Yesterday we held the July gathering of the Nullawarre Applique Chapter. Unfortunately a mix up with hall bookings, meant our regular meeting was put back a week, which did impede some members from attending. However we still had a lovely gathering, with lots of stitching and chatter.
Like always, show and tell was a highlight of the day. Marlene brought along her lovely appliqued Princess Feather quilt. A great combination of both hand and machine applique.

Our new member Lyn, showed her Eva Grace quilt, a pattern by Irene Blanck. Lyn, who is a beautiful hand quilter is in the process of quilting this quilt. Lyn explained how she purchased very few fabrics, adopting the "I just see how it works" attitude. It has worked beautifully Lyn!

Lyn has also just completed her version of Auntie Greens Garden, another pattern by Irene Blanck. The decision was made to omit the final border, and keep the quilt at this size which fits nicely on a single bed, perfect for her grand-daughters.

Lyn chose a pale pink print for her background and wonderful bright fabrics for the applique pieces.

What I am really enjoying about our regular gatherings, is the amount of information that is being shared. Lyn, who has been appliqueing for many years, gave lots of explanation about how she completed this quilt. Lyn explained that most patterns have certain elements whereby the correct placement is crucial to the overall success of the project. You must ensure that this placement is correct, such as the position of the wavy vine in the middle border above.
It is extremely difficult however, to replicate exact placement, once you start stitching. Different background fabrics behave differently, templates are made differently and stitching tension is different. And sometimes....patterns can evenly be drawn differently to how they appear on the quilt.
Lyn explained that to applique this quilt, she first appliqued the central wreath, then skipped the next border, going straight to the wavy vine. She then went back and filled in the middle area with the stems, leaves and flowers, using the pattern as a great guide, but not worrying if the placement was not 100% perfect. As Lyn explained, it doesn't matter if a stem is shorter or a leaf is rotated, no one will ever notice. But they will notice if the vines don't fit or are not evenly spaced.
I think we all learnt or re learnt something from hearing Lyn speak.
I am also remembering a conversation I had with a friend during the week. She told me how she omitted some rather fiddly elements of a design, (that she knew she would not enjoy working on) with a lovely fabric, fussy cut to give much the same effect.
Experience is a wonderful thing, and if we can draw on the lessons learnt from others, it can save a lot of frustration and heartache.
So, what did I work on?? Would you believe, a new project.......Corliss Searcey's Caswell Quilt.

This is my first block. I have been admiring this quilt for such a long time, watching blocks appear on other blogs. I have had quite a few customers call in, looking for bits and pieces to use in this quilt, and a number of ladies are working on it at our gatherings. The more I have saw it, the more irresistable it has become. No doubt it will be a slow work in progress, but I am sure an enjoyable one.
Lenora.