by Sandra | January 7th, 2013
Naturalist’s Notebook: The Nuthatch block: Templates done?- check. Numbering reference done?- check. Nothing left to do but get started on the Nuthatch block (#5).
You will notice I used a color pencil to color in my berries to match my fabrics. With so many berries, I wanted to make sure the colors balanced to my satisfaction before ever cutting into the fabric. I really hate butchering my fabric needlessly. I prize every square inch.
You can see how the colored pencil matches my berry fabrics and I know exactly how many to cut of each color. I really really hate cutting circles and circular applique pieces this small over and over. This way, I cut exactly the number and color I need, nothing more.
This also helps aid my eye to know if the greens I had chosen to use worked well and made my berries “pop” just like I wanted them too.
I audition my applique pieces to get the best flow of color. I may have to cut one or more of those pieces several times before I get the right mix and flow.
Remember those fabrics I chose? I have already switched out three of them before stitching! Never be chained to your original fabric and color choices. The amount and scale with the use of those colors, when auditioning as applique pieces, may alter your decision of what ends up being the best and final choice.
Note: The Background Material
One thing I want to mention again if you are using the script fabric as your background material…..
Make sure the script is going in the right direction and level. As you start in on the top and bottom pieces, it will be easy to cut the background going in the wrong direction. Well, if you are like me anyway.
Double check before cutting that the text is running perpendicular with the design and not vertical or upside down and check again when you start to stitch.
With this particular fabric, what that means is you may have to cut it a slight bit off grain. It is printed that way.
This alignment of the print problem is the main reason I quoted a yardage number (2 to 2.5 yards) that may be a lot more than what is really needed. You have room for error and no need to stress.
OMG! I just checked the background for my 4 finished blocks and everything is O.K. Did I luck out or what? I will make sure I check the next ones carefully. I am one to reverse, twist or otherwise mangle backgrounds. Thanks for all your tips.
I LOVE those berries. Can’t wait to work on this one. But then that is true about all of your designs.
Miss Gini
Hi Sandra, It is very interesting to see how you approach a new project….Thanks for sharing, it is very helpful…..Dot M.
Just look at those tiny berries! I’m extra-happy now to have my new eyeglasses for stitching!
It’s always such a great learning experience to see the way your colors come together. I must give more thought to the colors in each block relating to the quilt as a whole….. including the center block, as well. It’s a fun challenge! Love to watch your work as it progresses…. it’s very inspiring….
I love the colors. Dare I ask how small those berries are? The greens work so well with the berries. This is going to be another spectacular block.
Thank you for sharing, very inspiring.
Hold me, I’m scared…..
Well, I wanted to practice berries til I could get ‘em right. LOL. oh man.
:-O
It is gonna be a beaut! Arg, you are gonna make me learn to do those tiny berries. Gotta spread our wings.
Thanks so much for all you do.
t
Sandra, that block is coming together beautifully; but then all your blocks do
Can you give the product information for the background again?
Thanks
Eileen, here is a link to it
Lakehouse: Penelope Four Taupe Antique Calligraphy Yardage LH03014-Taupe
http://www.fatquartershop.com/store/stores_app/Browse_Item_Details.asp?Shopper_id=2647161633492647&Store_id=499&page_id=23&Item_ID=76053&Parent_Ids=
The berries…… I have faith in you guys. You are turning into applique goddesses without even knowing it! LOL
Denise, I think they are 1/4″ but I haven’t measured them.
Jill, with your ability to select fabulous fabrics, I know your version is going to WOW me.
Carol, you are welcome and I am glad everything is as it should be. Phew!