Saturday 18 May 2013

Baltimore Album block 23

One of my favourite blocks - and made with one of my favourite greens - so all good fun to make! I am not a "hearts" girl so I made the hearts green in this block to make them less of  a feature.

I did the whole block using my usual back-basting and normal needleturn applique. But I have just read on Repro Quilt Lover blog that parts of this particular block might be easier done in reverse needleturn applique and I can see that. The narrow parts on the petals could more easily be made very narrow that way I think. Interesting....

I have experimented (rather randomly!) with reverse applique in parts of my Baltimore Album. Thought it might aid with layering and add some depth - centres of buds etc - and found it very useful. It combines well with back-basting but adds an extra step. You first back-baste the under layer in place, and then the top layer, prior to reverse applique.

I feel a bit nervous showing such close-ups of my applique - could have taken a wee bit more care with stitches and thread colour but never mind! These are all closeups of different earlier finished blocks.
the pink centres in bud are reverse appliqued
pink in petal area is reverse applique
reverse applique yellow in centre of  knot and in curved bows, but not on wider ribbon ends
 
Do have a look at the blog I mentioned because Taryn shows her beautiful block there - looks wonderful quilted!

I've now finished 5 blocks of my Carolina Lily quilt and still going strong...

21 comments:

  1. It's a beautiful block, and the reverse appliqué does enhance the finish. Thanks for being brave and showing your stitching up close, I think it looks great.

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  2. I am in awe of your neddle skills and patience in creating such a beautiful piece of handwork.

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  3. What a beautiful block! I had recently checked out Taryn's blog too as it is such a great block and makes you think about using reverse applique more often. THanks for sharing the close-ups.

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  4. Beautiful block, I'm not big into hearts either, like your solution. Do love the red and green you used, scrumptious! Thanks for suggesting reverse applique, something I need to keep in mind, it may come in handy.

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  5. Love how you hid the hearts. Wonderful way to do that and so simple when you think about it! Your stitching looks great and I'm so happy to find someone that doesn't always use the 'perfect' color of thread. If I decide I'm ready to stitch something late in the evening and discover I'm out of the proper color thread, I just find something else and get stitching.:)

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  6. oh I love this block, love it! reminds me of the block in my header picture sort of!
    wow, ok where is this block from I need to make this one too!
    I LOVE that green fabric too, oh how I wish they would reprint it
    thanks for sharing I have done back basting I like needle-turn appliqué and find my way of basting works!
    guess I am one of those if ain't broken don't fix it type of person.
    I do like reverse appliqué especially to give a block depth.
    Kathie

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  7. Your blocks are beautiful and you definitely are a skilled with the needle! I love a bit of reverse applique myself, it seems like the Baltimore blocks have many techniques which make them a challenge.

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  8. The green hearts look great. And so does the up close stitching. You shouldn't be nervous about it at all!

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  9. Those blocks are so beautiful !!!

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  10. Your blocks are wonderful. I agree, I like the heart shape done in the green fabric.

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  11. A fabulous block and like your use of the green where the hearts are - it gives everything a good foundation - you made a wonderful decision to change it!

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  12. I gasped when I saw your latest block - its just so beautiful!! I loved seeing your close ups and hearing about reverse applique. I'm learning so much about applique from you! I like seeing the thread colour and bits of stitches, it makes the sewing more real and just adds to the beauty.

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  13. Your block is gorgeous. I mostly use back basting and needleturn for my applique. It's the method that works best for me. I am thinking of trying those fiddly finger shapes in reverse in another of my Mary Mannakee blocks. I enjoy reverse applique but it does involve more steps.

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  14. I like the way the applique forms a star in the center. A beautiful block.

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  15. Lovely block. Sometimes it is fun to use reverse applique. I think your stitches are great!

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  16. Gorgeous block! I love the flowers! Your close ups are wonderful. I learn so much reading about your process :0)

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  17. A lovely block. What a good idea to make the hearts green. I love reverse applique too.

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  18. I love the blocks . and I loove baltimor blocks I hope that I make A baltimor quilt Ever!
    Christine

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  19. what a pretty block!
    wonderful stitching photos -
    the green hearts are great

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  20. Baltimore block #23 is gorgeous!!! I like the green hearts- they come off a little like leaves the way you have done it. Always such beautiful work!

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  21. Кропотливая работа. Браво мастеру!!!

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