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Tuesday 28 July 2015

More applique please!

Since finishing my red and white CWB quilt I have suffered grievously with that horrible condition called Applique Withdrawal.
Yep we applique addicts know the panicky feeling that has us diving into cupboards looking for any UFO's to relieve the symptoms!
Phew ... I found something -  Benjamin Biggs Block 18. Those fiddly needle turned stems kept me going for a while.

Then what? another block of Harrison Rose. I tried a slightly different order of needle turn applique - still using back basting prep. The taupe pieces went on first, then the red. Then for the centre - trying to find the easiest/neatest way to keep the points sharp.





At this stage there are three layers of applique on the indigo points so I have cut out the back just to make it easier for quilting later.


Here are the two blocks finished together and you can see I varied the cheddar solids. I have six fabrics to choose from - all solids called "cheddar" from different suppliers. So I think I'll put them all in the mix for a little variety.

I love this project and will work on it bit by bit but I want to tackle another large applique with lots of fussy cutting and different techniques.

So - here is something I am working on - my own design and only in the 'working-it-all-out-tortuously ' stage so here is just a peek till I know where it is going. I'm  calling it Wheat and Woods and it should fix the applique withdrawal issues.  
Starting with some broderie perse using this wonderful Tree of Life fabric by Mary Koval. 


And then... 

Got you guessing?! more next post - I hope. 

We had a rare fall of snow a few days ago - so pretty. Of course we don't cope with it too well when it happens only a couple of times a year - traffic chaos, schools closed and power cuts (and yes, that was only 3 inches of snow). I woke up to a lovely garden view but the downside was getting ready for work with no power - which meant no heating and no hair dryer. I guess that is just a tiny inkling of what it must be like for those around the world who are regularly snow bound in winter.


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26 comments:

  1. Susan28 July 2015 at 19:29

    I have been suffering the same point for some time now, and just can't find the right appliqué project to start. I have contemplated designing my own too....but obviously not as clever as you! Looking forward to seeing it as it happens.

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  2. Karen H28 July 2015 at 21:51

    Those little fussy cut details in your BB block are so dainty. I've been saving the patterns and each time I see yours it makes me want to sew. I like that you are using a variety of cheddars for the Harrison Rose blocks. The effect is subtle but very effective. Wheat and Woods has really caught my attention. I have some of that fabric but mine is in red. I can't wait to see where you are going with this!

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  3. Gretchen Weaver28 July 2015 at 21:55

    Your Harrison Rose blocks are beautiful! You have a gift for applique.
    Around here 3 inches of snow isn't anything, it's when we get 13 inches that we have problems. Then of course, there's the wind chill factor, but not now! It is lovely, lovely summer!! The sun is shining and the birds are singing.

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  4. Karen - Quilts...etc.28 July 2015 at 22:40

    very pretty - I heard of your snow - living in the south in the states (the upper south) we are more used to snow than you I think but we do not get it real often either and it does create a mess with traffic - so many are not good in driving in snow. We seem to be getting more snow and ice each winter the past 5 years or so - wish we would have our warmer winters back.

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  5. Linda28 July 2015 at 22:49

    I absolutely love your Harrison Rose project! You always provide such great inspiration here. Here in North America, we are in the midst of the dog days of summer. It was nice to see that "cool" picture of your winter :)

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  6. Karen in Breezy Point28 July 2015 at 23:23

    Oh my gosh--so hard to see that snow! We are having an awful heat wave with high humidity, but I still don't want the snow back here yet. Your blocks are lovely and I am on pins and needles wanting to see what you are up to with Wheat and Woods!!

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  7. CecileD28 July 2015 at 23:41

    Your appliqués are awesome !! Love, love, love your blocks !
    For the snow in Australia, it's beautiful no ? And it' s winter.......
    I wish you a lovely day with lots of appliqués !
    Xoxo

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  8. CecileD28 July 2015 at 23:42

    Your appliqués are awesome !! Love, love, love your blocks !
    For the snow in Australia, it's beautiful no ? And it' s winter.......
    I wish you a lovely day with lots of appliqués !
    Xoxo

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  9. paulette28 July 2015 at 23:56

    Your applique is DDG...drop dead gorgeous!! I forget that you are having winter in Australia!! Enjoy the snow....while I enjoy our beautiful sunny day!! You can say the same thing to me in a few months!! :o))

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  10. Flickenstichlerin29 July 2015 at 00:01

    This is exciting, I am really looking forward to your new own designed project.
    Greetings,
    Sylvia

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  11. Nancy29 July 2015 at 00:08

    Lovely projects all. Looking forward to following your original design process.
    The snow looks very pretty. It’s terribly hot here in Georgia at the moment.

