I was in a lot of pain on Sunday, Monday and Tuesday so you'll just have to forgive me getting the days muddled. Today is a bit better and I'm compos mentis.
Today I got a lot more done, two flowers. When I started this quilt of Esther's she sucked us in with quite a simple block. I was at a stage when I couldn't think of what I wanted to do and it seemed a good idea at the time! If I had known how challenging and time consuming it was going to be I probably would not have started. It is a super quilt, if you click on the link to Esther and scroll down you will see it finished in her colour choices. As a rule, I don't make other people's designs. If I'm going to break this rule this has been a good quilt to do it on.
I wondered how I was going to the anthers of the flowers, and today I decided to machine them. Here's how I did it, much much quicker than hand stitching and I like the effect and the 3d thickness of them. I used a polyester embroidery thread.
I put the area into a small embroidery hoop with a layer of very fine interfacing underneath. I placed the needle half way along the line and bought the bottom thread to the top.
I stitched away from the start (I have the feed dogs down and am freemotioning) just far enough away from the start so I can cut the ends off. I then just stitched up and down the line not quilt in the same place until it looked thick enough.
To do the next one I just jumped across (again in the middle of the line so the ends will be hidden)
When finished I just turned it over and cut away the interfacing quite close. I don't want it affecting the natural give of the fabric whilst quilting.
I love how this is turning out. I will probably change the vase into something which goes more with the 30s fabrics, something a little less art deco.
And having done the anthers on the flowers of course I realised I could use the same method for the tendrils on the previous blocks.
It is looking lovely! Love the colours you have chosen!
ReplyDeleteI have Esther's patterns safe and hope to start one later in the year. Like you I usually prefer to design my own but this is a lovely quilt and I am very tempted!
:o)
Looks fantastic.
ReplyDeleteIt may not be your own design, but it is still very beautiful - I don't know how you manage such precision on a sewing machine!
ReplyDeleteGorgeous 1930's look Sally, your blocks are lovely, I cannot believe you have done 2 more corner blocks today??????
ReplyDeleteI read your "WIP Wednesday" and didn't even notice!!!!
ReplyDeleteI hope you are feeling better Sally. I really do love the prints you have chosen for this. Yes, it's true I did lure so many of you in with the 1st simple applique block - but there was a Serious Applique Ahead Disclaimer attached, so you were all warned....kind of.
ReplyDeleteLooking lovely Sally.
ReplyDelete