Sunday, January 12, 2025

Elegant Garden, Block 9

Block 9 of Elegant Garden is finished.

I am slow at appliqueing small pieces of applique. How small? I took a picture of a dime beside the corner flower.


Years ago I purchased Karen Kay Buckley's Perfect Circles, both the large and small sizes. This is what I'm using to make these perfect circles.

 For the small circles that don't have applique on top, I'm using this product. I purchased it at a local fabric store. You can search for it online.


There is adhesive on the back side. I mark the circle on the sheet, cut it out then heat set it onto the backside of the fabric. I cut the circle out of the fabric leaving 'turn under'. I always finger press the 'turn under' fabric. This helps with a smooth applique.

For the larger circles I trace the circles onto freezer paper, cut it out then iron onto the backside of the fabric. I also finger press the 'turn under' along the freezer paper but I remove the freezer paper before the applique is completely attached. 

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

20 comments:

Podunk Pretties said...

Such a beautiful block with so many tiny pieces.

Kate said...

Very pretty! Those are some very small pieces, but they look perfectly done.

Kathy S. said...

Thank you for showing the comparison of the tiny circle. Wow, those are small. I also love to see processes of how others hand stitch. There are so many tiny pops of beautiful color in this quilt.

Linda said...

Kudos to you for your love of small stitching! It's really exquisite.

Little Penpen said...

Whoa! That tiny little circle!! Beautiful work!

Maggie said...

Love the appliqué and the beautiful background fabric you are using for this block.

Angela said...

Such a gorgeous block!

TerryKnott.blogspot.com said...

Such beautiful tiny circles in one gorgeous block! Beautiful work!

CathieJ said...

I can't imagine trying to work with such tiny pieces. That block is beautiful.

Jayne Honnold said...

Gretchen, you never shy away from these complex applique quilts, and you execute them so beautifully! I so enjoy watching you finish these amazing quilts! Happy stitching!

Sharon Kwilter said...

Beautiful block. I definitely need to go check out that product you recommend.

cityquilter grace said...

this is coming along very nicely....pretty block

Lin said...

Pretty block - love that little splash of yellow in the middle. xx

Melva said...

Fast progress is not always the name of the game. :) The goal is to enjoy the process. Thanks for sharing in my Sew & Tell party. :)

Sara said...

Another gorgeous block! Your applique blocks always amaze me, but that teeny tiny circle is really something!

QuiltGranma said...

Beautiful work, but I'm concerned that the embroidery is so light it hides in that background fabric.

Gretchen Weaver said...

It is rather hard to see but I'm not going to redo it.

Vivian said...

A pretty block! Oh boy, that circle is tiny and yes they are hard to needle turn when that small. I've used all three of those products to prep applique pieces and can't say I prefer one above the other. Whatever gets the job done!

Miaismine said...

Gretchen, your needle turn is so beautiful and well-done! Your applique work is lovely, thank you for sharing your process!

Brenda @ Songbird Designs said...

You do such beautiful applique, Gretchen! I just love this, but those flowers are so small! Thanks for joining us at Monday Musings!