Sunday, October 18, 2009

Summer in Fall

I took on an applique project.  It's my first.  Normally, beginners start with a beginner pattern, with easy curves and easy points.  But I didn't want easy.  My nature is to dive in. 

After looking at a variety of patterns, I found one in the book American Stenciled Quilts by Vicki Garnas.  You heard that right... stenciled.  No "A" word in the book.

The pattern is supposed to be enlarged 250%.  But I liked a smaller end size.  I enlarged 200%.  (Without a border, it's about 30" x 18".)

Got that?  I picked a non-beginner pattern, that's wasn't designed for applique, and made it smaller. 

Cuz that's what I do.

And I couldn't be happier.

Here's a picture of the traced pattern, reduced to a single sheet of paper.  (I hope the pics are okay.  I'm still learning.)  I wanted a pattern and fabrics that said summer. 




I've sewn the stems, blue petals, one bud and some leaves to the background.  The red flowers and some leaves are prepped, but not sewn in the pic below.  The basket will be out of a navy blue with white print.  The tulips will be an orange print. 



I tried a few applique techniques before I started this project.  I chose to go with freezer paper on the back of the pieces, painting the fabric edges with light sizing and and ironing the edges over the FP.  Most of the pieces have been prepped. That took a LONG time.

I am delighted with every piece that I stitch, watching the picture be revealed in fabric. 



I love how the sun lit the leaves on this tree in my backyard today.  There was a slight chill in the air. 



Outside it's fall. And inside I'm sewing summer.

10 comments:

Liz said...

It's going to be gorgeous Beth, love those fabrics. Enjoy your summery stitching.
Lizzie
XXX

Kaaren said...

Gosh, Beth...a gal after my own heart. What beginner curve? Just dive right in! I know that feeling well. What an awesome job you're doing. Applique is a slow process but the results are so rewarding.

I can't wait to see your progress. This is going to be a beauty.

~Bren~ said...

Well you certainly do not applique like a beginner!!! Welcome to the blog world!

susis quilts said...

what a beauty!happy stiching,susi

Gigi's Thimble said...

Wow - you really do dive right in! Way to go! It looks beautiful!

Thanks for visiting my blog!

Karen said...

Oh yes Beth! I'm loving it! The perfect project for this time of year. And, very brave of you for your first applique project.

Crispy said...

Welcome to the blog world Beth, just don't get too addicted or you won't get any sewing done...kinda like me LOL.

Sorry, meant to follow sooner, but got side tracted...story of my life LOL.

Love the applique, you're my kinda gal, smaller is better and harder is the best :0)

Crispy

Nat Palaskas said...

Hi Beth, sorry, I did tried to leave you a comment once before, but we run out of download and for some reason it didn't go. Welcome Beth to the CWBQ blog and to blogland. You are doing beautiful applique and will enjoy the group. Thanks for signed up to be my follower as well - Hugs Natima

Carrie P. said...

Great pattern and you are doing a fabulous job for a beginner. You go girl!!

Anonymous said...

looks great, Beth ~ I'm getting started on my CWBQ as well! I'm curious about your method. Do you remove the freezer paper before or after you stitch the piece down?

Teresa / IL