Revisiting old projects

When I decided that I wanted to get a few "nearly finished" projects actually finished, I turned up 3 applique quilts, including the Maltaville Album quilt from Quilt Station.  I am not going to make the whole quilt, but have decided to make either 36 or 42 of the blocks.  Have not yet decided when I might stop.  This bird is one of the most beautiful of the collection.  It took me a while to get to it, but decided that it was time.  There are several layers to it.  I took a few photos along the way.  Some were taken with my phone on my lap, so please forgive these.

To start with, you need to do all the circles for the flowers

Then the flowers need stems.  These were a bit tricky to applique.  The original quilt had some of these stems done in embroidery.  I know why now!

I use the "back-basting" method of applique, and got the trunk of the tree in place.

The stems of the tree are a bit skinny, so I needed to make sure I did little stitches and skinny seam allowances.  Luckily this fabric did not fray, so it worked well.

Finally, the bird, which is done in 7 parts, and the little green lawn.  I like this fabric as is looks like there are flowers in the lawn.

I have chosen the 36th block, and will then decide if I keep going or not.  They are 11" finished, so I would still get a good sized quilt, and it would the DONE!