Third flower

My third flower is finished.



Together they look like this:

Getting Ready for Flower Pots

I ordered Kim's Flower Pots pattern as soon as I finished Hearts and Flowers--I was hooked and Glorious Applique had a lot to do with that. Thank you, bloggers!
First I had to decide on colors and fabrics. I like dark backgrounds a lot and set out in that direction.
I fell in love with the Philip Jacobs Coleus Leaf in teal, posted by Gisele in September, and that led me to Coleus Leaf in turquoise which was even closer to "my" colors. I went shopping and bought most of these at my LQS, Pennington Quilt Works in Pennington NJ. Coleus Leaf is on the right.
Then I needed a background and the decision was made when I saw this green solid at Fibers in Motion when I was vacationing in Portland OR. It wasn't what I went out looking for, but my heart took over. Obviously my plan had to change. I could keep elements of Coleus Leaf but the fabric itself wasn't enough of a contrast for my background.

















So I did some online ordering and pulled from my shelves and set up a card table:


Aren't they pretty?
Ready to go! I got busy, but was a bit discouraged at how long the prep takes--first I took Kim's pattern to Staples and had it reduced in size--I want a wall-hanging, rather than a bed quilt. Then plastic overlays, templates, cutting, pinning, basting etc. It seemed to take forever.

I also use Julee's method of numbering the paper pattern and the templates, and then laying the pieces on the paper before I pin them to the fabric. I decided I needed to choose fabrics for both the left and right panels before I did any sewing. I know some of you choose ALL the fabrics before sewing--there's no way I would have the patience for that.

I'm a lot happier now that I'm sewing. I am almost done with the applique for the one on the right--which is actually the left hand panel in the pattern. I work better with deadlines: I'm going to promise a photo of the finished panel by next Friday. That will keep me stitching!

RIGHT SIDE PANEL, ROSEVILLE ALBUM

Finally finished sewing on all the circles and now it's done. I have over 120 circles made so I'm ready for the left side panel as it has over 50 circles in it and there is plenty of circles to be added to the corner blocks and outer border. Actually at my small sewing group Thursday night 3 of the ladies didn't have anything to do, so guess what I had them doing for me ??? they manage to do over 75 circles, just the basting part, which helps tremendously and I truly appreciated. Thanks Mom (Deloris), Debby and Norma. Today I'm planning on cutting out the whole panel. I have already sewed on my squirrels and the cat but can't do anything else until I cut out more pieces. I put the circles on last as they work as a "fill in the area" pieces and easy to adjust placement.

The bottom panel at last

It has taken me several months to finish this bottom panel, in spite of my eagerness to get to those charming animals. There was a moment of horror a few weeks ago when I discovered I had spilled coffee on the left edge and never noticed until the stain had set. Though I tried to soak part of it, the stain was still there. Oh well, I said, just more of the quilt's history. But when I finished the panel and soaked out the glue, lo and behold, the stain had disappeared. I should vow not to drink coffee anywhere near the quilt, but that just isn't going to happen. This panel was fun to make--even those curly trees.

My Squirrel panel

It has taken me (too) many months, but I took the last stitches in that top-most bird tonight!  : )  I do have ALL the circles to place and stitch yet.  All things considered, I feel pretty satisfied and wanted to share my Squirrel panel with you.

Also you will see my little jar of prepared circles.  Along with a stack of circles ready to be made.  They all have a running stitch and are waiting for a bit of starch and my iron.  Perhaps one day soon...

 Enjoy your day and the stitches you take!

Piecefully, Pam

TIP FOR THE DAY & CIRCLES

I found this is an easy way for cutting out many templates at a time. I have numbered both pattern and paper templates and when I get done cutting one out I just pin it in place on the paper pattern. Since I use a plastic overlay I remove several cut pieces and lay them in place on background fabric and pin, now ready for needle turning applique. I'm about ready to start cutting out the left side panel and will cut out the entire panel doing it this way. This is a good way to decide if you like the fabric layout.

I thought I would give information again about doing circles. I know most of you probably already know this but I'm reading that many more are starting to learn and are using Kim's patterns. Since there are so many circles in the quilt I've decided to make lots of them at a time. I had a stack of small pieces, too big to throw away but plenty big enough to make circles out of. No fussy cutting here! I've used PERFECT CIRCLES by Kay Buckly and made several of my own using heat resistance plastic maylar. Using stronger thread such as quilting thread to gather. Stitch around the circle close to the edge. Do not knot at the end, just overlap by one stitch and leave a "tail". Pull the tail and gather it around the plastic circle.

Next I quickly press on smooth side and turn over. I use spray starch, sprayed into the cap and small paint brush. Dab the starch onto circles and hold iron on them to dry then turn back over and use iron again to dry completely. Wait until cooled and then over the beginning and end gathering stitch use your fingernail or object like very small crochet hook to loosen gathering and take it off the plastic circle. Use the tail if needed to pull back into shape. The starch will help keep its shape and easier to sew.

You can leave basting thread in or take it out, your choice. I have made 76 so far and probably have that many more to do. Hope this information will help. As soon as I get the 50+ circles on right side panel I will post.

2nd block

Hi Everyone,

Am I still on time to wish everyone a Happy New Year and a super creative 2011?
Well here's my second block, love the colors and the blue background. I'm trying to step out of the box on this one, because I'm a really symetrical person and wanted to make the flowers the same. But since this fabric is way out there, no symetry for me!

Thankyou

to all the beautiful people around the world that sent me their most warmest wishes. It did get a bit scary at times listening to the rush of water in the dark with no electricity it was such an erry and frightful feeling. We are still not out of the woods as we are yet to receive the water from Gympie so fingers crossed. There are so many many people worse off than me. It is just a disaster zone.

We are safe my partner is back home with me and our dogs are so happy to see him and now i have done the cleaning of all the rotten food out of the fridge and freezer and have unpacked all our possessions now all we have to do is worry about snakes oh how i hate snakes.

Now we can get back sort of to the land of the living well sort of all roads are cut off and classed as danger zones we we can't get to Brisbane or have access as the Lamington Brigde has 3 major cracks in it and there is no way for food to come in only by ship and that can take a couple of weeks there is so much constructional damage to the warf.

Maggie since you live in Hervey Bay we should meet over a Coffee. Pm me if you would like that.

I give everyone a rose for thinking or me.

Adele xx