This block was totally fun to design and pattern. Sooooo many circles!
Here are a few tips for making this block. It was designed to be made with fusible web and machine applique. If you prefer a different method, feel free to use your method of choice.
These circles are BIG and there are many layered and over-lapping pieces. All the templates are reversed (although that doesn't make much difference with circles). Trace one of each template on the paper side of the lightest weight fusible web you can find. I recommend Soft Fuse of Misty Fuse. Soft Fuse comes with a paper backing, Misty Fuse does not, so you will need parchment paper with it.
Label every piece with template number/letter and fabric color. This is critical with this many pieces which are similar in size and shape.
Smaller circles can be drawn inside the larger circles. All but the very smallest circles should be "windowed." That means you should trim out the center of the fusible web circles about 1/4 inch inside the traced line. This reduces bulk when layer applique pieces. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Get the applique basket you made from last month's pattern. You will need it to make this month's complete block.
Cut out around each traced template and sort them by fabric. Fuse the web to the back side of the applique fabric. Trim each circle on the traced line.
Sort the circles into flowers, so all the pieces of a single flower are together. Use a zip top bag for each flower to keep them organized.
Prepare the applique layout guide. There are 9 pages - yup this is BIG block. Tape the pages together on the registration lines. The complete block should measure 24-1/2" square. Cut your background fabric at least 25" square or more.
Pin the applique layout guide to your ironing board. It may be bigger than your board so you might want to improvise with a larger surface. Then pin your background fabric to the layout guide so it doesn't shift. If you are using a light color background, you should be able to see the layout guide through your fabric.
I recommend you use an applique pressing sheet to pre-assemble each flower. CLICK HERE to see how to use one, if you have not used one before. This will make it MUCH easier to position all these flowers on your background fabric. Once the flowers are pre-assembled, arrange the basket applique and the flower applique on the background using the layout guide for placement.
Be careful about overlapping the flowers as shown on the layout guide. Go slowly, and don't fuse anything in place until you are sure you have it placed correctly. For example, place the basket down first and fuse it in place. Then slowly add flowers over the basket. Work from the back to the front, if possible, to layer things in the correct order.
Be sure you use the correct iron temperature, time and pressure for your fusible product. And don't forget to take the paper off the back of your fusible before placing it on the background. A pair of bent nose tweezers are a big help in positioning applique pieces on the layout guide.
Once all the pieces are fused in place you are ready to stitch down the edges. I will provide more detailed tips for how to do this in my next post.
By the way, If you plan to sew on buttons (as I do) wait until AFTER the quilt is quilted. Your quilter will thank you.
Here are a few tips for making this block. It was designed to be made with fusible web and machine applique. If you prefer a different method, feel free to use your method of choice.
These circles are BIG and there are many layered and over-lapping pieces. All the templates are reversed (although that doesn't make much difference with circles). Trace one of each template on the paper side of the lightest weight fusible web you can find. I recommend Soft Fuse of Misty Fuse. Soft Fuse comes with a paper backing, Misty Fuse does not, so you will need parchment paper with it.
Label every piece with template number/letter and fabric color. This is critical with this many pieces which are similar in size and shape.
Smaller circles can be drawn inside the larger circles. All but the very smallest circles should be "windowed." That means you should trim out the center of the fusible web circles about 1/4 inch inside the traced line. This reduces bulk when layer applique pieces. Watch this video to see how to do this.
Get the applique basket you made from last month's pattern. You will need it to make this month's complete block.
Cut out around each traced template and sort them by fabric. Fuse the web to the back side of the applique fabric. Trim each circle on the traced line.
Sort the circles into flowers, so all the pieces of a single flower are together. Use a zip top bag for each flower to keep them organized.
Prepare the applique layout guide. There are 9 pages - yup this is BIG block. Tape the pages together on the registration lines. The complete block should measure 24-1/2" square. Cut your background fabric at least 25" square or more.
Pin the applique layout guide to your ironing board. It may be bigger than your board so you might want to improvise with a larger surface. Then pin your background fabric to the layout guide so it doesn't shift. If you are using a light color background, you should be able to see the layout guide through your fabric.
I recommend you use an applique pressing sheet to pre-assemble each flower. CLICK HERE to see how to use one, if you have not used one before. This will make it MUCH easier to position all these flowers on your background fabric. Once the flowers are pre-assembled, arrange the basket applique and the flower applique on the background using the layout guide for placement.
Be careful about overlapping the flowers as shown on the layout guide. Go slowly, and don't fuse anything in place until you are sure you have it placed correctly. For example, place the basket down first and fuse it in place. Then slowly add flowers over the basket. Work from the back to the front, if possible, to layer things in the correct order.
Be sure you use the correct iron temperature, time and pressure for your fusible product. And don't forget to take the paper off the back of your fusible before placing it on the background. A pair of bent nose tweezers are a big help in positioning applique pieces on the layout guide.
Once all the pieces are fused in place you are ready to stitch down the edges. I will provide more detailed tips for how to do this in my next post.
By the way, If you plan to sew on buttons (as I do) wait until AFTER the quilt is quilted. Your quilter will thank you.
