I didn't exactly hit the ground running when I turned the calendar page to 2013 ~ the best laid plans and all that ~ but over the last few days things seem to be falling into place and I've finished the center block for my basket quilt, finally. I'm very happy with it and think it's going to work as I had envisioned.
When I decided several weeks ago that I might like to break up the field of small basket blocks with an appliqué block, I went to my stack of pages of favorite antique quilts from my old Quilt Engagement Calendars. This was the sheet I paused at...that bird block jumped right out at me. I mentioned previously that quite coincidentally, I had tracing of the blocks from this quilt, a generous gift from two friends, tucked away on a bookshelf in my sewing room.
When I unfolded this block's tissue tracing, I measured it to find the blocks were originally 18" square. Since my basket blocks are 4" finished, I wanted a 16" block so I scanned each quarter of the design, reduced them and printed them out on computer paper. Before printing, I also flipped the orientation of the design so that visually it 'leaned' in the same direction as I planned to set my basket blocks. Then I taped the 4 sections together.
Because I use a light box to trace my design onto my background fabric, I wanted a more transparent pattern to I traced the 4-section pattern onto a piece of tissue paper, which I then used as my reference pattern, marking circles sizes on the berries and numbering leaves and blossoms for reference as I made individual pattern pieces.
The appliqué went pretty quickly. How one approaches sewing little circles is often a topic of inquiry among quilters. Although I've prepped them over little templates on some past projects, I've decided that especially on these designs that draw from antique quilts designs, I prefer to stitch my little berries freehand, needle-turned, using a very scant seam allowance to turn under. I think it looks a bit more organic. I didn't want to use any black fabric in the berries, but it looked too washed out without them so I replaced several green ones with black.
Last was the floss choice. I love the look of #8 perle cotton, but was able to find a more compatible green in DMC embroidery floss so went with that. Using three strands and a #7 Bohin embroidery needle, I used a traditional stem stitch, which worked out beautifully. (Probably why it's called stem stitch. Heh.)
I think I'll assemble this center section, baskets and bird block, before I decide on the border design. I have two distinct and different ideas to play with, but I'm determined not to let this project get derailed while I decide. That's my mantra for the new year ~ power through, finish it up and on to the next one!
We'll see how that works out.
Thank you for the peek into your process-love the applique!
Posted by: Cathy Danderfer | January 14, 2013 at 02:26 PM
omg the black looks great in this block, so nice and balanced yet striking. ok Love that quilt you have the drawings for what an amazing gift that was I am sure you will use more of them of the next few years....
I like that light box! mine doesn't look as big...
keep moving the block came out great!
Kathie
Posted by: kathie | January 14, 2013 at 02:44 PM
Lovely!
Your berries looks great; I do like the black ones in there. Such a great block.
Posted by: Linda in NC | January 14, 2013 at 02:56 PM
What a gorgeous block! And your appliqué stitching is so gorgeous as well. What an inspiration you are!!
Posted by: Sue | January 14, 2013 at 03:23 PM
Your block looks terrific!
Did you know that Mary B owns this quilt?
We made it as a group. I did the berry ring block.
It is a wonderful quilt.
Posted by: barb | January 14, 2013 at 03:32 PM
Oh my - what a fabulous applique block!! So perfect to go with your baskets! I look forward to seeing this project come together :0) The antique quilt is pretty marvelous as well - thanks for sharing your inspiration!
Posted by: janet | January 14, 2013 at 03:32 PM
This is inspiring me to get my applique project out. The centre is an appliqued flower vase with flowers, the next border is pieced and the next is appliqued. I have one done, 3 to go. I will finishit this wonter, I will finish it this winter...my mantra! Thanks!
Posted by: Barb Robson | January 14, 2013 at 03:35 PM
I loved reading about your process and the block has turned out awesome. I'll really enjoy following your progress on this one. I'm a bit over doing circles on templates and am going the simpler route with some of mine too. They came out looking very good on your block.
Posted by: Janet | January 14, 2013 at 05:36 PM
Your applique block is fabulous! I love the depth the dark berries gives.
