A-4 Mountain Laurel Month 3

Original Block in SVBAQ by Esther

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.

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Inking and Hand Quilting Stitches on Esther's Block

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

B-2 Blue Flag Mid Month 2 Progress

Month Two - Blue Flag Mid Month 2 Progress

It is so fun to see the variety of fabric choices and techniques.  Stitchers have used every applique technique - and all kinds of fabrics.
From soft 1930's colors to rich batiks on dark ground colors - and what about modern prints on gray?  Can you find the wool applique?
All beautiful!
A few are doing pot holder and 'quilt as you go' techniques - they will have finished quilts as their list of completed blocks grow.

Esther's designs from 1858 interpret so well to the 21st Century.  Imagine what she would think if she saw our work.
There are a few ways you can share your work with us.

If you do not blog or use Facebook,
email us photos with permission to post them on this blog or Facebook for you.  We will help you share.

For those following and not stitching, you can join in at anytime!  We will share some of those blocks in the next post.  We have new stitchers joining each week, you will be in good company.

Tempted to start another set of blocks?  Several of us have - seeing all of this inspiration and support is so motivating.

Are you thinking about sashing?
Fussy cutting fabrics?
We are seeing fantastic interpretations.

To see even more pictures of the beautiful blocks and chat with other quilters participating in the Sew Along visit the SVBAQ Facebook page.


We are linking up with our blogging friends to share their progress.
Please be sure to visit them by clicking on the thumbnail pictures at the bottom of this post.

Stay tuned for more monthly photos of stitchers just starting and some catching up.  It is never too late to join us.


Check back often as we will be adding more links over the next week or so.

Happy Stitching!
Dawn & Doreen