Now that the base for the wall hanging was done, I turned my attention to the appliques. Initially, my thought was to make them the same way as the vase. But when I did the vase, I found that the interfacing was fusible after all, and it fused to the underside of the applique. I knew I didn’t want to use that as I wanted to be able to press the edges well prior to sewing. So, there was now a choice, use the same fabric front and back or deal with the dreaded needle turn technique. Same fabric it is! I marked some leaf and stem shapes on a piece of green fabric folded right sides together.
Then I sewed around the shapes, leaving one end open for turning.
I cut them out, clipped the curves and points, then turned them right side out and pressed well. I placed them on the base with the vase to see the proportions, and figure out how long to cut the stems. The challenge fabric is going to be folded in a manner that will look like a newspaper around the flower not yet put into the vase, like it was carried home from the garden that way.
Once I had that done, I folded down the top of the vase to applique the bottoms of the leaves and stems underneath. I planned to do the same with the newspaper.
I began stitching the leaves using the same type of whip stitch I use for binding.
I got the stems done, and one and a half leaves when another thought crossed my mind. I’ve got the same fabric on both sides, why not make this dimensional? So I picked out the stitching on the leaves, switched sides on the two outermost leaves and folded them over with the tip pinned down and the center sections lifted off the base.
What a difference this made! The piece went from flat and kind of boring, to much more interesting with the 3-D effect. After stitching the ends down, I only stitched the tips. You can see my knot on the leaf, this will be cut off when I am done, hiding the thread end inside the leaf.
I place a knot on the last stitch, then bring the needle back out near the first knot to cut off.
For the newspaper, I began stitching it by folding the leaves and stems out of the way, and stitching across the top edge of the newsprint between the pins.
Then,I did the flowers in the newspaper in the same way as the vase. Opening up the folded print, I carefully pinned the folds so I wouldn’t lose the shape. Then the bases of the leaves and stems were stitched. I was careful to stitch the leaves through the print and into the batting, but not all the way to the backside of the base. This will make the applique hold well. The tips were done the same way, to create dimension.
The newspaper is stitched only on the edges with a few tacks to keep the points down. This allows the folds to puff just a little.
The vase is stitched only on the sides and across the bottom. The top edge was left unsewn to again allow it to bow out from the base, adding dimension. I’m thinking of adding just a bit of batting inside the vase and the newspaper to make them hold their shapes a bit better.
The flowers will be next, and I have more ideas in mind with those. Then the label will be last. It needs a title, and the decision has to be made as to whether or not to try to include the magazine and page that was the inspiration. I have to have this done by the third week in February, and I am going to make it with time to spare.
What do you think of the dimensional idea?
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From My Carolina Home 
I absolutely LOVE it !! What a creative project. The dimension really makes it pop. Can’t wait to find out if those flowers are iris, daffodils or tulips, or something else entirely. Does the label go on the back? If so, you could scan the page from the magazine, and print on fabric, along with your project specifics (name/date/etc). I love seeing your project come to life! You are such an artist!
Your challenge piece is coming out great, Carole. Since I’m home for the day, I’ll be doing more work on mine. Like you, I should have time to spare (if I don’t slack off!).
I like it!
Love the dimensional feature of your quilt, your talent is so apprec, beyond what I could come up with. 5 stars. I sure enjoy your blog. Have a great weekend. I’ll be freezing here in Iowa.
I love this !! The dimensional touches totally changed the whole thing … I was wondering how the newspaper print would tie in & this is just perfect !
I’ve been working on tiny projects & organizing my sewing room during the last week of blizzard warnings here in northern Indiana ….wind chills of nearly -30 …& about 18” snow 😝
Very pretty! Can’t wait to see the flowers.
You are very creative. I look forward to seeing the flowers.
The dimensional version is a much better idea than a flat appliqué. Can’t wait to see the flowers.
I’m looking forward to seeing this at the exhibit!
i like the dimensional effect you have decided on. There iss so much life in the project.
This is turning out really neat, Carole! I love the 3-D effect. Do you have the same idea for your flowers? My 3-D sewing for today is some Safelight case sets!
The dimensional idea makes all the difference; it looks great so far!
Love, love, love the way this is coming together. The dimension is great.
Lovin’ this! 🙂
What a wonderful idea to make it three dimensional. It is going to be lovely. Really admire the way you were using the newspaper print. Great ideas all around. Can’t wait to see the finished product.
I love the dimension! It looks awesome.
I love the newspaper and dimensional appliqued leaves. It finally came to me that the blue square in the left corner is a window. This is going to be a winner!!!
Love all this applique – I used to do a lot of “cool” stuff but have recently opted for “quick”. Seems like deadlines are closer together lately. The quilt looks so alive! Thanks!
I learn a lot from you! THanks and greetings from Belgium
I love it! The dimensional structure makes it so real looking.
I had no idea how yu were going to do this whole project, it is really fun to see your plan unfold.
Lynda from Puyallup, WA
I absolutely LOVE the dimensional aspect! I knew you’d be innovative and artistic in your efforts….well done!
Gorgeous!