Berries and cherries

Hi Everyone -

**Aliens have attacked this post and added numbers for reasons I can not explain - please disregard - hopefully they will go away on the next post. **

So, it occurred to me that I haven't heard much about Project Runway  in the blog world.  I for one am loving this season!  I think the contestants are talented and the challenges have been good.  I loved the party store challenge!  I'm also loving that the show is running 90 minutes.  I'm was happy to see Micheal win last week and miss braggy brag not.....meow!

Christine of Once Upon a Quilt mentioned that she was starting a scrap Double Wedding Ring quilt and wanted to use 30's.  I had just finished my 30's challenge and I sent her some leftovers and a small package of pre-cut squares that I had on hand.  Christine sent me this in return!

I had mentioned an interest in it a while back because it contains lovely grandmothers flower garden blocks.  I love these vintage fabrics!

As part of a challenge, she had to use something she had, so for the back she used signature blocks.  Double win!  I LOVE signature quilts and have made several.  These are great blocks!

I've been enjoying it on my table, thanks Christine!

So, where are the berries and cherries??

Crispy Quilts did a tutorial recently with great photos.  There are many ways to make these, whatever works for you, is for you.

Here is a step out of how I make my berries.   I'm not sure where I learned it, but I've been doing it this way for a long, long time.  Once I was cutting out the circles on an airplane and the man next me asked what I was doing.  I replied: "Making a Quilt", he didn't talk to me anymore....

First I gather together circle making items.  The green plastic templates are great, but I've used spools or anything that is perfectly round.

Using a mechanical pencil, I draw the circles on light card stock.  I pull these out of magazines - free is always good ;)

I use kids scissors for cutting them out.  The thicker blades make good edges.  One hint, move the paper, not your scissors, it really does work.

I cut out several thicknesses of fabric at a time.  I eyeball a scant 1/4 inch around the paper rounds.

I sew a running stitch around the circle.  

I insert the paper circle and cinch it evenly around.  I bring my thread up on the the right side of the fabric and knot off.  This helps me not loose tension at the end.

In no time at all, you have a nice pile of perfect little berries.  The next step is to press and starch them.  This is what I like:

I keep the papers in my berries until I sew them on my project.  When I'm ready, I pop out the paper (you can pinch it or fold it because these are "one use" papers) and pin or baste them down.

Here is one that is basted and two that are sewn on.

I love adding berries and cherries to quilts, they are whimsical and fun!

Later this week I'll post photos of quilts where berries are the main event.  Until then, happy stitching!

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