Is something a secret if you just neglect to mention it?? If so, then I guess I have had a quilting secret to share.
You know how it goes.... it starts out with one block.. then maybe another... then before you know it you have an assembly line of blocks in various stages of completion.. on their way to becoming a quilt you never intended to make. :-) I think a lot of our quilts start out this way...
It all started when I fell in love with Audrey's quilt, Happy Flowers over at her blog, Quilty Folk. She is a phenomenal quilter and I just love her style and color choices. I watched her progress on this adorable little quilt and decided to try a block or two..... These happy little flowers are addictive!
Machine Appliqued stems and leaves.
I machine appliqued the stems and leaves and am using freezer paper applique for the flowers. This makes this project very portable! It also is a nice alternative to some of the other needle turn applique I do since the edges are already turned and all I have to do stitch!
After a suggestion from a quilting friend, I decided to sew four blocks together into one larger block. I loved the way this looked... but didn't like the thick lump that occurred in the center of the block.
It was too bulky and the stems didn't always line up..... what to do??
My favorite solution to problems like this is to add a design element to eliminate the problem. And the brown circle in the center did just that!
As you can see from the back, that bulky center is trimmed away once I appliqued the center circle. Easy-peasey, problem solved. :-)
So my completed blocks are enjoying time on my design wall.
I am thinking of putting individual blocks in between the larger blocks around the outside edge. What do you think? I also am facing a dilemma of what color fabric to use for the setting triangles. Hmmm... something to ponder another day.
In the mean time as my garden grows, I am thinking an appropriate name for this quilt would be "Audrey's Flowers"
I am linking up today at Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts for the last Sunday of the year. Please stop by and check out the slow stitching going on today.
Happy Stitching!
Deb
I love it! Your colors are perfect and it is truly growing into a beautiful garden.
ReplyDeleteJust wonderful! I love your design element - what a great problem-solver!
ReplyDeleteLovely, lovely appliqué designs won't this be a gem when complete!
ReplyDeleteAhh.... Love those flowers.:) They really do make for a happy quilt. Love your fabrics, especially that background! I have many, many quilts that start exactly the same way!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful.....just beautiful! I really love your applique quilt.
ReplyDeleteOh! It's so beautiful! Happy new year! ;) Sil
ReplyDeleteLove these flowers - and what a great solution for that bulky center!
ReplyDeleteYou have a whole field of flowers in the works. I too like Audrey's style.
ReplyDeleteHow about scrappy setting triangles that use the fabric in the flowers. I really like these flower blocks.
ReplyDeleteOh Deb...I LOVE these scrappy fun flowers! I checked out the QUilty Folk blog too....thanks for that new friend to meet!
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful secret! And a wonderful solution for the centers. If you want help with your border you might need to put the quilt on the floor so your assistant can help you.
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done with Audrey's flowers! What a wonderful setting. I would love to start this quilt soon, now I think I might have to take another look and see what kind of spin I can put on it. Thanks for sharing, this really makes me want to get started!
ReplyDeleteI love what you've done with Audrey's flowers! What a wonderful setting. I would love to start this quilt soon, now I think I might have to take another look and see what kind of spin I can put on it. Thanks for sharing, this really makes me want to get started!
ReplyDelete