Wednesday, May 1, 2013

Rachel Dickey's Block and a Guest

As a newcomer to needleturn applique I love seeing how other quilters do it.  I approached Miriam from Yellow Roses to be a pattern tester and to show us her applique method.  I hope you enjoy Miriam's words and pictures!

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Hi, I am Miriam from Yellow Roses and I would firstly like to thank Sharon for inviting me to be her first guest blogger!
Today I am writing about making Block 10 of the Chester County Criswell Quilt; Rachel Dickey's block.

First of all I laid out some of the blocks I had already made and selected some possible fabrics for the block.  I chose the first fabric on the left.  It is a patterned ombre fabric from a Windham collection called Baltimore Album by Mary Koval.


When preparing my blocks I trace onto freezer paper which has been folded into quarters.  I use staples to keep the four layers stable while I cut out the design.


The freezer paper is then ironed to the right side of the fabric and I use a white pencil to trace around the freezer paper pattern. I cut out the design leaving a generous 1/4 inch seam allowance. I also leave cutting into intricate areas until I am stitching. This means there is less chance of fraying too close to a seam.


I then carefully tack the design onto my background fabric. In order to help with alignment I gently fold the background fabric vertically and horizontally. The large pins help to hold the design while I am tacking. If I need extra stability while I am stitching I use small applique pins.


I always use needleturn applique for my blocks. As I stitch I trim the seam allowance back to a generous 1/8 inch; even less in tiny spaces.


A close up of my stitching.  I try to come out in the fold of the fabric. My favourite needle is a size 10 Clover gold eye applique needle, but I love a very thin needle. For this project I am using a Superior Bottom Line thread, but I often use YLI silk for my applique.



The finished block.



Thank you very much again Sharon for inviting me to post on your blog!





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23 comments:

  1. Wanda - Scraphappy Blended QuilterMay 1, 2013 at 4:01 AM

    This comment has been removed by the author.

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  2. Wanda - Scraphappy Blended QuilterMay 1, 2013 at 4:07 AM

    How fun to see Miriam as your guest blogger! Isn't her fabric choice for this block luscious!
    I'm so excited to have another cut-out block to sew this month! This design is a favorite shape - so popular in early Baltimore style quilts. I wouldn't mind having two of these in my quilt. I will sew two blocks again this month. Maybe one of your followers will like to swap one with me...? I hope so! Swapping blocks will add to the real feel of the album style of shared blocks.
    Thanks Sharon!

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    Replies
    1. NancyMay 1, 2013 at 6:03 AM

      Hi Wanda, I would love to do a sway with you.

      Delete
    2. MiriamMay 3, 2013 at 12:49 AM

      Thank you Wanda. Yes, I love that fabric too and the fleur de lis design.

      Delete
  3. Carole~Quilter on the hillMay 1, 2013 at 5:25 AM

    Beautiful work Miriam! The fabric you chose is just perfect for this block. What a good idea to staple the freezer paper folds together - must try that. I'm looking forward to making this one.

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    Replies
    1. MiriamMay 3, 2013 at 12:51 AM

      Thank you Carole. I can't rememeber where I read about stapling the FP layers together, but it certainly helps.

      Delete
  4. NancyMay 1, 2013 at 6:07 AM

    Miriam, Interesting to see how you go about your appliqué . You do such lovely needle turn and the fabric for your block is really nice.

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  5. KarendianneMay 1, 2013 at 6:25 AM

    Wow. Amazing work and super tutorial. I enjoyed seeing how you do this!!

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  6. JanetMay 1, 2013 at 7:03 AM

    Your applique is perfection! Thanks for a great tutorial :0)

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  7. Carrie P.May 1, 2013 at 8:01 AM

    thanks for sharing how you do your applique, Miriam. Your work is always beautiful!

    ReplyDelete
  8. audreyMay 1, 2013 at 10:18 AM

    Thanks for the great demo! Your work is wonderful!

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  9. Every StitchMay 2, 2013 at 1:01 AM

    Thanks for the wonderful tutorial Miriam - great to see how you work. The end result is gorgeous!
    Hilda

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  10. MiriamMay 3, 2013 at 12:54 AM

    Thank you Donna.

    ReplyDelete
  11. JennieMay 3, 2013 at 3:38 PM

    I'm quite stunned by seeing your completed blocks all next to each other like that. As the greatx5-granddaughter of the quilt, I've only seen these blocks in their antique state. But now it's being remade, probably in better condition than the original. Thankyou for being part of my mum's project.

    Jennie

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. MiriamMay 9, 2013 at 6:11 AM

      One of the best things about this quilt is the tangible connection between the past with the quilt and the present with the decendants. It has been a delight to meet your mum and a real pleasure to be able to recreate these blocks.
      Thank you Jennie.

      Delete
  12. ritainalaskaMay 5, 2013 at 12:45 PM

    have enjoyed this tute on appliquing this gorgeous block. the quilt itself is stunning!

    ReplyDelete

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