction from the preceding row. I neglected to do that on the Allegro piece — I think it made a difference. After the row of pockets is pinned in place, I do a row of satin stitching over the chalk line and trim the organza close to the stitching. I have not trimmed, yet, in this photo.

So, I got a few more rows done on this. I really have been futzing around too much and not having a good studio work ethic. I don’t know why! Winter doldrums, maybe.

Stephanie is leaving for Savannah on Sunday for a week to do a photo shoot. I can’t tell you for whom, but it is a very exciting venture for her. We will be helping Jack with M & M, but he is such a great dad, I don’t think we will be on call too often.

Have a good week-end.