Wednesday, April 25, 2007

The first block is finished

I'd forgotten how much I enjoy this kind of appliqué - fuse the shapes and blanket stitch by hand. I used the "doughnut" method of fusing so there is only about 1/4" fusible all around the outside of the shape. This holds the piece in place but assure the quilt remains soft and cuddly. I usually always match the embroidery thread to each piece but when I tried using white on this block I just didn't like it. I switched to black and decided immediately that I liked it much better. This is a quick method of appliqué - the block was done in about 3 hours.

I made this dog a dalmatian - or the best approximation of a dalmatian that I could because Rick and Rebecca's Leia is a dalmatian and that is their favorite dog. Leia is a real sweetie. Like many dalmatians she is deaf, but that doesn't slow her down for a minute.
One of my UFT's - Rosewood Cottage - is this kind of appliqué. The whole top is finished except for the bottom border and a bit of blanket stitch on the left border. When I finish Joseph's quilt maybe I'll get out this top and finish it. It shouldn't take too long.

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Gratitudes:
1. Spring flowers blooming everywhere
2. New pictures of both Sophie and Diogenes
3. Beautiful new fabrics bought with my bonus money - counts as a gift in my mind!
4. A nice lunch with my assistant
5. 431 days left until retirement

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33 comments:

Jane Ann said...

Cute dogs--both of them! Have you used the really fine water soluble fusible? I think it's a Solvy product that comes by the yard. It's hard to find (I finally found it at Jo-Ann) but wonderful to use. One spritz of water and it is gone. I use it for my applique to keep it soft.

Leigh said...

The dalmation is so cute!
I absolutely love your uft the colors are gorgeous. Can't wait to see it finished :) Beautiful!

Mary Johnson said...

Very cute! Fusing and blanket stitch by hand is the only type of applique I like.

Nettie said...

I love that Rosewood Cottage top, how you wove all those disparate imagees into it and the feeling of movement the vines in the border give it.

Anonymous said...

Ah, Patti ! There's always a new tip to learn, when visiting you ! My favourite applique method is fuse applique and hand blanket stitching. However, I have often regretted that "rigidity", caused by the fusing... Today you give me the key to solve that . THANKS !

Hugs & smiles,
NADINE
(who loves, loves, your dalmatian block, + the beautiful quilt top !)

Unknown said...

What a lovely dalmation applique

Carol said...

Love your dog applique...sure looks like Leia...what a treasure for this new little grandson. Can't wait for you to get your hands on him :)...431 days...you're getting there. I'm counting with you. It was so fun to count the days with Andy...and now he's retired 2 weeks and loves it!

KC Quilter said...

Love, love, love your dalmatian applique---looks just like Leia! And Rosewood Cottage is a stunner!

Doodlebug Gail said...

Cute puppy! And such neat blanket stitches. Rosewood cottage is amazing - wow.

Suzanne Earley said...

Hey! I recognize that quilt! You are such a better person than I. LOL. Looks great, can't wait to see it finished!

Anonymous said...

The dalmatian block is lovely, it's going to be a wonderful quilt!

Jeanne said...

The puppy is cute! That's my kinda applique, too!

I don't remember seeing Rosewood Cottage before -- it's gorgeous!!!

Do you ever quilt over the blanket stitching, or just outline and background quilting?

Jeanne

swooze said...

Love the tips on the applique. I love your quilt top. I think that sashing gives it a little break from being overly busy. Can't wait to see the finished product!

The Chicken Lady said...

Very cute puppy block and REALLY cute real live puppy!
Love the Rosewood Cottage too.

Joanne said...

Those are cute blocks you're making. I love the black blanket stitching on the applique blocks and usually use just black.

Greenmare said...

Lovely! cute dog and lovely quilt top!

Laurie Ann said...

That applique is my favorite type to do as well. Love the dalmation!

Susan said...

Your grandson will delight in his quilt. I can see him sitting there and pointing out the different pictures with you teaching him how to say the names.

Oh, Rosewood Cottage is another winner...............

Libby said...

The block is darling -- looks just like Leia *s* I have never tried the 'donut'method - I'll have to remember that the next time I use fusible. I'm betting I will like it a lot.

Judy said...

Black was the perfect choice! Great first block!

atet said...

Love the puppy block -- and the black stitching is perfect! Hmmn...you folks with the applique, you may be convincing me I could actually do it...

Carole said...

What a cute block! I luv your Rosewood Cottate quilt. Happy quilting!

Tanya said...

What a beautiful quilt! I love the borders! Please finish it and post lots of close-ups!

Finn said...

Hi Patti, your dalmation block is adorable and looks perfect done in the black floss. It's going to be a great quilt!
And wow! I really like your Rosewood Cottage..*VBS* By all means, do finish it up when you are done with Joseph's. It's gorgeous. Hugs, Finn

Linda C said...

Great job on Joseph's quilt, Patti and the Rosewood Cottage that will be finished up soon as well.

I have a question though---is Diogenes Joseph's real name and the kids will re-name him? Color me a little confused. I may have missed something from a previous post.

Rose Marie said...

Wow ... Rosewood Cottage is gorgeous!

Tazzie said...

The dalmation is very cute, but your Rosewood cottage top is jaw dropping. It will be very exciting to get it a few steps closer to finished!
*hugs*
Tazzie
:-)

Darlene said...

Oh, Patti, the dalmation is adorable - perfect for Joseph's quilt. (I can hardly wait to see a picture of this little guy!) :-)

I love your Rosewood Cottage quilt - I have that kit deep in a storage bin, or is it the closet, wait, maybe it's at the storage unit - HMMM. I bought it a long time ago with hand applique plans. Well, you know that story. You might entice me to seek it out. I love yours!

Heather said...

Excuse me while I pull my jaw up off of the floor. The Rosewood Cottage quilt is just amazing. You are so inspiring to me. Really you are, I hope that I can make such beautiful quilts someday. Thanks for showing these to us! The dog is so cute too, both of them :)

Alycia~Quiltygirl said...

Love the Dalmatian - both the appliqued and the live one! He looks like fun.

Nancy in MT said...

Oh my, Rosewood Cottage is stunning.

Quilting Kim said...

Your dalmation block is so cute - very boy-ish - and your stitching is so even. However, I'm drooling over Rosewood Cottage.

Betty said...

Patti I love your rosewood cottage those are my colors!! yummy