Reality Check!

[gynconnie]

Hi, everyone! I'm one of the many TQS quilters who has been drooling over the Ruffled Roses BOM quilt, but afraid to start another big project. (Don't even ask me how big my pile of UFOs is!) Nevertheless, something about this quilt is calling to me, and I might just have to take the plunge.

The heart motif in the center block was not speaking to me, so I printed it, played around with it, and came up with the pattern shown below. Basically, I made 4 copies of page 12 of the pdf file, connected the stems, and redrew stems and berries around the roses. I added corner leaves and berries to fill the space. The wreath is still square-ish, rather than circular, but that doesn't offend me.

So here's the reality check: will my changes produce an attractive quilt, or have I gone off the deep end? :? Thanks for your input!

[JudyFN]

I love your new center block -- go for it! Judy

[Margo]

I love it!! When I first looked at it I wondered if Sue had changed it so that the center wouldn't be directional! Looks great!!!

[gynconnie]

Thanks, Judy and Margo! And mega-thanks to Margo for all the creativity and work you have done for the TQS BOMs! Up til now, I've just been watching from the sidelines, but your leadership has inspired me to "suit up and get into the game"!

[Margo]

WHOO-HOO! I'm glad you are suited up! I'm still in jammies!! :lol:

[Margo]

Love your block gynconnie!

[Patchworkjill]

Hey thats great I have been using the heart shape so much over the last few years myself so thats a great way to go and good on you for the ever so lovely creative design change......he he he

[RGold]

Gynconnie, it looks great! What I'm really enjoying is how many different directions everyone is taking Ruffled Roses! It's marvelous!

[gynconnie]

This is what the outer ring of the vine center of my altered block looks like. (There will be a center ring to which the roses are attached.) I traced the pattern onto freezer paper, ironed it onto a second layer of FP for stiffness, and cut it out. Next I ironed it to the right side of the fabric, and marked all around the edge with a 01 Pigma pen. My fabric is so busy that I don't think I'll have trouble with the ink showing after I needle turn it.

[Margo]

WHOO-HOO! You go, Connie!

[betweens]

I love your new center idea I think its fantastic wow!!

[betweens]

Hi Gynconnie,

I really like how you altered the center motif. I especially like that it is non-directional and am looking forward to see your block completed.

[gynconnie]

Here's the needle-turned (or should I say toothpick-turned, as the needle wasn't my weapon of choice ) outer vine of my modified block. Now on to the inner vine. Should be quicker, since the circumference will be much smaller

[Margo]

Connie, you might want to try pinching the seam allowance under before you start to applique, and you might not need to use the toothpick quite as much! This is a method I learned from Becky Goldsmith (Episode 611; minute 29:05) and it really does make a difference!

[gynconnie]

Thanks, Margo! I'll be sure to review her episode later today.