Lori, Wendy, Cynthia, Cathy and Katy are hosting this quilt-a-long inspired by Gwen Marston’s work, and I am excited to join in. I especially love the liberated element of this project, because I’m sure the quilts will all be very different. It’s not too late to join in — just visit Lori’s site (Humble Quilts) for details.
I chose to adapt one of my 1920s Betsy Dean embroidery transfer patterns as my basket design (the same patterns I post every day in my sidebar), and the fabrics I’m using are chambrays, checks and plaids from my collection of antique scraps. The fabrics are very early 1900s, so they’re earlier than my pattern, but what the heck — it’s a liberated quilt!
My basket is a 12″ block, and it’s not needle-turned because I never learned how to do it. I’m an old quilter, and use the techniques I was taught when I was young. My method is to pre-baste all my pieces by rolling the edge in with my left thumb as I stitch — no freezer paper for me, although I did use cardstock circles to make the flower centers. There’s more prep work, but I like being able to pin my pieces down and see exactly how the finished block is going to look, and the final stitching goes really fast.
Beautiful! I look forward to watching it grow!
Oh fun! Can’t wait to watch your progress. I only realized that you post a daily design a couple weeks ago. Thank you for being so generous!
I think many of the embroidery designs could be interpreted to applique or at least part of the design. Nice basket block to start your medallion with.
I love your basket! I’ve been collecting all the Betsy Dean designs, even though I haven’t embroidered for years. I especially like the self-assured rabbits, and wonder what they’ll be doing next!
How fun! Love your basket! I will try to join in on the Quilt-a-long. Thank you! 🙂
This is a gorgeous block! I love that you are using vintage fabrics!
Love the basket. Feels like the 50s and capri and fun. The fake-solid in the flower fabric adds a soft yet distinctive touch. As usual: you’re an Inspiration. Will give it a try with with my recently acquired technique of dryer sheet appliqué. Thank you for sharing.
I really love your block ! Thank you for sharing your appliqué method !
The applique basket you made is very much like something I would expect you to choose. I am anxious to see what you do for the second round.
Lovely reinterpretation into fabric, love the gingham on pointe!
I love that you’ve adapted an embroidery pattern to applique. It sounds like your technique is not that far removed from needle turn applique as I understand it. I’ll be watching to see what you do for the next step!
Such a pretty vintage look using special fabrics – love it!
Your basket block is beautiful. I will enjoy seeing what you come up for the next round. Hugs
It is lovely, Martha!
I love your daily Betsy Dean embroidery patterns. I’ve been meaning to say “thank you”. (Before I use any of those I need to finish my Ruby Kim Nursery Rhyme embroideries). Excellent idea to adapt and embroidery pattern for applique.
Such a cute basket. Love the look.
Beautiful block.
I just adore this block. One of my favorite basket shapes. Your colors are perfect for it.
Great basket. It looks truly vintage!
Oh, I love your vintage basket design – it’s wonderful! Great idea to use the embroidery pattern and why not? I love that you’re using vintage fabrics too.
I have two blocks started and one of them is using a ’60’s to 70’s vintage fabric. I don’t have very much of it, so I’ll have to be careful!
I have to say, I am going to try pre-basting my applique next time too! I have been feeling disillusioned with needleturn, and I like the idea of seeing how it will all look first.
I love the 50s look of your basket — great job!
A lovely basket Martha! Such a great idea using an embroidery design.
This is so eye-catching! Absolutely love it!
I think your flowers have a very calm look about them, Martha. Maybe it’s because they’re chambray which, I think, has white in the warp and a color in the weft. Just beautiful. I’m looking forward to seeing your next border!