Today I will spend a little time adding some embroidered bird legs on block #16. I already started and have a good start on block #17. It is another wreath block with eight layered flowers. Each flower has 5 layers, so they take a while to do. I tried one, to make sure I could. The little round pedals are a challenge for me. But, the flowers in this particular block are a bit larger which makes a big difference. So today I am working on layer #3. I decided to work on all eight flowers instead of working on one at a time, which is working out pretty well.
These Baltimore Garden blocks are so much fun to do. I love how the block transforms, first it just a block with scattered leaves appliqued in what looks like a random pattern. Then a few stems and it still looks like hodge podge. But once the flowers are placed it really starts to come together.
I will be linking with Kathy's blog today to see what others will be slow stitching.
oh is it ever beautiful!
ReplyDeleteThanks Deb, I would love to go back in time and meet the person that created the original quilt. The design is just so wonderful!
Deletelove your applique - it is always so nice to see others do hand work too
ReplyDeleteI agree that is why I love Slow Stitching Sundays. I hear more designers talking about hand work and the process maybe it will encourage those that need some me time to give quilting a try.
DeleteYour blocks are turning out so nice... thanks for sharing such a wonderful job! Kathi
ReplyDeleteThanks Kathi!
DeleteOh my, that's gorgeous. I just can't make myself enjoy doing applique work myself. .
ReplyDeleteThen I suggest follow your heart! I definitely believe we should all do what we enjoy. There are so many different directions one can go with quilting.
DeleteI love this block!! I do have a question: what technique do you use for applique? Yours is always so beautiful and I would love to be able to make some applique quilts (not that I ever expect to be as good as you!)
ReplyDeleteKathy, I started out back basting which is a good way to practice as it keeps the pieces in place. Then I moved to marking the seam line and traditional needleturn. Last year I worked on leaving the freezer paper on top and love that method. I prefer to baste thru the paper and all if needed to marking the pieces. I usually can get by with applique pins unless the pieces get too small. Piece o cake designs has some great videos on needle turn. I am amazed at how some can glue or use starch to pre turn seams. I tried that method but it just wasn't for me. Needleturn takes some practice and definitely gets easier the more you do it. I still use backbasting when it works best, it is good to have a bag of tricks to go to get the job done.
DeleteIt is amazing how the flowers come to life before your eyes. ANother beauty... enjoy!
ReplyDeleteI agree the flowers bring it all together. I am amazed at every block how wonderfully talented the original quilt maker had to be.
DeleteI fretted for weeks when I chose the fabrics for my first red and green quilt. I learned that more is better. So for this quilt, I went out to the rose garden and noticed yellow and blue greens so I just picked out five or six greens and just mix it up. I love the look too!
ReplyDeleteYou have a nice variety of greens for the leaves in the one block. I like using lots of fabrics and you have chosen well.
ReplyDeleteThanks Karen, I agree more is better. Can't beat those tone on tones!
DeleteRed & green…..swoon….LOVE! What a great idea to just go out to the garden for color
ReplyDeleteinspiration, you are so creative and clever!!
Beautiful applique. I have not attempted a Baltimore quilt or block. You seem to have found a system of working with the multiple layers. I shall try to keep that in my memory bank. Smart woman to make a sample block. That does help.
ReplyDeleteI think the best advice I have ever heard about applique is taking it one stitch at a time and reminding yourself you are not in a race. It is really a lot about the process, very similar to hand quilting.
DeleteCarla that is looking SO beautiful!!!! I admire anyone who can work such beautiful Baltimore blocks :*)
ReplyDeleteThanks Teresa! I really love gardening so stitching these is a real joy for me.
DeleteThanks! I love to garden and realized one day Mother Nature is great with putting colors together, so why not let her help
ReplyDelete