Quilts We’ve Made: Patched Blossoms

One of my first attempts at needle-turn applique, this quilt has been an enduring favorite.  The main panel is made up of 10 patch blocks (1 1/2″ squares of scraps and one background fabric) alternating with solid pieces of fabric in between.  Any pattern with solid blocks in between is a perfect place to show off applique design. I swore I would never be able to do needle turn applique but my friend, Rania, insisted I could do it.  She was right and now it is one of my favorite methods.  It is a little more time-consuming, but also great for taking on-the-go.

At the time, most quilts like this were done with a beige background, so naturally I had to find something different.  Even though the chambray plaid lines don’t match up, the color was a restful choice. Most of the flowers are done from needle turned cotton, but there are a few wool pieces mixed in as well. . . because you know by now that we LOVE to applique with wool.  Fast, easy, cute, versatile, a little fluffy. 
The top left main flower is an example of broiderie perse, or Persian applique.  This old style of embroidery was done by cutting a design, usually a whole flower, bird or butterfly, from a piece of fabric and stitching it onto something else. It originated from the time when prints were so expensive and rare that each flower was considered a prize.  The design was carefully cut from the cloth and then sewn onto garments and linens, and sometimes embroidery and bead work were added as embellishment.  Our Family Album quilt block also uses this method.

This was made several years ago and we still love our flowers and birds!

Diane