Friday, July 17, 2020

Secret Garden and Applique

Happy Friday!  Here's the new applique' project that I've been working on. 
I keep changing my mind about this project, which is totally okay.
My center block started like this~
It looked a bit too sparse to me and off balance.  I added 5 leaves to fill in a bit.  I also shortened the berry sprig. 
I found all sort of bits of UFOs and orphan and block swaps to use. 
 I changed my mind from the flying geese border to a 4 patch border.  OOOPS now I have to remove and re-attach a new border that is divisible by 2"
 I'm taking these old block apart and re-purposing them.
 I've got block on every surface of my sewing room.
I think I'll be happy to have the little patches first.
 
Yesterday coco and I visited this garden in Clinton again.  
This time I walked around the outside border and was delighted to discover this Charming Fairy Garden!
Here is a little tour for you.
Tiny house in an old grist mill stone.
Here is my favorite.  I'd happily live here.
 
Here is a photo for scale.  Coco looks like a giant!  No wonder I missed this on previous visits.
 I hope this cheered your day!
stay well
xo

31 comments:

Pinkadot Quilts said...

I love working on quilts this way! Mostly because I don't know how it will look until it is finished! I am quilting an orphan block quilt right now. As usual your applique is perfect and I am sure the finished product will be amazing!
The fairy garden is so lovely, a perfect find to make you smile!

Wendy Caton Reed said...

Love all renditions of your "secret" garden". I have changed my mind a number of times too but seem to go back to the original. Maybe it is because I don't have a design wall. No, it is more likely that I am just lazy!

Quilting Babcia said...

I love to read (and see) all about your 'creative mess' as you design your quilts. You have way more patience than I, taking apart and repurposing all those orphan blocks! That fairy garden is such a treat for those who take the time to discover it, so enchanting!

mary said...

what a fabulous surprise...perhaps I should do this we have a large butterfly garden...hmmm...and granddaughters...they could help cause they are little and can bend down low! I do not know if you saw my post but AAQG loved you and your presentation...i have received so many wonderful emails and comments about inviting you here. It was wonderful that you could show us your work in spite of the virus. It worked beautifully. Thanks again for sharing! you have a lot of fans in Texas! but it is running 105 degrees plus...even I am hot love mary

CecileD said...

Those little houses are so charming !
Your appliqués block is beautiful and I can’t wait to admire your top finished !
Happy weekend Barb ! ��

Sandy said...

Oh Barb, I love everything about your new little appliqué project! The off-center vase, the borders, the repurposed blocks, the bird ... everything. I especially like the vase itself, so pretty!
What fun to discover the fairy garden!

Loris said...

Sweet new quilt in the making! It's fun to see you and Coco finding some new fun things to see. Time with my pup is the best :-)

Ginger Scott said...

Beautiful quilt project and charming fairies. Thanks for sharing.

Janet said...

I love the fuller vase and the border plans floor like fun too. What a sweet fairy garden :0)

Janet O. said...

The blocks everywhere are an indicator of a creative mind at work. You know when it is right and it finally clicks into place, right?
Absolutely charmed by the adorable fairy garden. Thank you for taking us through their village. :)

Lin McQ said...

Barb, I always learn something new from your blog. This time it’s the effectiveness of placing your center medallion off center. You are such a rebel!

Julierose said...

Lovely applique block--nice work--so pretty did that birdie just hop right on in? So cute...
~ ~ ~ waving in the misty rain Julierose

Randy D. said...

What a great job on the center! I love the extra leaves! It's so sweet--really makes me want to do an applique project!
And that adorable garden??!! How amazing!!
What an adventure~!

Karen said...

The bird is a perfect addition to the center applique piece.

Cynthia@wabi-sabi-quilts said...

Love your appliqué so much and of course you needed to add your trademark bird - so special. You are truly an artist. The fairy garden - so sweet! Also, sweet Coco!

Kyle said...

I like where your applique is heading. Like Cynthia I noticed your inclusion of your bird. Perfect.

Angie said...

Watching your design process is inspiring!
Thanks for the Fairy Garden tour; I'd like to add some fairy touches to my front garden, but I haven't figured out where to start.

Karen in Breezy Point said...

It's like the old saying--you have to break eggs to make a cake--lol! I love the way the four patches look between the center block and the geese--this is going to be a fun project!

Chantal said...

The little changes you brought to the center is making a big difference. Much better after. Bravo on being bold enough to follow your gut feelings. Love the different borders. Lot of work to unstitch all those blocks but it was worth it.
So happy you shared the pictures of the little houses. They are so cute. It made my heart smile. Thank you. ;^)

Lorraine said...

I am loving your progress on your current project! As always, your quilting inspires me! And that fairy garden is just too cute for words!

AnnieO said...

Charming changes to your appliqué project. Every surface in my sewing room is covered too...
The Fairy garden is adorable! Love the ladder up the tree to the quilting clubhouse. Or at least that’s what I’m imagining it to be :)

Thimbleanna said...

Love your new applique project Barb -- it's looking great! And what a fun surprise to find the fairy garden -- I love it when things like that happen!

Barbara said...

Love the new look of your applique block especially the sparrow :) Great idea to re-purpose those blocks to 4 patches. They look so nice with the flying geese and that lush border fabric. Cute little fairy garden, too.

Val's Quilting Studio said...

You DID make me smile!! Thank you for the Fairy tour and yes, I love the little sparrow in your quilt too. I'm always inspired by your applique work. :)

Nann said...

The fairy garden is such a treat! It reminds me of the wonderful book Miss Hickory. Your appliqued wall hanging looks wonderful. I think I'd just break down and make new units rather than do all that unstitching!

Pip said...

I like how you have added your own touches to the applique, it looked a little bare originally. I liked the flying geese border, looking forward to see how the four patch blocks will look now. That last house is my favourite too, reminds me of a hobbit house.

loraine everard said...

how lovely! We once went on a forest walk in Wales, and all along the path were little wooden fairy doos at the base of the trees, it was enchanting! Must put some in our garden for our grand daughter! Love the way that quilt is looking, doing something similar with unused appliques and blocks and enjoying it thoroughly!

Deb E said...

Love the changes you're making with your mini quilt. The 4 patches will really add to the charming look. It's so nice to use up orphan blocks and those bits & pieces we all seem to save. Seeing the fairy garden reminded me of the one I had in Salem, Oregon. It wasn't as large, but I miss mine. I had miniature hostas and plants around it, which was in keeping with the size of the tiny house. I'm going to have to put one here in our new place soon.

audrey said...

What a fun looking project. The open ended ones can end up being the best ones in outcome!:) Like how you shortened your berry stem and then added the leaves. It's interesting how something can look good, but not quite right.

Anonymous said...

test - why can't I reply from my laptop :(

atelier la masure said...

hello Barb,
As always your story is so nice to read, the little village is like a fairytale.... And I love your Coco, I have 3 dog and I lost the oldest last week, she was 15,5...
Good luck for this strange summer
Happpy to read your blog
Véronique Lamasure