I did NOT embroider these blocks. Several years ago I purchased them off the resale table at the retreat. There were 21 blocks in the bundle and they were very aged stained.
When I went to pay Patty for the blocks, she told me she knew I would be the person to buy them. I guess my love of blues is well known. She told me she had purchased them in Lancaster County, PA.
After soaking the blocks, I rinsed them in clear water then carefully dried them by rolling the blocks in a folded bath towel. Then I placed the blocks individually on the carpet to air dry. Once the blocks were dry, I pressed them with a hot iron then trimmed them to 12.5". The above picture is after the blocks were soaked, pressed and trimmed.
How do you arrange 21 quilt blocks? Obviously I didn't want to arrange them 3 by 7 so I decided on an easier solution, make 4 applique blocks and set them 5 by 5.
These blocks appliqued fast and all four blocks are completed but not trimmed to size.
The vine is leftover bias from Blueberry Pie. It's slightly wider than what the pattern calls for but it already made and I'm using what I had on hand.
I'm making a slight variation for my blocks, on the original pattern, the center leaves cover the vine in the center. That was too much bulk for me.
To make the plastic template for the leaf, I used this plastic. I think I purchased it at Lolly's in Shipshewana for $9.
Again I'm using the Wash-Away Applique sheets to add stability to the leaves. I traced around the plastic template onto the front side of the applique sheets then cut them out individually. Then I pressed them onto the back side of the fabric.
I don't know if this project will be sewn into a flimsy this year or not but progress has been made. Maybe finishing will happen next year.
Linking to Patchwork & Quilts, Kathys Slow Stitching Sunday, Stitching Stuff, Oh Scrap, Handmade Monday, Sew & Tell, Craftastic Monday, Design Wall Monday, Monday Musings, To Do Tuesday
9 comments:
Beautiful, Gretchen! And your solution to the 21-block conundrum is perfection. I can't wait to see it all come together!
Very pretty and they cleaned up so well!
I do love those blue embroidered blocks. That product is amazing, they look new! Hope you are having a nice weekend.
Lovely blocks, both the embroidered and the appliqued ones! They will go perfectly together. I love vintage blocks, and I especially love seeing them "rescued" into quilts. Great start!
Thank you for the Retro Clean tip. Those blocks are perfect for you. Nice find. Your embroidered blocks are gorgeous as always. I really like how the one has a lighter center leaf. It makes my eyes keep jumping back and forth between the blocks to see if I can spot other differences. They really must have stitched quickly to complete four blocks this week. Keep cool!
That Retro Clean up sure worked wonders on those blocks. This is going to be a lovely project!
You certainly found some beautiful blocks! Thank you for sharing about Retro Clean along with your other recommendations! I also pick up vintage fiber arts at thrift stores and garage sales. Your designed project is sure to be a beautiful one!
I just purchased a bag of Retro Clean from Amazon to use on some inherited linens. Your cross-stitched blocks look like new. I look forward to seeing the quilt that you make with these.
Good morning, Gretchen and Happy Sunday. Thank you so much for sharing the information for Retro Clean. I will be making a purchase. Your Budding Beauty blocks look amazing! I am putting that one on my list too. Have a blessed day. Hugs.
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