Monday, June 27, 2016

Slow Stitching Flower Centers

I finally decided on fabric for the centers and middles of these six flowers and I'm excited about them.  Two have the the first center stitched.  I'll finish the other four and then stitch all six middle pieces onto the centers.

applique flower for Gwennie-Inspired Medallion quilt

I searched for small brown and tan gingham but did not find any, therefore the black and tan is it.  I think it will be fine once the next center is sewn.

Do your applique pieces get wrinkled as you stitch them?  Mine do!  After they're all stitched I'll press the whole block before measuring for the first border.

applique flower for Gwennie-Inspired Medallion quilt

These flowers are from my Gwennie-Inspired Medallion quilt.  I'm still in the process of sewing the first border but expect to have it finished and sewn onto the center within the next few days.

I'm linking this post to
Slow Stitching Sunday at Kathy's Quilts
Moving It Forward Monday at Em's Scrapbag
Monday Making at Love Laugh Quilts
Main Crush Monday (MCM #26) at Cooking Up Quilts
Thanks for hosting, ladies.

--Nancy.
.

23 comments:

  1. Your flower centers are lovely. I think the black looks nice, although I know how frustrating it is when you have in mind exactly what you want and you just can't find it in the shops.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Rebecca Grace. I think the black and tan check will work but I won't know for sure until I get those little centers stitched in place -- tomorrow. I do try to shop my stash instead of buying (because I have plenty of fabric) but that doesn't keep me from looking at the shops when there's a serious, definite need.

      Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I appreciate it.

      Delete
  2. I always like a print background for applique. That pink dot on the brown and pink background is stunning. Sally

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks for that nice compliment, Sally. I appreciate it.

      Delete
  3. What, you aren't going to show us the final center yet? Oh, you tease. I want to see what has you excited! : )
    I don't applique, so my pieces never get wrinkled. *LOL*

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I couldn't show you the center, Janet, because I'm still being indecisive about it (as an after though after posting how pleased I was to have decided). I've stitched two down today, will stitch the others tomorrow, and then decide. I think perhaps I am the most indecisive person I know (sometimes).

      I like your sense of humor: no applique, no wrinkles. You're funny.

      Delete
  4. Honestly, I think the flowers look great with just that gingham center! Now I'm really curious what you decided on. =)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I told another commentor that after I published that post I had second thoughts (again) about the very centers. I stitched two today and will do the other four tomorrow. Always my concern with applique (that I create from my own imagination) is that the next addition will detract instead of add to the whole piece. I won't know about those centers until they're all on and I can see them together. I will not have any hesitation about removing them and leaving the gingham circles plain or trying some other fabric/shape for the centers if I think they don't make the flowers better.

      Delete
  5. Always impressed by your appliqué, never a stitch in sight and the curves look so smooth ☺

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I think it's the photo that makes it look good, Allison. If you could see it closer I'm sure you would see all the flaws. But you're very kind to say such nice things about my applique, Allison. Thank you.

      Delete
  6. That gingham center is spectacular! Your appliqué looks so perfect. I'm in awe!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Kathy. I must say, though, that if you could see a close up of my applique I know you would see all the imperfections. It's all in the photography.

      Delete
  7. Love that fabric for the centers...just the right touch. You have a great eye for choosing fabrics!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks so much, Jocelyn. I often hesitate when choosing fabrics, hoping they'll all work together.

      Delete
  8. Gingham, great choice. What kind of stitch do you use that it doesn't show a bit? Do you pin or glue baste it in place?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you. Because some of the flowers in the block are light and some a little darker and I wanted to use the same center for all, it just seemed like they needed a fabric with both light and dark and the gingham seemed about right. It's a little more loosely woven than the other fabrics in the block. I hope it holds up for at least a few years of use!

      I use a small applique stitch to attach the pieces. I don't use glue, freezer paper, nor any iron-on interfacing on the back. I'm also unable (yet) to do needle-turn applique. I was pinning the edges under but just recently started turning the edges in and using a running stitch to hold them in place while I applique the piece to the backing fabric. I use a few pins to hold the applique piece in place while I stitch it. I've noticed that some others use a running stitch to hold the applique shape in place which would alleviate the sewing thread getting caught on the pins.

      Delete
  9. I am really admiring your applique pieces - the stitching is exquisite! Are those pieces needle turned under? I've tried but can't get the hang of it. Your curves are so perfect and I love the circles! Thanks so much for sharing on MCM!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Okay....ignore my question! :) I just read your response to the comment above. Guess I should do that before posting my own comment. LOL

      Delete
    2. Thank you for your kind compliments, Beth. I can't get the hang of needle-turned applique, either. I wish I could. Maybe some day.

      Thanks so much for hosting MCM!

      Delete

I appreciate your comments and look forward to reading what you have to say. Thanks for stopping by.

Related Posts Plugin for WordPress, Blogger...