Oh look who came....Amanda with her Modern Blossom Block

Hi everyone,

I'm excited to be visiting here at Madame Samm's fantastic blog today!  She asked me to share a few block ideas with you and I am happy to oblige.  I can't wait to see what you make with them so send pictures!  Feel free to upload them to my flickr group.

I'll be sharing five blocks throughout these next weeks and they are all very different.  Let's start with one of my favorite motifs - FLOWERS!  I use flowers in all my fabric collections to date and many of my patterns in my pattern line.  (You can also find some of my patterns in pdf form on Craftsy.)

I'm calling this block Modern Blossom - she is big and showy.  She can be sewn with borders, for a 12-1/2'' block, or without, for a 10'' block.

Start with 2 10'' squares of fabric for the Blossom and Background.  Print out two copies of the Modern Blossom Template and tape the Blossoms motifs together along the dashed line.  Trace the motif onto paper-backed fusible web and cut out the center so your finished piece won't be stiff.  Fuse the Blossom shape onto one of the 10'' squares of fabric.  Cut out, remove paper, and fuse onto the remaining 10'' square.  (You can also just cut out the shape and use a glue stick or spray adhesive to temporarily attach it if you would prefer.)  Use a buttonhole stitch to secure the appliqué.  Don't worry about knotting the ends of the thread - they will be caught in the seams if you start sewing at the edge of the pieces.  Cut the excess Background fabric from behind the Blossom.

Now, using the same process, trace 4 petals onto fusible web.  Cut out the center and fuse onto the wrong side of the petal fabric.  Cut out, remove paper backing, and arrange on top of the block so that the points all meet in the center.  Fuse and appliqué to secure.

Trace the Blossom Center onto fusible web, fuse to Blossom Center, and secure in the same manner.  (Or use a  yo-yo - you know I can't get enough of them!)

If desired, cut out 2 (1-3/4'' x 10'') rectangles and sew them on the sides of the block.  Cut out 2 (1-3/4'' x 12-1/2'') rectangles and sew them onto the top and bottom of the block.

That's it.  You could make three blocks for a fun summer table runner or sew up a bunch for fun quilt.  It might look like this...

12 blocks without borders

This would be a good choice for a layer cake because you wouldn't need a bigger cut than a 10'' square.

Or add sashing for a different look....

12 blocks without borders... with sashing!

Or put a separate border on each block for more detail...

12 blocks with individual borders

Thanks to Madame Samm for having me.

Have fun and happy sewing everyone!

Amanda