It didn't take long to stitch up these simple blocks. One charm pack and a little yardage and a whole lot of cuteness. The simple things in life just make this ole country girl happy. I've been picking wild berries on the property, cooking a weeks worth of meals for when I'm gone later in the week and still had plenty of time to stitch all of my Boonie Blooms. How? They are so easy!
25 blocks complete
Not much waste or leftovers. It's nice to have a little extra just in case there's an UH-OH when making the applique pieces. I'll be using my homemade 1.5" template to save what I can of the centers.
I also wanted to take time today to talk about the applique on this quilt.
Over the years I've tried many different invisible threads for quilting and invisible applique. Most of them didn't meet up to my low standards. Yes I said low. All I ask of an invisible thread is.... to be able to handle a little heat from my iron. It can be shiny or matte, thick or thin JUST DON'T MELT! Superior Threads Mono Poly has never let me down. I did a little test today to see if it could handle 5 seconds on a cotton heat setting....Yes she can! The instructions suggest a lower temperature but it's nice to know that I don't need to worry about things getting to hot.
The pictures below shows the tiny stitch I used on this applique. The arrows are pointing to the very hard to find thread. It's super fine and very strong.
Of course with any product there's downsides, but the positive out weighs the negative, so it's no big deal that ...
1. it will not work with my auto needle threader
2. It also hates my auto cutter. Oh it cuts but the thread pops out of the needle and the bobbin thingy that catches and holds the thread can't catch and hold this fine thread.
I sewed for over 20 years without auto threaders and cutters so it's no big deal.
~ Lea Anne ~
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These blocks are beautiful, I do love ditsy florals! Thank you for sharing your thread choice, you are right, we are so spoilt these days with auto threaders and cutters! I take it you used this thread in the bobbin too. I'm over visiting from Let's Bee Social, nice to meet you :)
ReplyDeleteThis post IS full of cuteness!! I love these blocks and can't wait to see where they go next. I haven't used much invisible thread, but will have to give this brand a try. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThey are beautiful Lea Anne
ReplyDeleteSuch cute blocks!! I was thinking about Hoosier blackberries just yesterday, in fact!! Thinking about them in a cobbler....with ice cream.....okay, I'm thinking about them again :)
ReplyDeleteI like your style girl! And your name, heh heh.
ReplyDeleteThese are really cute. Question.... why mono thread instead of fine cotton? I wash and dry my quilts in the machine, and the dryer might melt the mono too. Over time it can wear down grooves in the machne chase. For instance Aurifil or DMC Broder are both two ply cotton, very fine and in a range of colors. LeeAnna at not afraid of color
I wanted to answer this question here for everyone to see also.
Deletefor your question on my thread choice. Simple, one spool matches all fabrics. Like most quilters I've a wide range of spools of thread. We buy the color for the project, use a small amount and add it to the thread stash. I'm trying my best to stop collecting sewing supplies. So a multi purpose thread for applique seems like a good start. Melting in the dryer isn't an issue with this thread. I've used some that did. It reminds me of the vintage Polyester pant suits that still exist from the 60's and 70's. This thread may outlast the cotton fabric! I use finer cottons and silks for my "better" quilts that get less washing and wear and tear. My favorite thread is Invisafil 100 wt...divine for quilting! The cost for all of them is about the same so that isn't a factor. Oh and about wearing grooves in a machine, 100% heavy duty cotton thread on one project sent my machine into the shop. Would I use it again? Sure I would! But I'd charge a lot more for that commissioned project due to the risks involved. The repair man suggested using silicone or mineral oil on the thread to reduce the wear on my machine. After researching this idea online I dunk all my quilting threads in mineral oil as suggested my Sharon Schambers, it also reduces lint and adds life to the thread. It was scary at first, but I thought if her quilts win international quilt shows and the Quilt Museum buys them for outrageous amounts of money, she might be onto something. http://westmichquilter.blogspot.com/2011/05/tips-from-sharon-schamber.html
This looks like it will become a gorgeous 30s quilt! I will be following along.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty. I love your blocks and can't wait to see what you do with them.
ReplyDeleteLove that block all 25 of them...watching and waiting for the finish....
ReplyDeleteThese beauties make me smile. I like that you're using just one charm pack (and some yardage) and looking forward to seeing this quilt come together.
ReplyDeleteVery pretty flower blocks. Thanks for the thread tips.
ReplyDeleteYour Boonie Blooms are bonnie! So pretty and neat, too. Thanks for showing them.
ReplyDeleteHugs
I'm loving this pattern and the fabrics you are using! XO
ReplyDeleteLoving your bouquet of flowers!
ReplyDeleteLovely candy flowers.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun flowers!!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful flowers, Lea Anne!
ReplyDeleteThis is very, very pretty!
ReplyDelete