Today I'm sharing how I made the flower heads (following the pattern) of Hold Onto Your Heart Part 5. Tomorrow I'll be sharing how to simplify this head, so be sure to check back if you've reached this stage yourself.
I love everything about Part 5 and now that the bows and stems have been resolved fabric wise, I'm free to play with the flower heads. The pieces are little and varied, so its really a process of organized production lines..
As I work, I pin the shapes into position directly over my paper pattern. This is another reason why I love my new wool mat that I mentioned last week - it allows me to iron and pin shapes into place without having to move work areas.
To help me during my production line, I coloured in my pattern to distinguish how many fabrics I wanted to make up the flower head. Then I numbered each shape. Using Stitch N Wash fusible, I traced each shape (and marked it with it's number for easy assembly later) on the wrong side of the fusible. Then I ironed the fusible onto the wrong side of my fabric.
This is why I don't remove the 'inside' paper when I turn the edges. The inside is not paper, it's fusible and it's meant to stay in place. If I was using freezer paper, I would remove it once my glue from turning the edges was dry. As you can see in these berry pics below for Part 5, the process is the
same.
I just ran out of my new favourite glue - the blue sewline one and whilst I'm waiting for it to arrive, I've gone back to using Elmer's. There's nothing wrong with Elmer's at all, I've just developed a habit for the sewline one now!
And I turn my edges with a cuticle stick. I now also use the Purple Thang.. but can't actually find any of my 5 x pieces in my mess of a sewing studio...
Love these gorgeous berries
Once all the turned pieces are pinned into position, this is what the back of my flower head looks like
I am so pleased that my completed flower head is almost exactly as per the pattern. Phew!
When the glue is completely dry and all the heads are done, it's time to sit down and stitch my motif heads together with the smallest zig zag stitch I can get away with..
If I told you how many hours these flowerheads here represent.. well, lets just say you wouldn't believe it!
Luckily I love seeing my time turned into beauty with the help of fabric.
This is an heirloom level quilt and the fine little details matter to me and like many applique enthusiasts, I enjoy the challenge and satisfaction of the end result. However, if finicky little pieces aren't your thing, don't torture yourself - come back tomorrow for another option.
'Hold Onto Your Heart' is a paid BOM
It's a breathtaking quilt full of meaningful symbols and beauty. The floral border is a triumph which offers an additional pieced option - making it versatile for all skill levels. Perfect for lovers and enthusiasts of applique.
You can start this BOM today!
Be sure to visit my Online Quilt Group on Facebook where progress images are being shown all the time. It's a massive inspiration and I warn you, it's addictive!
Thanks so much Esther, its a GREAT tutorial, I don't know how you can sew those tiny pieces with such a narrow throat on the foot???, it must be difficult to see what you are doing, I use a clear plastic one that I have cut away the front bar LOL and still I have trouble seeing the stitches at times???? I need to drop in and watch you at work LOL My machine that does my double buttonhole stitch had to go in for repairs and there a 3 weeks waiting time??? I was feeling so low about not been able to do any appliqueing! yesterday avo and then up popped a sewing machine for sale on our local Market Place!!! I picked it up this morning ???? SO I'm back in business appliqueing? Cheers Glenda from way up North.
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