Friday, December 11, 2015

Mountain Laural


My December block for the Shenandoah Valley Botanical Album quilt. I rarely make quilts from published patterns and I must admit I have struggled a bit with this one. It isn’t because it is complicated. I am just making it difficult by trying to be true to the pattern and trying to make my own minute changes at the same time. Let’s face it, I have already made the biggest change by choosing my “cheddar” background. I do hope Esther would is looking down on me with a wink on that choice. Somehow I think we might be kindred spirits. After all my favorite block is the whimsical “Liberty Tree” – need I say more?


I backbasted this one just to make sure I didn’t miss one of those tiny buds. I will also share a helpful hint in the applique of those tiny stems. Whenever I have a fabric change in such a tiny spot as in these little stems I machine piece (with extra tiny stitches) the two fabric together before cutting my appliques. It reduces lots of bulk when you come to that intersection.



I have also been quilting the last two pineapple blocks. I adore this yellow. I bought this fabric in 1993 in St. Bart's. I mentioned in an earlier post that my husband travels to the Caribbean (for work) in the late Fall for boat shows. I think it may be time for me to go down next year for a little fabric shopping!


I also made two tops for our Veteran’s Quilts project. I will take them to another volunteer for machine quilting. We have a few quilt angels in our group who longarm the tops which gives me more time to piece them.




And, Audrey has inspired another of my non blogging friends to join in the Quilty 365 sew-a-long. 


My friend Charlotte has started hers with some 1930’s reproductions and they are adorable. I am so enjoying this. I love waking up to a little circle applique each morning. It’s like my daily vitamin!


12 comments:

  1. Your block is beautiful! I had troubles with the enlargement at Staples for mine / way too small and in the end I didn't feel up to those tiny pieces...when I took this on I knew that I'd have to 'dumb down' some of the blocks to my level which is fine : I want to enjoy this not pull my hair out, lol. So I am making one in the spirit of the block but not the details :) Some of these I can handle / this one and a few others I'll change. Thanks for that tip on stems! :)

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  2. beautiful work on those intricate pieces...

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  3. Wonderful - such a treat to see these colours and fabrics - they just glow! What a good idea machine stitching the fabrics together - must try that for my next SVBAQ block. Too late for this one as it is almost done :)

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  4. Lovely applique block. Your quilt tops for veterans are a beautiful gift from your heart. There are a lot of circle stitchers doing some sweet blocks.

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  5. Everything looks so pretty. What a great tip about joining the fabrics before cutting! There is always something new to learn from my stitching friends.

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  6. OMG such tiny pieces to applique!
    Love the cheddar background!

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  7. No doubt that you're sooo talented to make appliqué blocks !! These are beautiful with these fabrics !!
    Your 2 veteran quilts are amazing !
    For the circles, congrats to your friend ! I love these kind of fabrics !

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  8. Amazing applique on that wonderful block!!

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  9. I love how your block turned out! I will try the wonderful tip you shared on piecing the stem & bud first before back basting. Wonderful that you made those special Veteran's quilt tops. They will be so appreciated. Your Circle blocks are sweet and cheerful.

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  10. Love the colors on your block! I'll remember your tip about sewing the two applique fabrics together to create less bulk.

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  11. Wow, lots of detail work in that block...turned out beautiful...as did your 2 little quilts!

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  12. Lovely block. Your cheddar background is awesome. I am simply in awe of your hand appliqué of such teeny pieces!

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