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  12. Ageeth Dorsman29 July 2015 at 00:50

    The symptoms of a lack of applique are very familiar... But I see you have found the cure. So clever and ingenious how you put the Harrison Rose block together! It has become beautiful! And most of all... I really cannot wait to see your very own design! The sneak peek is already very tempting.
    Enjoy the snow! Here it is supposed to be summer, but it is raining and we had a storm (great weather to quilt however...).

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  13. Wendy Caton Reed29 July 2015 at 04:31

    You applique stitches are amazing. I love seeing the back of your work as well as the beautiful front. I'm very intrigued by your next project. I have been walking around Mary's fabric for weeks not daring to cut into it. Thank you for the inspiration and permission to do so. I'm envious of your snow. I live for winter and our glorious mountains of snow. I know it can be debilitating for you in the southern hemisphere.

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  14. Carla A Few Of My Favorite Things29 July 2015 at 06:10

    Lots of yummy projects! Looking forward to seeing more of your broderie perse project! Missing applique had me getting out my bag of very small scraps and I have decided on starting a trailing vines quilt! That should keep me busy.

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  15. audrey29 July 2015 at 06:17

    Your new project looks very interesting!!

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  16. Kyle29 July 2015 at 10:20

    I know exactly what you mean about applique withdrawals. Your Harrison Rose blocks are great and I really like how you're using the different cheddars. It adds even more visual interest. Can't wait to see another step in your new project and original design. Woo, woo! I have some of Mary K.'s fabrics too but, like Wendy have been afraid to cut into them. Yea for you!

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  17. Janet29 July 2015 at 14:38

    Your new project looks very exciting! I hope the "working it out tortuously" goes well :0) It looks beautiful so far! I also love your Harrison Rose progress - such beautiful flowers and lovely sharp points.

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  18. Taryn30 July 2015 at 05:52

    If you are going through applique withdraw then I am, too, because I LOVE your applique. I haven't worked on my BBiggs blocks since the last one I did bled when washing out the marker. I'm still a little depressed about that. Besides, it's so hot here that my needles rust when I hold them. Applique is for cooler weather.

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  19. Dawn30 July 2015 at 10:36

    Your blocks are all looking great. I love your fabric choices and look forward to seeing your toile project! Thanks for sharing.

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  20. Carole~Quilter on the hill30 July 2015 at 10:49

    How exciting to see your own design coming together! I'm going to really enjoy watching Wheat and Woods emerge. Are those squares on a linen background? I don't think I've ever experienced Applique Withdrawal, to avoid this feared condition I always have plenty of projects in the medicine cupboard :) Loving your Harrison Rose, you have achieved the most perfect points.

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  21. Barbara30 July 2015 at 21:27

    I love your applique projects and can't wait to see what you're making with that wonderful Mary Koval fabric. I'm not familiar with the back-basting technique, is it easier? Your Harrison Rose is beautiful and those points are perfection!

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  22. Chopin - A Passionate Quilter30 July 2015 at 22:07

    Very nice applique. I love to do back basting on the quilts that do not have that much detail. Provides those lovely sharp points and very little "ripping" due to an "oops". Beautiful quilts and work. Enjoy the snow - we are in the 100's + in Texas, USA

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  23. Karen31 July 2015 at 08:20

    This post cracked me up. Your work is always so inspiring.

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  24. Heather31 July 2015 at 11:50

    Wonderful post as always. I know what you mean about having no appliqué ready to work on, I get a panicky feeling when that happens. I just love seeing the back of your block, your stitches are so tiny!

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  25. Lori10 August 2015 at 01:16

    I've not had a hand project and it is about killing me! Love yours!! The solids in applique are turning out wonderful.
    Love the snow....inconvenience and all.

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  26. Karen10 August 2015 at 02:05

    I still have not given the Harrison Rose pattern a whirl. Sitting waiting. I really need to specifically shop for the fabric instead of just adding fabrics to stash.

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