What I'm Up To

I've been noodling along with log cabin blocks this week.  No plan or goal, just scrappy "getting my creative fix" sewing.  It feels good for a change to NOT be doing a big major *Project* with yardage requirements and long-term planning. It's relaxing to just pull random already-cut strips out of the box and zip 'em up.  Lots more blocks to go, but no hurry :)

I did a pulse check on my Herbarium blocks today and honestly; I feel like I may be done with this series.  There are still 4 more blocks and also setting triangles to go in the pattern. But with sashing and borders this will already be a large top.  I think the laurel block in the lower right corner may need a little bit more color, but otherwise maybe I've spent all my frenzy of applique energy from this summer.  I'll let these blocks hang for a bit, but I have a hunch it's probably done.

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Herbarium

Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique BOM

HERBARIUM

#9 Laurel

Laurel leaves symbolize achievement.

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Herbarium

Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique BOM

HERBARIUM

This month's article offers a couple of different options for block designs.  As has been true throughout this series, I went off-script for my block, choosing to interpret one of the images as a common North American wildflower. 

#8 True Lovers Knot

Daylilies symbolize confidence.

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Herbarium

Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique BOM

HERBARIUM

#7 - Wreath of Rosebuds

My rosebuds have morphed into rose hips.

Rose hips symbolize patience.

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Herbarium

Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique BOM

HERBARIUM

In this month's article the 'botanizing' fad travels west to Indiana.  Meanwhile, I'm still stitching away contentedly during these hot summer afternoons.

#5 - Grapes

Grapes symbolize abundance and prosperity.

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Herbarium

Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique BOM

HERBARIUM

#4 - Clover Wreath

I'm enjoying doing handwork on these hot afternoons.

Clover symbolizes luck.

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Herbarium

Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique BOM

HERBARIUM

#4 Poplar Flower

I'm still going strong with applique.  This month's block design, although a classic, seemed rather plain, so I added some extra embellishments.

Poplar flowers symbolize hope.

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Herbarium

Another HERBARIUM block done!

#3 - Starry Wreath

This month, Emily Dickinson's botany studies and herbarium collection are highlighted.  I'm really into applique right now!  Happily, this block gets me caught up with the series, even though I had a late start.

Starflowers symbolize courage.

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Herbarium

Meanwhile, in a flurry of productivity, another HERBARIUM block is completed!

 02 White Oak

This was a quick and easy block!  I'm toying with the idea of adding some acorns.

Oaks symbolize strength and stability.

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Herbarium

I had a quiet day to myself and got a good solid start with HERBARIUM, Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique BOM. I'm several months behind as I belatedly begin this series, but I'm enthusiastic about catching up.

The quilt we'll be working on is inspired by a collection of eight appliqued sampler quilts from the mid 1800s.  The corresponding articles will discuss schoolgirls' education of that era, and in particular will highlight botany and nature study as an essential curriculum for young ladies of the time.  Each month a botanist or teacher or plant collector will be featured.  The research and writing that Barbara does for her articles is always fascinating, and this series is no exception!

The original antique quilts were all done in a similar red and green color scheme, but I've decided to use a variety of 'wildflower' colors for my palette.  

 Block #1 - Dahlia Wreath 

The name of this first block was taken from a bit of antique embroidery.  Another common name for this classic appliqued block is Wreath of Roses, so wild roses were my block inspiration.

Pink roses symbolize happiness.

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Herbarium

My mind has been on applique the past week or so, and I'm exploring several possible projects.  One that's especially caught my attention is Barbara Brackman's 2023 applique Bom series 

HERBARIUM

It's a classic applique quilt depicting traditional wildflower blocks, based on a group of antique sampler quilts.  The series has already started but I can catch up.  I'm planning to prep now and spend hot summer afternoons doing the hand stitching.

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