Monday, September 14, 2009

Mary Mannakee, another block

I'm really happy to have got another block done on the Mary Mannakee. I really love this one, even though it had a bit of fiddly reverse applique to do.
I knew I wanted to use this fabric but wasn't sure how it would look in those large blooms. I sometimes put the overlay over the fabric under the shape to see how it's going to look before I cut into the fabric.
If I want to fussy cut, I can do the same thing on the ironing board and slip the freezer paper template under the overlay to place it.

See what I mean about the reverse applique?
These are quirky little jellybean shapes and the inner curves at the ends were going to be a bit fiddly. I decided to get out the glue stick and smear a little on the ends, turn them under and press with my thumb as I did it so they would stay in place until I got to them.
Since I'd used basting glue and a blue washout pen on the block, it was getting a wash so it didn't matter to me.

The four blocks together.
I probably wouldn't be doing this quilt if Kathie hadn't started talking about making it but I'm so glad she did because sharing the progress with someone else is very motivating. It's so enjoyable to see each others progress and to be able to compare notes on fabrics and methods.

49 comments:

antique quilter said...

oh your 4 blocks together looks wonderful, now doesn't it make you want to prep and start that 5th block!!!!!
Love how you used the one fabric to make those center leaves hanging down, beautiful
you were brave using that fabric for the big blooms
after seeing yours NOW I would too!
Great Vase fabric too.
oh and btw I am not doing those jelly bean shapes :)
at least not right now maybe before I sew the blocks together I will go back and do it, we will see!
Kathie

Lurline said...

Janet, that is just so beautiful - your four blocks together show what a beautiful quilt it will be.Your needledwork is just amazing. I'm so happy for you and Kathie to be bonding together on this project and I can see lots more to come!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Mary on Lake Pulaski said...

So beautiful Janet!! Yes, working on something at the same time as someone else does motivate!

ranette said...

I'm green with envy...lol
I really love these blocks and the quilt will just be breathtaking.

darlynn said...

Absolutely beautiful! You do an amazing job. A joy to watch your journey with this quilt.

Rita said...

Your blocks are terrific! Makes me want to get the pattern out and start. Your fabrics are perfect! Keep inspiring us.

Christine said...

WOW. Your applique looks amazing. I love your new fabrics in the last post too.

Anonymous said...

They are looking fantasti, I have my background fabrics and most of my other fabrics so will start soon.
I have just started the first block for the CWBQ and I do have a lot of quilting to do for customers, so better get of the computer and get busy.

cheers
Christine

Crispy said...

Oh Janet that is just BEAUTIFUL!! Your stitching is wonderful and I absolutely LOVE the fussy cut leaves down on the bottom.

Crispy

QUILTING IS BLISSFUL, DI said...

BEAUTIFUL BLOCKS---and thanks for the tip on how to try out fabric by sticking them under the overlay---now i just have to remember to do it!!!!!
hugs, Di

Janet said...

I don't often post but I just wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your blog. The four blocks you have done are stunning!

Thank-you,
Janet
Edmonton,Alberta
Canada

Betsy said...

Janet it is just beyond words. Your work is always so delicate and beautiful. does this quilt require many different colors or just a select few?

Liz said...

Well, I'm sorry Janet but I just wish that both you and Kathie would stop, cease and desist showing this quilt 'cos I really want to make it everytime I see another block. LOL!!
Seriously, it's an awsome quilt and I just love it. Fabulous colours.
Lizzie
XXX

Nedra said...

You do such beautiful work. Amazing.

Barb said...

Oh wow, I just love the look of applique...yours turned out so nicely.

Janet said...

Your block is beautiful! I love the vase fabric - its so interesting.

Deb said...

Oh Janet this is just so beautiful. I woulb be tempted to frame it as a solo piece. But then you'd have to make another one! They all look so good together.

In Awe of Applique said...

