Last week, we introduced you to the block, called: Flowering Tree by Amy Friend. You can see my version of Amy's block, here.
Although I've never had the pleasure of meeting her, I'm realizing how much I love RachelDaisy's aesthetic. In fact, RachelDaisy is this week's block designer. Check out her blog, here. She's from Australia, which explains to me why I love her design style. I've found how so many Australian designers are super-skilled about combining color and pattern into the most dynamic quilts!
RachelDaisy's block is called: Around Four Corners. Here is my version:
The design of this block is so clever! When I first took a look at the image of the block in the pattern, I wasn't quite sure how it was all going to go together. However, while making the block, I was amazed at how easy (and fun!) it was.
There was one small thing I did differently. Before sewing them together, I laid out all of my 3-patch units that make up the circles so that the seam allowances would line up with the background fabric's seams, as well as with the adjoining pieced circles. Doing this also helped me to line up everything before I hand-appliqued the circles to the background.
The first fabric I chose to use was the dynamic black typewriter keys print by Cosmo Cricket. You can read about the fabrics I'm using, here, here, and here. I love what a bold statement the typewriter keys print makes and felt it worked well as the backdrop to the applique. When I began introducing fabrics for the center spot, I liked the juxtaposition of the small type print, in comparison to the typewriter keys, for the center of my block. And finally, I decided how the large, 3/4 circles should be a place for the eye to rest, so I chose mottled solids, there.
Here's an image of the back of my block:
After finishing, I chose to cut out the bulk from the back of the applique. You'll see my Helen Stubbings' Hugs 'n Kisses Applique Paper that I used to make my circles showing through. I love knowing how it will wash away once I launder my finished quilt.
The Splendid Sampler 2 book will be available October 2018. It is currently available for pre-sale so order your copy, now!
