First I selected the fabrics for the basket and ribs. I decided to use Karen Kay Buckley's method for machine applique since it was a lot of long lines, most easily (and quickly done) on machine. Also it gets me far enough ahead that I might actually be able to take this piece with me for the holiday and sew the first layer of leaves and petals down.
I started making the leaves, and the bottom pieces of the roses, auditioning fabric as I went along, placing them on the big paper pattern I had made to see how they "played together" and to keep track of what was done.
I had a selection of greens sitting on my ironing board and pulled from them as I went along.
Then I taped my pattern to a picture window, and taped my fabric piece over it. I marked in water soluble ink the bare bones of the pattern so I could place the elements as I went along.
I laid the pieces down on the fabric and realized I wasn't happy with the reds I had chosen for my roses. (See Mary Sorenson? I WAS paying attention in color selection class.)
So I cut some more. I like these better.
Next I basted down the pieces I have. I'll have to be careful to watch which pieces go over or under another as I go along, stitching, but I have a miniature copy (6") of the block to carry with me in case I need to refer to it.
I don't like to make all of my color choices and design decisions in the beginning. I find things occur to me as I go along. I'm happy with my progress so far, considering that when I woke up on Wednesday I hadn't done anything more than piecing the background for this work. I just realized the basket still needs a base. I'll be looking for that "perfect fabric" or combination of fabrics to use for that bit.
5 comments:
Beautiful block!!
Oh the block is going to be beautiful!
Looks great from here. I like your color choices and I'm of the same mind. I cannot choose all the colors at once. You never know when you'll find something better to work with. Take care and good luck.
It's beautiful! How intricate. I like how the roses pop.
I'm just learning to applique and haven't actually done it for real. I'm torn between hand turning and using fusible web. I suppose I'll end up using both? I'm going to look up Kay's technique.
You're invited! To the LAST PUSH quilt-a-thon I am having . Come see what it's all about!
http://justusquilters.blogspot.com/
The more the merrier! Spread the word, and grab the button! Quilty hugs! Remember, Dec 13 is the special day! Niki in AZ
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