A little web surfing a while back turned up a lovely crossed rosebud block at
JulieKQuilts made using wool with blanket stitch...gorgeous. I thought it would be a nice addition to my pseudo-BTCT.
Julie has gone on to add a central flower and little daisy-like flowers in the corners to finish hers, but at the moment I don't mind my version looking a little spare...the negative space in the centre is rather appealing. I'll wait and see if some cherries are in order later on when the remaining blocks are completed.
The wreath block above, still under construction, is from The Eggleston Bedcover (1847) detailed in
For Purpose and Pleasure by Sandi Fox - my copy is very well thumbed, having received it in 2001 as a gift from my old quilt guild - it is a constant source of inspiration and delight.
My only complaint is Ms Fox did not photograph the entire bedcover, but only teased her readers with detailed shots of 12 of the blocks....many of which are on my list to reproduce ( as is much of the book's contents!)
The charming thing about many quilts featured in the book are the inscriptions. Many of the Eggleston blocks have delightful poems and sentiments inked or cross-stitched...My mind is pondering how to incorporate this notion somehow into my blocks.
The original Egglestone wreath block.
The main bias strip is made quickly by hand, simply finger folding a 1" strip 1/3 and 1/3 and basting together (no ironing!) but I couldn't make that width bend sufficiently for the innermost winding stems.
A perfect opportunity to test drive this nifty little gizmo... a 1/4" bias maker.
What a great little tool! 1/2" bias strip goes in one end and 1/4" bias stems come out the other...a little pressing and it stays as bendy as can be. By accident I purchased the version where you can add fusible tape but I doubt I'll ever use that. I love it so much I've ordered the next 2 sizes (9mm-3/8" and 12mm-1/2").
With these two blocks complete there are only 4 more to make to complete the main quilt top. Then it's on to designing the border!
It's Friday here in Sydney - a most glorious late winter morning, Spring is in the sir with Jasmine flowering madly on my boundary fence and a few early cherry blossoms starting to open. I have a day off today and am quilting with friends tomorrow so must away to do some preparation.
Hope your weekend includes some stitching!
K
Beautiful and I use the clover bias maker all the time too
ReplyDeleteHave a great weekend
I have the Clover Bias maker in 3 sizes, I've used the 1/4" one for all my BTCT blocks. Love that tool. Try starching your fabric before you cut your strips, then run them through the tape maker and let them cool for a minute on the ironing board before you move them. I wrap my vines on a paper tube and secure with a pin. I showed this on BTCT blog.
ReplyDeleteThe crossed rose bud block is a perfect alternate block for what you have in mind on the BTCT quilt. I also love the Egglestone block. The Clover bias maker is wonderful, now if we can get them to make a 1/8" one I would be in heaven :0)
ReplyDeleteCrispy
Your block will be a lovely addition to BTCT quilt. I make my bias with that same little gadget. It sure is easy! I have them in a few sizes too, but use my 1/4" the most.
ReplyDeleteLovely block and perfect for your project. That bias tool is the best - I like the 1/4 and also the 1/2 when I do folk art stuff.
ReplyDeleteWhat great wreath blocks. I couldn't live without my clover bias makers - use the 1/4 the most often, and the 3/8 and 1/2 sometimes. Even have a 1 inch which is still in the package, but it was on sale, so thought it might come in handy someday! Always love the projects you post - thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI love my bias strip makers. I spray a bit of spray starch on the strips & press before I run the piece of fabric through. It helps to hold the turn under in place.
ReplyDeleteYour work is really beautiful!! I do love that negative space in the center of your block...really wonderful!
ReplyDelete