Block number 3 of "A Dog's Life" by Lynette Anderson Designs is called "The Dog's favourite Tree" - this was pieced in 2 parts, I found it easier to add the inner borders to blocks 1 and 2, add part of block 3, add the final part of block 3 so I could avoid a very tricky "Y" seam. I'm using the glue stick and applique paper method of applique for this project, although Lynette uses the fusible applique method with blanket stitch on her original pattern. I just love using those apliquick tools! It didn't take too long to make the applique shapes. If you're using this method, you just need to trace/draw the applique template on the reverse of the applique paper...
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...this method of applique gives a very neat finish. Believe me, you wouldn't want to see my needle turn applique before I discovered apliquick tools - it was an absolute disaster! I use a few spots of Roxanne's basting glue to the back of the applique shapes, press them into position and let the glue dry. You really don't need much, and it dries very quickly. Then I can secure the shapes into position with hand sewing, using a very fine Clover Black Gold applique needle and a fine neutral coloured YLI silk thread - I always try to match the colour of the thread to the background fabric. I've used linen for this project, and I really like the added texture this gives. There was only a very small amount of hand embroidery for this block...
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...the tree is embellished with Suffolk Puffs and I used a small Clover Yo-yo maker for these. There is a template in the pattern for these, but I like using this little gizmo. Again, a few spots of Roxanne's basting glue held these in place while I was busy stitching - this meant that I didn't get stabbed with those devilish little applique pins that I used to use in my early applique days!...
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...and here is the competed block. I absolutely love this! I really like how the leaves spill out onto the side borders. I made those and attached them before completing the applique. I've also prepared a scrappy binding ready for when it's completed, although that won't be for a while as I will get this custom quilted once it's all pieced together! Although I bought this as a BOM from Cross Patch in Wales, there is a list of stockist of Lynette's patterns on her website.
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