Wednesday, February 11, 2009

Paper Roses

That Marie Osmond song would not stop running through my head yesterday. I spent a good part of my day preparing the paper pieces for my needle turn applique flowers. This book is awesome for any floral/leaf/heart applique templates. The vine is on the sampler and now it is time to add the flowers and leaves. I love needle turn applique, so I look forward to this next and final phase of this top. Zach's school scissors were fine and I got all the flowers cut out in short order.
I have a vision of ALL the flowers being homespuns. All 24 flowers a different homespun plaid. There is the first problem...I don't own 24 different homespuns. I own 10. I pressed a flower on a piece of each homespun I currently own.Second problem...I want to use only the colors in the actual quilt. Most reds will not work because they are so close to the color of the border...see that one in the lower right hand corner? That one will not work. I will be getting some more homespuns this weekend. I pulled out all my applique threads, which are in a horrible state. See that Masterpiece block peeking out?? I WILL finish it and continue with that dream quilt in the near future!In the meantime I got one flower on......another one pinned and started.......and an e-mail sent to Libby, who is the queen of homespuns! I am a bit concerned about the fray factor in working with these. Hopefully she can relieve my worries. I still have not decided on the flower centers. Either yo-yo's, appliqued circles, or antique buttons...what do you think?

Mid morning, today, my sweet little TJ came over. His Daddy stopped by to pick up something and TJ was invited to spend the day here. I have not seen him in forever!! He quickly ran in and dropped his coat at the door!!!The kids were doing school work and TJ asked to do some "homework" too. He picked a page in his pre-school book I keep here for him......worked diligently (look at that tongue!)........and completed a perfect page on the number 5!!What a guy!!!
Well, that is it....anyone with some homespun/applique tips, please feel free to share! Until next time...

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Bren I have a few homespuns I['d be happy to share with you. Let me know what colours and I'll scan and email the colours to you.

Donetta said...

Hi, I love texture so Lifting up the feel would add a real homey charm. This could also be done with the weight of the thread.

Donetta said...

by the way that is so beautiful

NeeCee said...

Oh, I love buttons! Personally, I would use buttons for the flower centers, but I'm that odd person. I even have a button collection, just because I love them so much. :0)

Susan said...

I think buttons would be nice too, but what do I know?! LOL Love TJ's tongue! ;)

Niki said...

Now we're talking! Applique (using freezer paper) is something I have done a ton of. Yours looks beautiful and I love the homespuns and definitely would go with the antique buttons, for sure.

That TJ is just gets more adorable!
Blessings
Niki

Libby said...

Don't fear the homespuns . . . I suppose they might fray more than some fabrics, but those little threads will tuck right under, too *s* If it really worries you, try a little starch. Not too much, you don't want the fabric so stiff you can't turn. Also you can cut your seam allowance just a smidge bigger than normal to compensate for losing a little fabric in the fraying process. When I needleturn, I use a betweens needle. They are little shorter and sturdier and hold up well in the battle of the fabric.
Most important of all - don't stress over it. If you don't think it's hard or a problem . . . . it won't be *s* Enjoy!

Dani said...

"I KNOW NOTHSING!!!" when it comes to quilting, but I think some yo-yo's with a pretty button in the center of them would be super cute on top of the flower applique. Your quilting is really amazing!

Unknown said...

I would use button on the flowers. I love the camera smile on TJ´s face :)

copperswife said...

The quilt is beautiful. The homespun flowers sound perfect to me (admitting here and now before everyone that I had to quickly google paper needle turn applique and watched a quick video on the process, which I think is SLICK!). I like the idea of appliqued circles or buttons best for the centers.

Andrea Cherie said...

I don't know much about what you are talking about (the freezer paper part is all I've ever done- maybe in the 9th grade for some sort of sewing project??) But it looks beautiful to me! I vote for buttons.

TJ with his little tongue hanging out is ADORABLE! When we have kids I'm going to buy my mom a camera so she can be as obsessed with her grandkids as you! ;)

Mary said...

Your needle turn technique is beautiful! Mine always looks pointy, I can never get the curves smooth. And your TJ is adorable.

Winona said...

Bren, I think your homespun flowers will be perfect on this quilt. Buttons or yoyos, either one will look great. TJ looked so proud of his work. What a cutey! Have fun with all that applique. I am just doing small projects of applique. I enjoy it, but need lots more practice. LOL Have a good day. Winona

Sue said...

Your top is looking awesome! That applique will be done in no time. Have fun, I can't wait to see it as you progress :)

~katie~ said...

I have no expertise in this area, but just wanted to say they look absolutely wonderful!! :-)