Quilt Block-of-the-Month #5

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: