This month, I made two blocks. They block preparation was different than the blocks I have completed so far. The background was constructed of two coordinating fabrics cut and arranged in quarters, and then quilted. The appliqued design was then applied. Here is the first block. The pieces are set on the block and I am deciding how to applique it. You can see the coordinating background fabrics.
After applying the pieces with fusible web, I begin the applique process, creating detail and depth.
There were three new techniques introduced this month; the first one was free-motion quilting. The quilting in the center of the leaves is an example of free-motion quilting. "Free-motion" means that you drop the feed teeth on the sewing machine and move the fabric freely in any direction you wish, as you sew. You use a darning foot for this technique. It is sort of like "free-hand drawing" with your sewing machine. I know this looks pretty simple, but it takes a bit of practice to keep the speed of your movement consistent as you continually change directions. Eventually, the quilt will be quilted through all layers using this technique.
The next technique used on these two blocks, is "couching"; that is applying a decorative cord or trim with a special couching foot and stitch. This was my first attempt at it, and I simply applied the silk cording around the flower edges, but I could really get creative and think of many ways to use this technique, especially in trimming garments.
The third technique I learned this month was how to sew buttons with my machine; all you need is the right foot. The machine is then set to a wide stitch (aligned with the space between the holes in the buttons), and a zero stitch length (so it doesn't feed forward), and watch it sew! Amazing, eh? How have I lived without this foot for so long?
Here is the finished block. Of course, I still need to add the borders.
The second block was prepared and assembled much the same:
No holds barred! I am ever pushing the boundaries of my comfort zone - and this month I really tried to let loose with color. Since the last two blocks were "cool" colors, I already knew I wanted to use "warm" colors again, which will lay diagonally opposite. So enough with the chit chat. Here are the blocks-
I started with these pictures, because they show what the block looks like before the applique work. It is pretty "simple" and one-dimensional looking. As the appliqueing begins, detail and dimension begin to emerge.
Two blocks were completed for this month. Here is the other one;
Here are the four blocks as they will be arranged in the center of the quilt. I still need to add the borders.
By the time I was working on the fourth and fifth blocks, I was really enjoying using contrasting colors and every different stitch I could think of. It certainly creates a lot of visual interest. I am finally starting to feel like I am "breaking free" from my "box" - my limited, conservative use of color and texture.
Oh, and one more thing...thanks to my little photographer who took all these pictures because she wanted me to blog about this. I love my Rebecca Pearl!
