APQ Quilt Along, Applique & Quilt Top
My APQ blocks are finally assembled, the sashing and nine patches have been added and I’ve just finished my first attempt at my applique block. Here’s block six on the design wall. Once I decided where each block would go, I numbered them with masking tape so I wouldn’t forget.
Here’s my applique block. If you look closely you can see it’s been machine appliqued (or maybe you can’t tell). I prefer hand applique, but often, time becomes an issue. I can machine applique this block in about 1 hour! I use Kimono silk thread on the top in a color that matches the applique (you can also use DMC Machine Embroidery Thread). I use a pre-wound 50wt. cotton bobbin in a neutral color. My needle of choice is a 70/10 Microtex. You can find a short tutorial by clicking on tutorials at the top of my blog, and then “applique”.
In order to make the basket pattern easy to print on a home computer, I have to keep the basket small enough to fit on two 8 1/2″ x 11″ pages. When I put the basket block into the quilt, I can see that it’s not quite large enough to fill the block. It looks a little empty around the block and even some creative quilting won’t be enough to fill it.
So it’s back to the design board. I’ll show you how I fixed the problem in my next APQ post. I’ll also give you the applique pattern AND talk about my border selection.
I’ll be back soon to tell you about the new addition to our family. She’s black and white with a black button spot right on her behind.
Hugs,
Anne
11 Comments
Mary T Salmon
Very beautiful. I just love this!
Mary
pdudgeon
as for the ‘extra space’ around the lovely applique basket that you have so graciously designed for us, i think i would be tempted to make some skinny bias binding in one of the darker solid fabrics, and use that bias binding to create an oval ‘frame’ around the basket area to set it off.
Then I would use a different light fabric that contrasts with the chosen background fabric of the applique to fill in the remaining corners of the block.
The finished block would represent a picture of an applique basket, framed, and hanging on a wall.
extra work, yes, but i think it would be stunning.
Modalissa
Anne,
Your work is amazing!!
Concha
Que quilt más bonito, más fino y más dulce. Me encanta hasta ahora y me gustaría verlo terminado. Felicidades y hasta pronto. Besos
Barb
PUHLEEZE don’t make us wait too long – the quilt is so pretty and I can’t wait to read about your new addition – pictures, please?
Thank you so much.
mimi'sdarlins
Anne, I love to see your blocks shaping up, and the darling applique basket really puts your personal stamp on this quilt. I’m the same about applique, prefer by hand but sometimes want to finish something fast. Can’t wait for the next installment!
Vicky
Love your basket block. I immediately thought of a fix. It’ll be interesting to see where you go with this. I’m sure I won’t even be close to what you choose! :) Can’t wait to see the new button spot at your house! (I was going to say “button butt” but that wouldn’t have come out right!) xo
Sue Pery
LOVE it!! The basket is sooo cute!! Love the fabric–I am going to do the exact same quilt!!!
Betty Back
I love your blocks, I have decided to do this quilt along. Just finished cutting all the neutrals. Haven’t chosen other colors yet.
DeAnna Dodson
Oh, that’s lovely. I’m eager to see what you do to “fix” it, though it’s very pretty as is.
So glad to hear you have a new little one. Can’t wait to hear more! :)
Hildy
Your blocks look great love the applique.
And congrats to your new family member I’m taking a wild guess here and say it’s a cat … or a dog. Am I right?
Hope your family member with cancer is okay please say hi from me.