Block 8 of "Simply Blessed" by Rosalie Quinlan Designs, bought as a BOM from Under The Mulberry Tree, arrived from Australia about 3 weeks ago, and I couldn't wait to get started on it! These beautiful Tilda fabrics are complemented with Cosmo Seasons variegated thread shade 8049. The satin stitch areas were completed with a pale aqua and pale brown DMC thread from my thread box, to avoid a "stripy" effect. I spent early mornings before work, and evenings after supper, completing the stitchery by hand, which is so relaxing to do. This uses very simple stitches, backstitch, satin stitch and chain stitch. Then the next step was to get the appliqué completed...
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...I traced the applique template shapes onto fusible water-soluble applique paper, which was then fused to the back of the fabric and the stitchery piece too. using the glue-stick method, the edges of the applique shapes were glued and turned under, then stitched into place in layers using a neutral coloured YLI silk thread. I often get asked about what equipment I use, and I always recommend buying the best you can afford. Some appliqué essentials that are in my sewing box are as follows: these Clover Black Gold appliqué needles have been in my sewing box for such a long time and they really are brilliant. The black shafts stop the needles from "falling" out of the fabric when you're stitching. Roxanne's basting glue is perfect for dabbing onto the back of the appliqué shapes to secure them before they are stitched into place. I've got several pairs of these Perfect Scissors by Karen Kay Buckley, and they really are the best for cutting out precisely. YLI silk thread is extremely fine, and I've got a few reels in neutral colours, and again they have been in my sewing box for simply ages. All of these were purchased from my local quilt shop Quilters Haven...
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...once the applique layers were secured by stitching them by hand with the YLI silk thread, the borders were machined into place. I always use Schmetz Microtex needles size 60 for precision piecing, and I've been using a mid-grey mettler thread for piecing this project together. Only one block left now, which hopefully will be on it's way to me soon! I'm determined not to start sewing these blocks together until all 9 are completed!
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