happy flower qal week 29

ATTENTION QALers:

The blade template for this block is a smidgen too big.  If you sew the blades together with a 1/4" seam, the dresdan plate will finish too large to fit inside the 6" parameter. 

TO SOLVE THE PROBLEM:

Simply sew the blades together with a 1/3" seam, rather than a 1/4".  That's what I did for mine. Sorry for the messy photo, but now you see that my process isn't always ... "neat". I wasn't worried because I knew the circle in the middle would hide all the inside threads, and I simply tucked all the outside threads in as I appliqued the plate to the background.  Easy fix.  No fuss. :)

(Also, I modified the pointed part of my template so I could finish the tips a little differently than the standard applique method.  If you're not familiar with this method, don't worry about it, just notice how I increased my seam allowance.  It took a few rounds to get it right.)

And then you can also reduce the size of the circle center, if you like, which is what I did.

All that said, I think this is my favourite block so far.  What is it about a wee dresdan that is just so gosh darn cute? The background fabric is from my "First Romance" collection (coming sooooooon!)

If you're sewing along and haven't made this block yet, learn from my mistake and take note that you need to make TWO of the large leaves.  The way the templates are indicated on the sheet in the book make it look like there is only one. :)   I used another "First Romance" print for the background of this block too.  Kinda reminds me of those green plastic strawberry pint containers.

 

Comments

[Rosemary]

Kristyne, this block is really cute. I love tiny dresdens too.

[Sharrie]

Very cute. As for the extra leaf, one less leaf = less applique. :)

[Leslie]

Hi! Have you ever tried a leader/ender piece of fabric to avoid all those thread tails? or sewing an additional project besides the main project? As you sew the first project, use the second project units as the leader/ender. Sure saves on thread!!
Take care!