Domino Frame Blocks

Only two more applique designs to complete before this quilt project is ready to piece together. I have chosen to use a fancier block for these remaining two blocks. They are 9.5" x 9.5" unfinished and will fit into the final two spaces on the quilt layout.

QUILT LAYOUT--FINAL BLOCKS

DOMINO FRAME BLOCKS

This domino frame block is used in Weeks 12 & 13. It is the same block construction; the difference will be the chosen applique design. Week 12 is shown below.

To create the domino frame, you will see I've used three bright colors and a flat piping to frame the center of this block. These colors are taken from my border fabrics and I hope will provide a good contrast to the other colors used in the pieced blocks; and liven up the scrappy look of my quilt. You may select colors from your border fabrics or from blocks within your quilt, as desired. The piping is optional. 

WEEK 12 BLOCK

THE DOMINO FRAME

The instructions on the pattern page give you all the sizes required for the domino frame. Here you can see that I have sewn two B-C-D sections together; and two A-B-C-D-A sections together. Placing them around Piece E (not shown below) will create the domino frame block. Then I've added an applique design to the center of this block to complete it.

CONSTRUCTING DOMINO FRAME BLOCK

THE FLAT PIPING

If you want to add flat piping to the edge of the center of this block, cut strips 1" wide and the length of each side. (6.5" x 4 = 26" total length needed) Fold the strip in half with wrong sides together. Press. With all raw edges lined up, stitch through all three layers. Sew your stitching line just under the 1/4" measurement so it will be covered when the domino frame is added. 

ADDING FLAT  PIPING

VARIATIONS

For variations, you may choose:

1.) To omit the domino frame and use a plain piece (9.5" x 9.5" square) for this block; where you will add the applique design to the center and embellish as you wish. You  may add creative stitches, rickrack, ribbon, bias tape, piping, etc. to add interest to this block. (Block is shown below in pink/green print.)

2.) To replace the domino frame with plain strips to add to the center block. (Block is shown below with pink/green print in center and a pink border.)

3.) Or wait until the blocks have been stitched together and add creative stitching to the edge of Piece E.

VARIATIONS

EMBELLISHMENT IDEAS

You may construct two domino frame blocks and add next week's applique when it is available; or prepare the pieces to be ready for next week's lesson. 

Once these final two blocks are completed, you are ready to assemble all the blocks as per the quilt layout. Then step back and take a look. Colorful, right! At this time, if you wish, you can rearrange your blocks to see if any pieces look better in a new arrangement.  

Posts coming in April:

1.) After placing your finished blocks on your design wall, allow time to view your work before making final adjustments, (if any). I'll share with you a post on making a quilt label.

2.) I'll reveal my finished blocks and show you how I rearranged them. There's always room for change, and you can decide if you want to place the blocks as per the quilt layout; or one that suits the look of your own project.

3.) A post on tips and final construction processes, where I deem necessary. 

Happy Stitching!!

Flowers for the Fence Applique

Having some time to check out the applique blocks already completed, I wanted to see how adding more color to the fence could be done. Originally, I just left it as the block appears in the quilt along. However, I did mention you could add flowers, if you wished.



Flowers can be added in a variety of ways:
1) using purchased flower decoration,
2) with embroidery stitches,
3) using appliques,
4) creating delightful flowers using buttons.





WEEK FIVE -- Applique Block

When I shared this quilt block with my sister, the first thing she said was, "it needs flowers".  And so I knew I'd have to come up with something to suit this block before the blocks were joined together. She was in agreement that it looked so much better once the flowers were applied! Take a look....

BLOCK 5: Fence Applique

BLOCK 5: Fence with Flowers


So, I just wanted to share this block from week 5; and if you want to use these flowers on your block, I've included a PDF under the February lessons on the website.

Enjoy the quilt along journey....


If you want to see my quilt blocks done so far, check out the Gallery Page on my website. And, if you can; share your quilt blocks on Facebook; or if you don't have an account there, you could email them to me. And, I can put them up there, for you.


Happy Quilting....



PS February winners for the SHARE THE LOVE Prize Draw were chosen. Please contact me, if you have not already done so. Thanks.  (info@darlee.ca)

Valentine's Day Draw

Thank you so much for stopping by to let me know how you feel about the applique mystery quilt along. I am happy to share this journey with you; and hope to see more photos of your finished blocks.

I do love seeing and hearing about your journey... and am certainly surprised and pleased to see so many quilters trying fused applique for the first time.




This technique was the first one I tried in a quilting class; and have loved it ever since. As I am not keen on hand stitching or doing large size quilts; fused applique gives me the perfect opportunity to apply my style of creativity to smaller projects that can be displayed in a variety of ways.




What I Love About this Mystery Quilt Along....
My original idea to have quilters create their own life's journey, started with only black and white images for the applique designs. This would allow total freedom for each person that went on this journey with me to write their own story into their quilt. This really is where the magic begins....

It's as if....I've given you a coloring book and a box of crayons; now you go interpret those pictures in your own individual way. Only we've added a twist to make it more grown up and are using delightful fabrics and colored thread, instead. I am truly amazed at the final results of your blocks.

Your creativity is shining through... with your applique color choices; your pieced block options; the added embellishments; how you interpret your blocks; the fabric choices, using your scraps and stash fabrics, adding cherished memories from clothing pieces; are all such great ways to make it your own special story.



My Goals....
1.) The project should be fun, allow creativity, and add some challenge to our current ability.
2.) Giving guidelines; so our own skills and creativity can be put into action to create a one of a kind quilt. I do prefer variety because we are not carbon copies; we are each unique individuals.
2.) To be able to use fabrics and embellishing elements that we may already have on hand.
3.) To have options that allow a broader range of quilters to join in; regardless of skill level.
4.) Working on one lesson at a time allows us to focus only on that portion; without feeling overwhelmed by the larger picture. (Which of course, is part of the mystery!)
5.) Flexibility continues as we build the quilt; because each block is done separately. This gives each of us the ability to add our own twist in the final arrangement of the blocks.
7.) A smaller project is easier on the budget and our time; and I wanted to provide an opportunity to create a quilt along that didn't just involve pieced blocks with the end result being a bed size quilt.
8.) To challenge myself with this first attempt to teach others what I have learned and share my ideas to make quilting a great (online) experience for those of us that can't travel to quilting classes.


I look forward to seeing how many variations there will be when we all get to arrange our quilt blocks into the final layouts. Thank you for trusting me as I unlock each week's lesson to build a unique quilt that tells a story of our life's journey.



Valentine's Share the Love Draw....
Okay, it is time to reveal the three winners for this Share the Love prize draw.

Congratulations go to:

1.)  Diane in Delaware
2.)  Starchaser 06
3.)  Michelle Collette








Please email me (info@darlee.ca) so I know which email address to send your free pattern. Go to my Craftsy store to make your selection. Then email me this information. Thank you for joining this quilt along.



Happy Quilting.....