Wednesday, August 24, 2011


this is how I audition fabrics for applique leaves, I cut squares or rectangles and then fold up and pin to where they will be...
do you have a method you use to audition fabrics? I am always interested in how others work...
When I find the ones I like I trace the pattern with my generals chalk pencils, love these ! nice big line I can SEE to turn under and needle turn applique using my favorite straw needles. Jeana Kimball's size 11 straw needles.

Flower Garden quilt pattern by Kim McLean , since I don't have a flower garden per se I thought this would be a fun quilt to make and make it my own....I am enjoying choosing my fabrics for each and every block. A bit more challenging then using Kaffe style fabrics but hey I am a reproduction fabric type girl!
I think it will be a bright and happy quilt by the time I get done, don't you? here is a picture of all my blocks on this post.

22 comments:

Stephanie said...

I love these flower blocks and they're beautiful in Civil War fabrics.

Julie Fukuda said...

I do like those happy flower blocks. At least you have a system. I just grab what I think I have enough of. (but I do like to have good natural light when I choose)

Crispy said...

I love that you are using your repros for this project. It definitly makes it yours :0) To audition fabrics I usually grab the "main" color (which ever one caught my eye at the moment) then find fabrics that I like with it. I'll fan them out then walk by the stack removing those that I decide against until I have enough remaining for the block.....very scientific LOL.

Crispy

Cathy said...

Wow, they are all so lovely Kathie. Love the colours you are using. When I audition fabric, I usually end up with it all over the dining room table and kitchen bench, I have a very patient family! xo

Christine said...

Lovely blocks, I have just bought that pattern too and madly finish things to start something new.

cheers
Christine

hope the leg is getting better?

Teresa said...

That's a great idea for auditioning fabrics...these flowers are turning out so pretty!

In stitches,
Teresa :o)

Sue said...

You know, I do the same thing for applique. And I love the applique you are working on. Such great choice of fabrics as always.
I do love Jeana Kimball's straw needles too. Have you ever tried her template-free applique method? It works quite well.

Anyway, I hope you have a wonderful week of stitching.

Betty Lou said...

Lovely flower, very bright and lively.

Lori said...

The flower blocks are looking so good!! These are a lot easier to care for too.

Janet O. said...

This is a very cheerful collection of flower blocks. And you have made them uniquely yours by doing them in the repro fabrics. Not only do they look great, but they also look unlike anyone else's, and I love that.

Daniëlle said...

Clever way of auditioning! I use the same straw needles, ordered them at the same shop hihi! And they travelled all the way to Holland hihi!!! Your quilt will be magnificent with all those bright repros!! Now go and pick another flower! Happy picking, hugs, Daniëlle

Monica said...

Your Flower Garden is turning out fabulous. I really need to get started on mine soon.

AnnieO said...

Beautiful designs in any fabric! I agree, yours will be a bright and happy quilt too, sans Kaffe :)

Jan said...

Those chalk pencils are my favorite, too. Much better than the waxier pencils, I think.
The repro blocks are a great project! I usually just kind of make the shape with my fingers over the fabric, and squint to see how it would look cut up. I guess that I tend to do that while purchasing fabric, too! Kind of section off a triangle to see how it could look cut up. Does that make sense?! Since I keep every little piece, I don't cut into it until I know it will be used!

Sharon said...

A little chrome yellow accent goes a long ways to brighten up the CW prints. I love how this is coming along.

Taryn said...

I like how that cheddar looks with the purple leaves. Kind of funky!

Miriam said...

I love your repro blocks. Thank you for the link to the chalk pencils.

*karendianne. said...

Ohh Yes! Thanks for the link back. I don't need to tell you I'm all for these ones! :) Enjoyed reading how you audition fabric. That's useful. Thanks for making a contribution. ;) *karendianne.

Carrie P. said...

I don't usually cut my fabric but I will fold it and lay it where it will go. This flower looks like it will have different leaves compared to the other flowers which are all lovely.

Barb said...

Your blocks looks wonderful! And no weeding.
You'd be horrified (but not surprised) to know that I just grab and cut fabric for the most part,lol.

Libby said...

I don't even bother with cutting the squares, I just fold up the pieces and build a large version of the block on my 'design floor'.

Love your latest piece. But then I always, do *s*

Carole said...

Love the Jeana Kimball size 11 straw. My absolute favourite applique needles! As for auditioning, lately it has been rummaging through my scrap bin and using any piece I want to get rid of! ;o) I think I'm getting a tad scrapped out! lol Thanks for sharing! Cheers!