Patchiqué Blocks 18 and 109

If you get the sense that you have seen block 18 before you would be right – it is very similar to block 17.

Block 18 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

The only difference is the centre square ......

Block 17 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

So it was a pleasure to make this block 'again' and, like block 17, it was an easy and relaxing make. 

Patchiqué Block 18 - Patchsmith Style

When I first got this book the patchwork blocks looked tricky and complicated.  But I have found them to be relatively straightforward.  In fact, I have enjoyed making the patchwork blocks more than the appliqué blocks.

Block 109 from Japanese Taupe Quilts

Talking of which, appliqué block 109 ‘Asa no han’ (morning flower) presented a challenge for my quick-fuse appliqué method.  This block is constructed in a similar way to a Dresden circle.  Each petal is made of two fabrics.  (I cut my rectangles slightly larger than the book stated as 4” x 2”.  Once stitched together the patched block measured 4” x 3½”).  That part was easy enough.  But then came the slight adjustment. 

 

The author, Susan Briscoe, has used needle-turn applique whereas I prefer the quick-fuse method.  So a slight adjustment was needed.

 

I traced the dotted line on the template onto the paper side of my fusible webbing.  I also marked the centre line and the dots on the tracing.  When I cut out the tracings, instead of leaving ¼” around the whole tracing I only left ¼” around the top of the petal (the rounded section).  I cut accurately along the traced lines on the bottom and sides, up to the marked dots (as shown below).   

I fused the tracings onto the back of the patched petal blocks, matching up the line with the centre seam.    

Next I cut out the petals accurately along the top curved section and the bottom but I left ¼” seam allowance on both sides of each petal.

Patchiqué Block 109 - Patchsmith Style

From there is was relatively easy to construct the flower.  I stitched the sides together as instructed in the book.  Once the whole flower was stitched together I removed the fusible webbing paper from the petals (trimming the side seams as necessary) and I positioned the finished flower on the background square.  Finally I fused and stitched the flower in place before adding a fussy-cut center circle.

It sounds a lot of work but, in my opinion, it isn’t as fiddly as turning 1/8” on those curved petals.   

So there you have it – another two blocks done – only twelve blocks to go.  Next fortnight it will be the turn of patchwork block 2 and appliqué block 106 (a Dresden circle).

 
Sew until then .....