Applique Flowers In Vase

I always feel that it's a good idea to build up a good selection of quilt block patterns to choose from when you're planning your next quilt.  Some of them can be patterns for the quilt blocks in the main body of the quilt and some of them can be ideas for quilt borders or cornerstones.

I think this applique flower quilt block would fit into either of those categories.  I first designed it as a quilt cornerstone but I can see it working just as well as one block in a floral quilt.

I began with a 6.1/2" square of background fabric and drew a couple of flowers on it with fabric marker.  This was just to help me get the size right so that the flowers would fit in the middle of the block.  Then I drew two flowers the same size on some pink fabric squares which were backed with fusible interfacing.

After I had cut the flowers out I laid them in place on the background fabric and sewed all round the edge with a zigzag stitch.  This was easier than I had expected - as long as you take it slowly it's quite easy to follow the curves of the petals.  You can see the back of the quilt block on the right.

For the flower stems I changed the thread colour but continued with the zigzag stitch.  I had used a fairly small stitch width for edging the petals, but I increased the stitch width for the stems and sewed the length of each stem twice:  starting at the bottom and sewing up to the flower and back down again.

So with the flower complete I just wanted to add a vase.  This is what sets this flower applique quilt block apart from other applique quilt blocks and I think it's a really neat idea.  I cut a tumbler shape from some see through organza fabric and placed it over the lower part of the flower stems.  Then I changed the thread (again!) to a colour that would match the background fabric and zigzagged round the sides of the vase to hold it in place.  I think next time I'll use a slightly darker organza for the vase to make it stand out better, but I'm really pleased with the overall effect.

Thanks for visiting my blog.
Hope to see you again soon.
Rose