Topeka Rose - Rose Garden BOM block 4

 How organised am I!  My quilts are all delivered for the Adelaide Quilt show 8-11 November, and I have made the November Rose Block a whole week early.  Got my life (temporarily) back in hand.  It is now available to download from the Legend and Lace website.

Hope you like this months block - Topeka Rose.  I did a little research on it and found a number of references, including one at the Spencer Museum (type in "Topeka Rose" for your search).  There are a few different designs, and I have used this image to create my drawing.

I thought I would give you a little step-by-step look at how I completed my block.

First off, I put my drawing on the light box, and put my fabric face down onto the drawing.  I then trace the drawing onto the back of the fabric with a 2B lead pencil.  At this stage I start thinking about the layers of the applique - what to do first, second etc.  In this case the leaves come first.

 I tack the leaf fabric onto the front of the block, using a size 8 needle and quilting thread.  I use the design on the back, and sew on top of the lines.  See how I have made the leaves as one piece instead of individual pieces.  Makes for easier handling.

 Once the leaves are tacked in place, I draw over the stitches with a Clover white wash out pen.  It helps to highlight the stitching line in case you can not see it properly.

 After the leaves are all done, I then tack the stems in place.  Make sure they are long enough so that they will be covered by the next layer of the applique.

 Stems are all done, so it is time for the flowers. The buds are done, then the centre red petals  They look a bit like hearts,  You do not need to take them right to the centre of the block, but just tack in place, which will be covered by the next layer.

 The pink petals are done next.  I found it easier to complete two opposite pieces first, then the final 2 pieces can then be added, and butted up close to the first 2 petals.  Leave the very centre flat, not turned under, as you will put the circle over the top.

All done!  I used Perfect Circles to complete the circle in the centre.  From the pack you choose the one you need.  Cut out a circle of fabric larger than the size,  do a running stitch around the edge of the fabric, pull up the stitches.  Press, remove the circle template, press again, and stitch in place.







I will start working ahead with the rest of the blocks while I can, and have them available as soon as you might need them.  Hope you are liking these lovely traditional floral blocks.