My goal last week was to stitch the last block of Civil War Bride and take a wee break before starting the borders. I hadn’t worked on “Friend’s of Baltimore” in a while and I was suffering from “separation anxiety”. So, I started to work on the next block of “Friend’s of Baltimore”, which I must admit, had me very intimidated! The ferns have super-intense inner curves and I have been dreading doing them ever since I started this quilt. True story!
A running dialogue started in my head and it went something like this…”Yikes! Look at those ferns. There isn’t just one, there are four! How in the world am I ever going to do those ferns. I’ll just leave this block and start another one. Maybe I’ll just substitute some easier leaves. Oh sure! Take the easy way out! OK…here is what I will do. I will make just one of the ferns! And, after doing just one, if I still think they are way too difficult, I will just do some easier leaves. But here is the deal. I have to make one fern before I can start any other part of the block. Okay…..deal!”
And that is what I did. I trimmed a small section of the seam allowance and prepped it.
Then I trimmed a bit more. And prepped a bit more.
I am not saying it happened in the blink of an eye, but before I knew it, I finished one (!) fern!
I stitched it in place and then I added a few leaves and some stems.
I added a lovely flower…and another fern!
Til next time…
Kerry
Simple Bird Applique 
bet you are going to do all the four ferns…they look wonderful!
I am doing all four ferns! Thanks!
Those ferns do look wonderful. Now are you using freezer paper? Is it going to stay in there? If it is how do you take it out without messing up your seam allowance? just curious. Love to follow your process.
I am using 2 layers offreezer paper. I take it out right before I glue it in place. Surprisingly, it does not mess up the seam allowance. The starch keeps everything in
place.
Your block is looking wonderful. It would be soo much easier if we didn’t have to pre-think it.
So true! And less stressful!!
Well – the prepping looked a real challenge but the end result is wonderful ! Great when it works out so well isn’t it?! Does all the glue not make the fabric a bit stiff for the applique needle to get through?
No not at all. I use a fairly sharp needle and it seems to work just fine!
Your ferns look very good. Keep stitching and you will have conquered your fear.
Thanks so much!
I use plastic templates along with starch. Are you using it the same except with freeze paper?
I make my template, trace the fabric, using a paint brush I brush on the starch on the seams then using a clover iron press the fabric around the template until it is dry then remove the plastic pattern.
Yes, that is what I am doing. I like the freezer paper much better. When I started doing this technique, I did use Mylar, but found it not only hard to find, but expensive. Also, I like that the freezer paper is flexible for those hard to get in corners. I iron 2 layers of freezer paper together, and I can re-use it 4 or 5 times.
Thank you. I will try the freezer paper. It will work better in those hard to get into places.
Your block is just beautiful !!
Linda
Sometimes scary things aren’t so scary when we get down to tackling them……looks fab!!
So pretty! and such detailed work! Looks great.
Kerry, your block is gorgeous! I tried the double layer of freezer paper, and had a big problem turning the curves. How big is your seam allowance?
Isn’t it great to have more than one project going on at a time? There’s always something to work on.
I know this dilemma all too well. Good on you for biting the bullet. There are two ways it could have gone, so pleased it went the right way! 🙂
Ohh that is looking good with that fern. Didn’t you have trouble with iron those deep curves? Would love to see a tutorial (video) of such a fern doing. Loved seeying your other video’s ! great help for me.
Hi Carin: Yes, I will doing a video of that darn fern.