Back to Applique

This is the third quilt I'm doing using Barbara Brackman's collections of William Morris reproduction fabrics for Moda. This one is Tapestry.  I used jelly roll patterns for the other two quilts, but I wanted to play with EQ this time.  I finally settled on alternating scrappy nine-patches with a repeating split rail fence block. I needed two jelly rolls for the nine-patches (99 of these) as well as yardage for the split rail.  All the blocks are made and the corner and side setting triangles cut and ready to be sewn while on retreat next week.  Hooray!



Now that spring is here, I want a hand project for warm weather. I have been thinking about an Orange Peel or Jacob's Coat for a long time. Seeing this one at the Armory got me psyched, so I did a little search online and found a quilt-along that Kellie of Don't Look Now started a while ago.  Her method is appealing because the petals are appliqued onto 12" squares and cleverly sew together.in rows. Guess I won't be quilting along with too many others because from the looks of photos that the QAL members have posted, there are already finished quilts out there. I think that speaks volumes.

I love needle turn applique. Kellie has another way.  Her method is to iron on a wash away stabilizer and glue down the turned edges in advance.  I like the idea of prepping and having all those pieces ready to sew when the mood strikes.  A bit daunting though - there are 49 main blocks and a total of 688 petals.

I believe that Jacob's Coat was a many colored splendid thing.  I've pulled 172 fabrics from my stash, sorted them into color groups, ironed them and cut scraps large enough for 3 or 4 petals.  The stabilizer has been ordered and I am HOPING that it is delivered before it is time to pack for the quilt retreat.

Oh right, I have already have a project packed!