Basket of Flowers

To begin, I had chosen four vases to fit onto the blocks, and now I needed to add more images to fill the rest. Thinking of what a real flower shop displays and has for sale, I wanted to add lots of flowers.

Having drawn and prepared several applique pieces, I began to try them out. The first layout shows the vases placed on the green blocks and a few flowers lain out on the brown blocks.

VASES ON GREEN BLOCKS

One goal in mind was to have vases filled with stemmed flowers that were ready for creating flower arrangements. So, how to go about this….

With these tall, black vases, I tried several layouts; here are two of them. Even though I liked the idea, I just wasn’t impressed with using black. I found it too harsh. So, then what….

ADDED FLOWERS IN TALL VASES #1

 

ADDED FLOWERS IN TALL VASES #2

Having introduced baskets in the above layouts, I figured that was a nice addition to the vases. My next query; was how to arrange them properly.  

After a lot of adjusting and figuring out what to use for my stemmed flowers, I was ready for the final options.

This layout was working well, and after deciding that I’d place each group into rows, this is what I thought would work the best. Here’s a sneak peek at part of the final layout:

FINAL LAYOUT IN PROGRESS

Don’t get me wrong, every slight adjustment did look good; sometimes better and sometimes another great alternative. What I did need to do was make a final decision and fuse each block’s images in place. As at some point, we must move on to the next stage of the process. 

Check back next week, when I’ll show you the completed quilt.

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Ready-Pockets Tutorial

Do you have any denim pockets that have been waiting for a unique project? This may be it!

Why not try this quick and easy project using two denim jean pockets that will nicely decorate a small space on the wall next to your desk or work area or even bathroom.

Ready-Pocket filled with Notepad and Pencils

 

Materials List:

·         2 pieces fabric* (front and back) – 13” x 13” (minimum)

·         1 piece batting – 13” x 13” (same size as fabric pieces)

·         Two denim pockets (cut from old jeans) – two sizes

·         10” embroidery hoop 

·         Thread – either contrasting or matching

*Fabric can be any color you choose. It may be made from one piece or a pieced section cut to these dimensions. [IE: An orphaned block or scrappy block from a variety of fabrics cut to 13” x 13”.]



 

Instructions:

Quilted Block—

1.       Cut fabric and batting – all pieces are:  13” x 13” (minimum).

2.       Before layering, you may fold the top fabric to form a triangle and press to create a fold line to form an X to mark the first lines of stitching.

3.       Layer these three pieces with right side of bottom piece facing down and right side of top piece facing up, with the batting in the center.

Layering Pieces

 

4.       Fasten the layers with three or four pins to hold them together as you sew the grid lines.

5.       Begin stitching on the fold line and then continue stitching straight lines on both sides of this center line. Stitching lines are set two inches apart in this project.

Creating the Grid Lines

 

6.       Turn block and repeat Step 4 to stitch on the other fold line and continue until you have formed a grid.

7.       Your quilted block is now ready for adding the pockets.

Grid Lines Completed

 

 

Adding Pockets—

8.       Select two denim pockets from old jeans. You will need two different sizes. Or if you wish, you can add just one pocket.

9.       If your pockets have been cut with the leg material still attached, cut out around the pocket. Then trim around the pocket carefully to get rid of any stray threads.

10.   Turn the pocket over, and cut away the extra layer, as you’ll need to be able to stitch on the second pocket without closing up the bottom pocket.

Trimming Pocket--Backs

11.   Place the smaller pocket on top of the larger pocket. Then stitch around the sides and bottom of the smaller pocket to attach it to the larger pocket. Leave the top unstitched.

12.   Use a thread color to match the denim fabric or other color of your choosing. Stitch next to the outer edge of the decorative stitching line already on the pocket.

13.   Secure the beginning and ending points of your stitching with backstitching or a narrow zigzag. Carefully and slowly stitch over the bulky sections at the top of the pockets.

14.   Mark the center point on the bottom edge of the block with a pin or your finger as you place the pockets onto the quilted block.

15.   Measure two inches from bottom of quilted block and place bottom point of the pocket there. It should be centered now from each side of pocket to outer edges of quilted block.

Placement of Pockets

16.   For the larger pocket, sew two or three rows of stitching to secure it to the quilted block. First, sew a row of stitching as in Step 12.

17.   Then another row of stitching inside the outer decorative stitching already on the pocket. This can be done all in one round before cutting thread.

18.   I’d suggest stitching two lines around the sides and bottom of this pocket. [IE: between the decorative lines, as shown below:] 

Stitching Lines for Larger Pocket

 

 Inserting into Hoop—

19.   Open hoop and place bottom ring on table.

20.   Center quilted block on bottom ring and add top ring.

21.   Retighten hoop.

 

Inserting Into Hoop

 

22.   Then trim fabric away from back of hoop to complete project.

 

Trimming Away Excess Fabric

 

23.   If you wish, you may take it out again and serge or zigzag around the edge.

24.   It is ready to fill with items and hang on the wall. Enjoy.  

Completed Ready-Pocket

Note:  If desired, you could add binding and a hanging sleeve to create a mini quilt you can hang from a rod, instead of putting it into a hoop.

 

A Few Examples—Filling the Pockets: 

Pencils and Notepad

Concert Tickets

Toothpaste and Toothbrush

 

 

 

Discover other unique places where a Ready-Pocket might come in extra handy. Hope you enjoyed this tutorial.

 

 

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