History and Details of the Original Block
Row Four, Column One,
Sew Along Block 3
"This plant, a harbinger of Spring, grows wild in the Appalachian Mountains. The design "Laurel Leaves," especially with crossed stems, was a favorite of quilters in this part of the Valley during the mid-1800s." ...Neva Hart
The inked botanical name is found centered at the base of the crossed branches.
I think it's interesting to see that Esther chose to quilt on top of her applique' work in addition to the echo quilting she did around the botanicals. Notice that she used white thread, this was fairly common in mid 19th century album style quilts.
Reproduction block - Doreen's 16" version
This is my 2 color version in fabric shades of Red & Taupe. I used light & medium value taupe prints for the leaves and a darker linen/taupe solid for the stem work. The buds were stitched in a small red print and the heart shaped blossoms from a "faded" red solid.
I am using a mix of hand applique' techniques in the quilt. Allowing each block to dictate my methods of prep work and sewing. Below is a mini outline of how I assembled this block.
Block Strategies and Assembly:
First I added the background leaves. Next the buds and blossoms. Then the crossing stem work and branches, the left and then the right. I treated the stem work as one piece, but you could add the smaller stems first and then the larger branch that connects them together. (click on picture to enlarge it)
To create the stem work, I traced the pattern onto freezer paper. Cut it out and ironed it onto the RIGHT side of my fabric. I used a white chalk pencil to trace around the edges of the paper, peeled off the freezer paper and then cut away the stemwork leaving an 1/8" seam allowance for needle turning under.
Are you just joining us? We have traditional & modern applique' tutorials HERE.
Be sure to post pictures of your blocks on the facebook page HERE.
Please stop back on the 15th as we begin Show & Tell.... our favorite time of the month where we feature blocks made by quilting and blogging friends participating in this sew along.
HAPPY STITCHING!
Doreen & Dawn
Row Four, Column One,
Sew Along Block 3
"This plant, a harbinger of Spring, grows wild in the Appalachian Mountains. The design "Laurel Leaves," especially with crossed stems, was a favorite of quilters in this part of the Valley during the mid-1800s." ...Neva Hart
.![]() |
Inking and Hand Quilting Stitches on Esther's Block |
Reproduction block - Doreen's 16" version
This is my 2 color version in fabric shades of Red & Taupe. I used light & medium value taupe prints for the leaves and a darker linen/taupe solid for the stem work. The buds were stitched in a small red print and the heart shaped blossoms from a "faded" red solid.
I am using a mix of hand applique' techniques in the quilt. Allowing each block to dictate my methods of prep work and sewing. Below is a mini outline of how I assembled this block.
Block Strategies and Assembly:
First I added the background leaves. Next the buds and blossoms. Then the crossing stem work and branches, the left and then the right. I treated the stem work as one piece, but you could add the smaller stems first and then the larger branch that connects them together. (click on picture to enlarge it)
To create the stem work, I traced the pattern onto freezer paper. Cut it out and ironed it onto the RIGHT side of my fabric. I used a white chalk pencil to trace around the edges of the paper, peeled off the freezer paper and then cut away the stemwork leaving an 1/8" seam allowance for needle turning under.
Are you just joining us? We have traditional & modern applique' tutorials HERE.
Be sure to post pictures of your blocks on the facebook page HERE.
Please stop back on the 15th as we begin Show & Tell.... our favorite time of the month where we feature blocks made by quilting and blogging friends participating in this sew along.
HAPPY STITCHING!
Doreen & Dawn