Deb - Remember that a bias strip is cut along a 45 degree angle of your fabric. So, to add on to Donna's instructions, the strip you are cutting is not along the line of grain. There are instructions on how to make a continuous bias strip from a square of fabric. I'll see if I can scan the instructions and post it to you. Or, you could Google on "Continuous Bias Strip" and see if you could find instructions online. This is advisable if you would be using the same strip for more than one block. Many of the blocks have wreaths in them so if you're using the same color, this might be worth the effort. Using this method, I just fold the strip in 3 and bury the raw edge under. Really hard to explain in words...you'll feel better if you see the diagrams.

Tata

I had forgotten about the "fold the strip in thirds" method. That also works quite well. When I do it that way, I baste down the middle of the strip so that I don't have to worry about it unfolding.

I'm not sure that making a continuous bias strip would be worth the trouble, though, unless you were working with really long strips. You don't really want seams in your stems and rings, and they aren't all the same width. Just something to keep in mind.

Deb - your spirit is inspiring to many of us here at Block Central. Donna has slaved many hours in EQ5 to produce this "beautimous" (Texas word!) BOM and your enthusiasm is contagious. Thanks Donna for putting this together in such an organized fashion. I'm sure the forum members will find much enjoyment, challenge and fulfillment in your work!

Tata

OK... back from joanne's... I brought all the fabric and matching colors of thread for all of it!...whewwww that bits done!
Now to work out what method of applique to use!
I agree Tata, Donna has done an awesome job on setting this up! I just hope I can do justice to her designs!
Deb.

OOOOOOOOOO can we see the fabric FDeb?

Do Share!!!

Connie

Fantastic!!! You Rock Donna

Connie

Thanks, Tata. But remember, it's only work if you don't like doing it. I enjoyed every minute of designing this BOM. OK, well maybe I didn't enjoy the minute when I lost an hours worth of work, but other than that...

Deb, I'm sure you'll do justice to my designs just as you do any project you undertake.

To all -- I just got my copy of Better Homes and Gardens Patchwork Quilting. There's an applique quilt that features heirloom machine applique. Very interesting! The technique is very similar to freezer paper hand applique, but you stitch by machine using an offset overedge (I think I got that right) stitch. It's a stitch that looks very much like the blind hem stitch only smaller and finer. I'm definitely giving that method a try.

ETA thanks to Connie, too!

Donna another question....
The leaves on the circle are they the med or light fabric on your pattern..... My fabrics have a little more contrast than the picture...so I'm not sure which one to use....I know I can do it anyway but I like the way pattern for the 16 blocks looks and thats what I am aiming for!
Deb.

Hi Deb, here are the colors I used for the first block:

Ring: dark green
Leaves: light green
Flowers: Dark Pink (or Light Red depending on your point of view)
Flower Centers: Yellow

I'll add a color key to the block patterns. That would probably be helpful for everyone.

Connie you twisted my arm! Here are my fabrics, I still have to get more but these are the colors I needed for this months....
Deb.