Sunday, December 29, 2024

Elegant Garden, Block 8

Last week my evenings were spent appliqueing block 8 of the Elegant Garden quilt. Lots of Christmas special were watched.

Elegant Garden is an older quilt designed by Edyta Sitar. There are 25 blocks in this quilt, 24 of them are appliqued while the center block is a pieced star. I've been thinking about which fabrics to use in the center block but haven't decided yet. Even though the center block is in the center of the next row, it's block 25, the last one to make.

The instructions in the pattern are for machine applique but I'm hand appliqueing my blocks. The instructions also state how large to cut the background squares but Edyta hasn't added extra to the square. I cut my squares an inch larger. I'd rather trim a block than have it be too small. 

Linking to Kathys Slow Stitching Sunday, Stitching Stuff, Oh Scrap, Sew & Tell, Craftastic Monday, Design Wall Monday, Monday MusingsTo Do Tuesday

16 comments:

Kathy S. said...

Great idea to make the block larger. You are surely cruising on the progress on these blocks. I too have watched Christmas movie after Christmas movie. I always love to look at your intricate circles (and other shapes). The background fabric for this block is beautiful! It's always fun to see what you do with scraps.

Kim said...

How nice to sit and watch Christmas specials while you stitched that pretty block.

Kate said...

Hand work is so nice when watching TV. You made great progress.

Linda said...

I have yet to watch any Christmas specials, afraid I'd bawl I guess - lol! Your block is pretty. I love Edyta's patterns but sometimes find her instructions lacking. (Like I could do better - eye roll!)

Julierose said...

Beautiful applique work on this !! I love the colors you've chosen, too--just lovely....
I haven't watched any Christmas specials this year--It will have been 10 years this coming June that my Mom passed and the holidays are still bittersweet for me. I just try to get through them and enjoy my children and grands as much as possible...moving on can be difficult...
hugs, Julierose

Anonymous said...

Beautiful block! We have been watching Christmas movies too. Gail at the cozy quilter.

Maggie said...

It is a beautiful block. Hand appliqué is very therapeutic and it has such a relaxing feeling. Enjoying the quiet time with fabric and thread. We watch a lot of Hallmark Christmas movies and it is so much more fun doing it together.

Karrin Hurd said...

Gorgeous block. I need to get back to my appliqué. I miss it terribly. Happy New Year!

Lin said...

Always a good idea to trim applique blocks after stitching. Looking great. xx

Sara said...

What a beautiful block! The gold "dots" on the tips of the petals really make it pop. Can't wait to see how this one comes together.

Slabs said...

I admire people that do this type of handcraft, something I have never attempted. You do an awesome job.
Saw your post at Craftastic Monday Link Party.
My entries this week are numbered #60+61
Come and join SSPS https://esmesalon.com/tag/seniorsalonpitstop/ on Jan 6

Melisa- pinkernpunkinquilting said...

This is such a beautiful block, Gretchen. Every time I see your beautiful applique work , I want to pull out my needle and thread. Enjoy your day. Hugs.

Vivian said...

Just gorgeous! I am a big fan of Edyta's designs but don't think I'd ever seen this one before. Yes, for hand quilting it is best to add a little to backgrounds to insure you have enough to trim to size. Have fun continuing with this in the New Year!

Sharon Kwilter said...

You applique beautifully. I keep meaning to try appliqueing, but then I chicken out and do something easier. Congratulations on your progress.

Barwitzki said...

I think it never hurts to cut the block a little bigger... it looks wonderful.
Best wishes to you. I wish you and your loved ones a happy and healthy 2025.

CathieJ said...

That is a very pretty block. I like the idea of cutting the block larger than necessary. Happy New Year!