Janet~
your work is awe-inspiring, I love how well you explain the way you approach different aspects of a block or a difficult portion, helps someone like me who is just learning needleturn, thank you!
~Andrea

BizarreQuilter said...

Oh, your new block is stunning! I love seeing all the blocks together. THanks for the close-ups of the fabric. Yum!

PatchworkRose said...

Hi Janet
Those blocks are just wonderful. I am in awe at your reverse applique. I have not attempted that yet. Your quilt will be stunning when you have finished it.
Keep having fun :-)
Cheers Lynne

wishes, true and kind said...

You are making great progress, and your blocks look beautiful!

Julia said...

Oh yes Janet!...that is beautiful!
It's going to be a beautiful quilt..
Julia ♥

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

These are so beautiful Janet, I'm loving seeing your blocks coming together, they do look pretty fiddly but so worth it. xo

Piecefully, Pam said...

This is just spectacular!!! I love how you fussy cut your fabrics. Thank you for sharing and giving a dose of inspiration! ; )

Una said...

Oh Janet! What more can I say... Just precious. The different greens makes the block so lively.
It is like a still leben - a work of art.

Sheri Howard said...

So incredible, what more can I say.... you know how I love applique!

Kaaren said...

Simply awesome, Janet. Your needlework is stunning.

Thanks for sharing the journey...and the tips...with us.

alobsiger said...

How beautiful, Janet! I really love your fabric choices for this block! It must be so satisfying to put in the last stitch in each block. Yea!

Lori said...

WOW! And double wow! It's a real beauty and all 4 of the blocks together look really great. I love the fabric you used in the big blooms-it really works!

Carrie P. said...

Janet, I probably sound like a broken record but your blocks are just awe inspiring to me. I just love seeing what you are up to. Just beautiful

Maggey and Jim said...

Absolutely gorgeous!!! Great work.. I would not attempt it,,no,no..
Maggey

Judy said...

Yes, and watching to two of you do these blocks has made my head swim and I ordered the pattern!! I'm not sure how many or when I'll do them, but I couldn't stand it anymore!

Browndirtcottage said...

These blocks have such a WOW factor....your work is sooo great!

beth said...

These are simply BEAUTIFUL! Makes me green with envy to see you've got 4 blocks done...and so WELL done! love the green and red with a little bit of other color thrown in!

Nanette Merrill said...

You are absolutely an applique super star.

Purple Pam said...

Your blocks are absolutely breath taking!

Unknown said...

Wow !!! Beautiful !

Frou said...

Gorgeous block/s... and you're getting through them so fast!

Anonymous said...

They just keep getting better and better! I'm really loving the fourth block, but loved the third...and you get the idea. I'm in love!

Terrie Sandelin said...

These are so beautiful! What a stunning quilt this is going to be!!

Karen said...

Another beauty! The blocks look wonderful together. That sure is some tiny reverse applique.

Thimbleanna said...

WOW. This block is gorgeous. I LOVE all the fabrics you've chosen. And they all look so beautiful together!

Sherri said...

Gorgeous block...and thanks for the overlay tip...I never thought of doing that to "preview" my fabric choice and also to position the template!!!

MARCIE said...

All I can do is gasp. Your work is stunning and fabric selection is just right!

Dixie Howard said...

Oh, these blocks are beyond gorgeous. I keep coming back and looking at them! Love your quilt header on your blog too. Thanks for sharing your beautiful work.

Dixie

kim mclean said...

Your MM blocks are looking great!! Great fabric choices. Love to see more! I enjoyed doing my MM quilt years ago. Keep it up. Kim McLean

julieQ said...

Your blocks are so pretty! Gorgeous, tempts me into doing this quilt...

Janet said...

I love what you did with the vase block. I'm jealous that I didn't try more adventurous fabrics for mine. Your blocks are great. Hope you're having as much fun as I am. Thanks for challenging me to do this quilt.

Karen said...

So, so nice. Your blocks make me green with envy! I purchased the pattern but don't know when I will have time to start.