Leaves and Flower Quilt-a-Long
Today’s Topic: Leaves and Flower Quilt-a-Long
Welcome to Lesson 9 of our 2021 Quilt-a-Long, Even Better Machine Quilting
This FREE multi-week tutorial is based on my books available in my Etsy shop: LoriKennedyShop
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Find the 2021 QAL links HERE
Find the 2020 (25 Week) QAL links HERE
Good Morning, Quilters!
Last week we reviewed several resources for finding motifs.
This week–let’s place those motifs into a framework. Today’s project, the Flower and Leaf Sampler uses a variety of motifs set into a basic composition.
The composition is framework for setting the motifs in a pleasing way on a whole cloth quilt. However, YOU don’t have to create a whole cloth quilt. The process is the same if you are placing the motifs onto a pieced quilt. For example, this table runner could easily be a pieced tablerunner. Piece several six inch squares, then add sashing and borders. The fabrics can be solids or prints or a combination of both!
The Leaf and Flower Tablerunner
Follow the instructions for the set-up in the 2020 Quilt-a-long : The Square Flower Tablerunner.
If you made this quilt last year, challenge yourself to make a new one with different thread and different motifs.
After my table runner was complete–I even had the binding on it–I decided to add a leaf border.
The Leaf Border
First, fold a piece of paper in half and cut out a symmetrical leaf. I cut several sizes and chose my favorite.
Next, mark the center point of the border. Start in the center and mark leaves out toward the edges. You can change the angle slightly and adjust the spacing to fit an even number of leaf motifs. Don’t worry if there’s extra space on the edge-it’s easy to fill in with swirls and curls as a design element.
Once the leaves are marked, you are ready to stitch.
Outline the leaf shape and fill with an embellishment. I used the Welsh Leaf tutorial HERE
You might like the Welsh Leaf Variations HERE
Key Points
The main point of this lesson is to practice setting motifs into a framework.
Even with a whole cloth quilt, the variations are endless! Change thread colors or fibers. Try different motifs. Add more rows….
Whatever you do–don’t hesitate! Just try something. If it doesn’t work out–it’s only fabric. There’s more.
Some combinations will be more successful than others. Just keep practicing.
If you made this quilt last year–make another. You know so much more than you did then! Challenge yourself to make a longer table runner in colors that match your house. Or make it square and use it on your picnic table. Or make one in your friend’s favorite colors….
This one framework can keep us all busy for weeks!
Happy, Endless Quilting!
Limitless Lori
PS…All tutorials, images and information are the property of Lori Kennedy Quilts and are intended for personal use only. Feel free to re-blog, pin or share with attribution to LKQ. For all other purposes, please contact me at Lori@LoriKennedyQuilts.com. Thank you!
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Inspiring to hear those words, just keep practicing! I needed that😁
I was terrified of FMQ, however since I have done your course last year, I’m thrilled with my progress. It’s far away from being perfect, it’s liberating to choose where you want to go though. I’m selling my embroidery machine as I’m feeling so free to stitch what I want. No need for a computer program. Thank you Lori for your fantastic tutorials😘
Hermine! That is the nicest thing you could say! I’m so happy to have given you the direction you needed!
What a GREAT tute, Lori. Love the way you put things together – I would not have thought of combining the things you do! How’s the longarming coming along? I’m green with envy – if only I had the room… (or a basement to convert!)
Thank you! So glad you enjoyed the tutorial. The long arm is coming along slowly! I was away for two months and now I have to relearn a few things!
Instead of another tablerunner, I’ve been turning my quilt sandwich practice quilts in to pet quilts. They make great little gifts to our own pets but also our family and friends beloved fur babies.