Yesterday afternoon I started to prep the third block in “Love Is In The Air” a pattern designed by Lori Smith. I thought the blocks were a tad small (8 1/2″), so I enlarged them 125%. I cut my background blocks 15″ square and I will trim them down slightly when I decide what kind of sashing to make. I love working on a quilt this way. So many unknowns and so many possibilities!!
I am using a fat quarter bundle of shirtings for the backgrounds (each square will have a different background). And I am trying really hard to make this quilt as scrappy as possible. Very liberating!
Like most blocks, it all started with the stems and leaves…..
…..and then a pretty flower!
I love using as many greens as I possibly can for the leaves. I try to include as many different patterns and textures as I can.
The whole time I was prepping all the leaves and buds, I was worrying (yes worrying!) about what kind of fabric I should use for the vase. The vase fabric shouldn’t be the focal point of the block, but it shouldn’t disappear into the background, either. I searched until I found a fabric that I think fit the bill.
And here is the prepped block waiting to be stitched!
So far, so good!
I have been making some pretty steady progress on my hexie quilt. I am hand quilting it with the Baptist fan design. So relaxing!!
Til next time….
Kerry
Simple Bird Applique 
Very pretty Kerry. The fabric you chose for the vase was great. It’s going to be fun to watch this project unfold. You are once again inspiring and motivating me to keep at my applique.
Thanks you very much. So glad to hear you are inspired to keep stitching!!
Your blocks are beautiful – I really like your fabric choices. And your hexies look great as well 🙂
Thanks so much!
Thank you!
Kerry – you are such an inspiration! I am truly your biggest fan EVER!
Oh my gosh! Thanks so much. Sheesh….
I like your hexagon quilt. Scrappy blocks are nice.
Thanks so much!
Kerry, I’m with you the more varied greens in leaves and stems the better. Yours are truly ‘right on’! Love the new patterns. Great job. I want to get back to appliqué but have a promised tote to finish…..grrrrr…
Carole Corn
Yes I love the look of a good variety of greens. So finish your tote and get appliqueing!
Your blocks are gorgeous!! Love the colours. And I always love seeing your hand quilting. There is just something about the hand quilted look. Thanks for sharing.
Love the fabric you chose for your vase. It is perfect!!
your quilting is beautiful and your stitching is consistent. How do you handle the thicker seam areas? Are you a “stab stitcher”?
Thanks! One of the pitfalls of choosing to hand-quilt is having to stitch through those seam allowances. I am not a “stab stitcher” (although I wish I knew how!). I use the rocking method. I just tend to take smaller stitches when going through the thicker seam allowances.
I like that you use a variety of prints within your applique blocks. For instance, the greens. Makes an interesting block. Makes you want to get up close and see each one.
Thanks! Yes I love using a good variety of greens. I tend to stay with olive greens so that all tend to have the same value.