Thanks for sharing your quilting journey. This quilt is going to be amazing. :)
Posted by: Ann Champion | January 14, 2013 at 05:44 PM
Wow! This block is amazing! Thanks for sharing your process in making it. Very interesting!
Posted by: audrey | January 14, 2013 at 07:48 PM
It is beautiful, it certainly needed a lot of patience but it was well worth.
Posted by: Blandina | January 14, 2013 at 08:59 PM
woohoo, love the block! let's hear it for getting stuff done. I was horrified to realize that I didn't finish a single quilt last year. lots of tops and several that just need binding... I need that power through motto too!
Posted by: Tonya Ricucci | January 14, 2013 at 09:04 PM
I LOVE your block. I love all the little berries and the bird, two of my favorite things.
Posted by: faye | January 14, 2013 at 09:28 PM
Thanks for showing your process!
Posted by: Sara Homeyer | January 14, 2013 at 09:54 PM
Oh, wow, great post! Love how you described the appliqued berries as organic, as that is how I view needleturn applique - its not meant to be perfect! Love your progress on this project. Thanks, as always, for your inspiration!
Posted by: Dixie | January 14, 2013 at 10:02 PM
Your block is fabulous! Black is perfect for those berries!
Posted by: Donna | January 15, 2013 at 12:38 AM
Can't wait to see this gorgeous block surrounded with baskets. Power through!
Posted by: Ann Marie | January 15, 2013 at 07:28 AM
Love the pattern and love the colours you have chosen.
Posted by: Jenny M | January 15, 2013 at 07:33 AM
Ohmygosh Jan -- it's gorgeous. I can just imagine it with those baskets -- I can't wait to really see it! And you didn't use a template on those circles??? You're amazing!
Posted by: Thimbleanna | January 15, 2013 at 09:05 AM
Amazing work, I'm blown away with your free hand cherries. Good grief, don't look too closely at mine made with templates :-)
This is such an interesting block, definitely keeps the viewer engaged, great work!
Posted by: Sharon | January 15, 2013 at 02:09 PM
Love, love, love this applique block. Very prim looking and a style I like.
Posted by: Karen Beigh | January 15, 2013 at 09:52 PM
OKAY. Now I want to return to needle turn appliqué. I had nearly forgotten how beautiful it was. Is. And so soothing on a winter day. I wish I had a calendar with patterns but I have so many Baltimore books. I should be able to find something to use. LOL.
Your work is SO DELIGHTFUL.
Posted by: joanne | January 16, 2013 at 06:02 PM
What a beautiful block! Love the bird too!!
Posted by: LoriD | January 17, 2013 at 10:19 AM
Beautiful applique work! I am working on one that is from an old Baltimore style quilt I used the "starching and freezer paper" method if you know what I mean. I think I like the looks of yours alot better.
Posted by: Heidi | January 17, 2013 at 12:46 PM
The block is so beautiful. I look forward to seeing it in place.
Posted by: Ali @Very Berry | January 18, 2013 at 03:46 PM
Yep. Birds, baskets and berries. What more can a quilt need?
Totally gorgeous. Love the appliqué.
Posted by: Kate | January 19, 2013 at 02:12 AM
Your applique is so beautiful! Thanks for all the details of how you do it! I am determined to start an applique project because I've never done a whole quilt. I just can't decide on which project. There are at least 3 that are capturing my interest.
Posted by: Anita | January 19, 2013 at 10:32 AM
Your applique is so nice. Looks perfect, in fact! I love the red-wing black bird. Don't know how you can do such exact needlework AND watch Downton Abbey. I can't take my eyes off all the beautiful clothes. Did you LOVE Edith's wedding dress? So glad she didn't marry the old guy, but glad we got to see the dress! By the way, how is the quilting coming on Molly's wedding quilt? What are you going to do with all the squares you cut and rejected for the quilt? I can't stop thinking about them! Maybe a little give-away?
Posted by: Pam Cope | January 22, 2013 at 11:34 AM
Oh wow, I can't wait to see this in the center of your basket quilt. That's going to be AMAZING.
Posted by: Diane Harris | January 23, 2013 at 09:35 AM