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.

Past Reflections

Last week DH and I went for a little holiday to Port Lincoln, and home via Kadina, where I had a class on Saturday and Sunday.  I took along my quilt to finish off the quilting.  I got a lot done, because the weather was not so good, and I spent a bit of time in doors.  We had a really big storm that lasted 2 days, and we were right by the beach.  Bit scarey.

So, now my quilt is all finished, and at this very moment, in the washing machine.  Now that is really scarey!  I use a very mild detergent, and a couple of "colour catchers", but with so much cream and red, I worry what it is going to look like when it is done.  I have to just walk away.

Once the quilt is washed, I lay it on the floor and block it.  As you can see by the photo above it is pretty flat and square - a miracle!  However, if it is not flat and square, then blocking it will make it that way.  Way back here I posted on how I block a quilt .

This quilt is a combination of blocks from the Circuit Rider quilt, and those found in other places, that were complimentary.  It has taken several years to complete, as it started life as 2 class samples, which I then pulled apart, sewed back together with more blocks.  It actually has not got a top or bottom, but I had better decided which way it goes before I put the hanging sleeve.  Also, I made a very wide binding on it.  As there was no border, I thought that might give it a more finished look.

Wonder how that washing machine is going?....must not think about it.

How about a rainbow!  I caught this rainbow to bring home to my DGD Skylar.  She loves rainbows, and this came after our storm at Port Lincoln.  Such a treat!

Pine Burr block

This months block for the Pieces of the Past Block of the Month, is the Pine Burr.  Also, knows as Feathered World Without end.  You get a chance to show off some pretty fabric in the middle of this block.

Don't let those little triangles scare you off!  They are easily pieced by hand, then added to the "arms" of the block.

The pattern is now available on the Legend and Lace website as a PDF to download.

A few years back I made a whole quilt of this block.  I chose a dark blue for the centre, and lighter blues for the arms, and feathers, and finally red points.  When the  red points meet they take on a whole new pattern.  The finished quilt I hand quilted with an all-over Baptist Fan design.  It is one of my favourite quilts.

Hand quilting workshop

Fruit Tingle - hand appliqued and quilted

I am leading a "hand quilting" workshop at Hettie's Patch, at 294 Port Rd,  Hindmarsh, South Australia,  on Saturday 27th October.  We will be covering most aspects of hand quilting -  basting the quilting, marking, threads, needles, thimbles, hoops, and anything else I can think of.  The workshop will run from 10 am to 2pm, and the cost is $30.  Bring along a small quilt that you would like to work on, or the shop will supply you with a "kit" of quilter's muslin and batting.  Please call Lorraine, or one her lovely staff members, to book your spot.  The number is : 08 8346 0548

My usual hand work "sit n sew" at Hettie's on the first Saturday of the month will not be held in November.  The hand quilting class mentioned above will be held instead.

Hope to see my "regulars" there, and meet a few new people.

Rose Garden - Block 3

I bet you don't know how many quilt blocks have "Rose" in their names until you starting searching through books for them.  The block this month I found under several names, but I am calling it "Cactus Rose".  The little leaves look a bit spiky to me.

It is a little easier than last month's block - not quite so many little pieces to put in place.  I am trying to find a bit of a mixture of designs - some simple, some a little more complex.

At least I have made my deadline with this, can't say that for all of my outstanding projects.

The blocks is available on the Legend and Lace website now, and can be downloaded.