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Night Blooms

Instructions for making a floral quilt with a geometric border

From "Uncommon Threads"
episode DUCT-117

(Continued from page 2)

Below are some suggestions to help you appliqué like a pro.

Appliqué Tips

When turning along a concave (inside) curve, you may need to clip the seam allowance to get a smoother curve. Clip to within a few threads from the line and only when you find that the seam allowance won't stay turned. A smooth curve is more important that turning all the way to the line. If some of the chalk marks show, don't worry: they will brush off eventually as you work on the project.
For tight convex (outside) curves, turn under only enough seam allowance for one stitch at a time. This gives you the smoothest curve possible.
Stitch all the way to the point marked on your fabric. Then trim away some of the excess already-turned seam allowance near the point to get rid of some of the bulk. Pinch the piece tightly with your thumbnail right at the point and use the needle to sweep the seam allowance under your thumb. Take an extra stitch at the point to anchor it down. This stitch can be slightly longer to give your point the allusion of being even sharper than it is.
For pieces with points that meet other pieces, start appliquéing the top piece about 1" from the contact point in order to assure that the points meet correctly.

Paper Pieced Border

1. Print out two side border patterns and two top border patterns on drafting vellum.

2. Paper-piece the borders using your favorite method. Refer to the gray shading on the pattern for value placement.

3. Cut four 2-1/2" squares from dark purple fabrics. Sew these squares to the ends of the top borders.

4. Trim the quilt top to 19-1/2"x31-1/2". Try to keep the inner boarder consistent on all four sides.

5. Sew the side borders to the quilt top.

6. Sew on the top and bottom borders.

Finishing

1. Baste the quilt top, batting and backing together.

2. Quilt as desired.

3. If desired, add embellishments to the quilt top. For example, sew beads on the flowers for stamens or in the background for stars or rain.

4. Add a 4" hanging sleeve to the back.