September 08, 2003 An original

Morning Glory

     This flower pattern is a simple pattern.  The example is done with a bluish batik that has striations in it that cause the flower to look as though it's shaded.   

     For the Appliquéd Flower quilt, the size of the pattern was approximately 7" x 8.5" and the size of the background fabric is cut to 10" x 12".  You may have to enlarge/reduce the pattern given so that it is about the same size as mine, however, this is not necessary.  You can make this flower any size you wish.  

     This pattern is made up of the following components, along with suggested colors:

  1. 4 leaf sections (4 greens, patterns 1, 2, 3, 4) (Or this could be done as one single leaf),

  2. 1 stem (dark green or brown, pattern 5),

  3. 6 morning glory pieces (a variety of blues, patterns 6 through 11).

     Here are the patterns:

     Instructions:

  1. Print the patterns, then enlarge or reduce it to the size you want.  Remember that the pattern will be the mirror image when you finish your block, so if you want it to face the opposite direction of what it shows in the pattern, now is the time to reverse it.  

  2. Select your fabrics.  You can be creative here and do not have to stick to what I have suggested.

  3. Using the patterns, trace the pattern pieces onto a light-weight, double-sided fusible webbing, being careful to trace onto the paper side of the webbing.  Tip:  When tracing, I paperclip my fusible webbing to the pattern, so that it doesn't slip!  HUGE TIP:  Be sure to cut on the dashed line for the pieces that have them, because this is the area that will overlap.

  4. Cut each pattern piece out.  It doesn't matter if you cut precisely at this point; it can be a fast, rough cut.  Be sure to use paper-cutting scissors.

  5. Label each piece, so that you know where it was in the pattern.  This may not seem important, but when trying to reassemble the flower, it can get confusing!

  6. Press each rough-cut piece onto your fabric, being careful to press to the wrong side of the fabric and to also leave at least 1/4" around the edge, for trimming room  Follow the instructions on the fusible webbing when pressing.

  7. Cut the pieces out of the fabric, being careful this time to cut precisely, however, on the sides that are going to fit underneath another piece, it is wise to cut those sides a little larger (where the dashed line is), so that the overlapping fabrics have something to "grab".  And remember, this does not have to be precisely like the pattern!  Just get as close as you can get.

  8. Lay the pieces on top of the appliqué pressing sheet or your background fabric, with the original pattern underneath.  Place these so that the ones that overlap, do.   Move the pieces around until you are happy with the placement.  It is important that you overlap a little on the pieces, else they won't stick together when you press.  For example, the stems need to be cut a little longer on each end so that they can be covered by the flowers.

  9. Cut a block from the background fabric that is adequate enough for the size of your pattern you traced.  If you want all of your blocks the same size, this is the time to make that decision!  However, when it comes time to sew it all together, my layout may not work for you, should you choose to go all the same size.

  10. Lay the pattern underneath the background fabric.  You should be able to see enough of it through the fabric to place your appliqué pieces.  To center the pattern, you may need to lightly press the block in half, both directions.  This will give you the center of the block.  Then, fold the pattern in half, both directions.  This will give you the center of the pattern.  Once you have both centers, line them up, one on top of another.  Or, you can eyeball the placement and put it to where it is pleasing to you!  

  11. Press the pieces in place, making sure to press the flower so that the pieces that are on top are placed on top.  The layering of the pieces is important.  First, lay down the stem (pattern 5).  Lay the morning glory petals in the following order:  9, 10, 11, 6, 7, 8), so that patterns 8 and 9 end up overlapping 5.  Next, place the leaf patterns in this order:  4, 3, 1, 2.  If you prefer, you can choose your own overlapping.  Do not press with the paper pattern underneath the background fabric.  The ink may bleed onto the fabric.  Here is a picture of my whole block pressed into place.  I have used one blue/teal batik in the petals.  The definition of each petal will be more pronounced after the appliqué is finished.

  12. The vine has been traced on with a fine-point permanent marker.  You can either trace it, then go over it with a running stitch when you appliqué or you can leave it as is. 

  13. Once all of the pieces are pressed into place, then button-hole stitch them down.  If you need instructions on how to learn beginning button-hole stitching, refer to my Button-Hole Appliqué directions on the Web.  If you choose to use a sewing machine, that is fine, also.  

  14. Once you finish appliquéing, then press the block flat.  You might need to trim it so that the edges are even again, since appliquéing can distort the background.  Here is a photo of my finished block:

  15. This finishes this block!

 

     Have fun!

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