Month 4 Tip

You will find that you have several left-over charm squares after constructing the four flower blocks this month. Save them for possible use in the remaining three months, as you may have favorites that you would like to use in the place of others. When selecting the charm squares for the corner triangles of each flower block, try to avoid using the same one used in the outer corner squares of the Month 1 and 2 blocks, as these will be next to each other when the quilt top is put together.

Now for the appliqué. . . any method of appliqué will work for these blocks. For fusible appliqué, first trace the templates onto the paper side of the fusible web. Cut out the pieces approximately ¼” beyond the traced lines and iron to the wrong side of the appliqué fabric. Cut out the pieces on the traced lines, remove the paper and iron onto the right side of your block. A blanket stitch or satin stitch can then be used to finish the edges.

I happen to use a freezer paper method with a small iron to prepare the appliqué templates. The pieces can then be hand appliquéd or machine appliquéd to the quilt, removing the freezer paper afterwards. On a recent visit to Crafts Americana Group in Vancouver, I had the pleasure of spending a full-filled day with the Connecting Threads staff. I brought along my sewing machine and supplies needed for the appliqué method I use and gave a demonstration to all of those interested in learning the technique. The end result of our “mini class” turned out to be this tutorial that will provide you with visuals for each step. Download Tutorial