Machine Quilted Applique-Flower Wreath Project

Today’s Topic:  Machine Quilted Applique-Flower Wreath Project

Welcome to Week Twenty Three of The Better Machine Quilt-a-long based on my book 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting.

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Good Morning, Quilters!

How are YOUR applique compositions coming along?

Today, I would like to share extra photos of the project that is in the book, 25 Days to Better Machine Quilting, page 115.

As I mentioned in the post, Simple Applique Projects, I start by creating sheets of fused fabrics and begin cutting a variety of shapes.

Composing the Applique

Because I’ve done this a few times before, I have a collection of fabric and shapes from previous projects.

For each new project, I add more fabric and more shapes and combine it with applique pieces I did not use in my last project.

I arrange and re-arrange the shapes–which I find can be rather meditative–and I take quick snapshots of my favorite compositions.

Sometimes I have to give myself a time limit or this part of the project can go on too long-LOL!

Choose Thread

After fusing the applique and creating a quilt sandwich, the next step is to choose thread for embellishing the applique.

Because I wanted contrast and to add details to the flowers, I chose a heavy weight polyester thread with great sheen by Wonderfil called Fabulux.

I picked a color variegated between gray and black. This is a little out of the box for me–so I made a few samples first–and I knew instantly this was the perfect choice!

A close runner up was Twist by Superior Threads.  It is a two ply thread-one ply is light gray and the other is black.  It has beautiful sheen as well!

Quilting the Wreath

First I free motion quilted each of the shapes down by stitching two or three times around–sometimes on and sometimes off the applique.  Then I went back to add the details within each shape and more motifs-like leaves and swirl-around the design.

Add the Grid

After the embellishing was complete, I thought the background looked a little plain, so I used a stencil and chalk to draw a one inch grid over the the entire quilt.

I used matching color thread to create the grid,

Whenever the grid “bumped” into a flower, I closely echo stitched the flower to get back to the grid lines.  In that way, I didn’t have to break thread and knot off.  Because I was using matching color thread, the traveling lines are not noticeable.

By the way…grids and applique are always a great combination!

Fused Applique and Machine Quilting

One thing to note–because the shapes are slightly stiff as a result of the bonding material, they don’t POP as much as hand applique and machine applique without the fusible.  The textile looses some of the flexibilty and the it doesn’t physically lift up.  However, the quilting does enhance the applique and it remains the star of the quilt–which is our ultimate goal.

Have YOU started composing your applique project?

Did YOU choose a floral pattern–or something else?

How many design variations did YOU try?

Are there leftover pieces and ideas to create more than one quilt?

We’d LOVE to hear!

May YOUR sewing room be filled with flowers and all things beautiful,

Happy Stitching,

Lori

PS…Tomorrow I will share photos of my new adventure…I hope you will join me with encouragement and advice!

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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