Dawn, it's magnificient. And, I adore the new shape of the flowers. That flower pot fabric is awesome and gives a pinch of psychedelic and creates great movement. I also agree that both birds should have different fabric for their top knots. I agree with Robin that the bird on the left needs a different color in the center to make it pop like the one on the right.

Are you sure this is your first applique because you sure look like a pro from this end of the screen.

Okay, Robin -- get busy girlfriend. lol

Dawn, it's wonderful!!!!!!!!!! I like your flowers better than Erin's original ones, especially the pink/red ones -- good job there! I like Margo's idea of 2 different crown styles for the birds, but in the one on the left, it's hard to tell there are three different fabrics there -- maybe it's just the photo, but you might want to try a different one for the center. How fun and how cheerful!! This is going to make a great quilt! Hugs, Robin

Dawn, your block is bright, cheerful and unique! Absolutely outstanding! In case you haven't seen it, there is a website called Glorious Appliqué that features Kim McLean patterns done in the beautiful bright colors you used. Check it out! http://gloriousapplique.blogspot.com/

Wow, it is fabulous!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dawn, I LOVE THIS! I would use both of the colors on the top-of-the-head! The male's plumage is always brighter!

Jo Jo,

Not much of a "sneek" preview, but here is where I am at. I still need to make all of the stems, (picture has scraps) a couple more leaves (for left side) and decide which top-of-head feathers I like best: pale (on right) or deeper (scraps on left.) Most things are already sewn (appliqued) as a unit, so once everything is done, all I need to do is applique the outer edges. The setting triangles will be the dark purple of the birds. My swags will be dark purple and lavender, with the magenta flowers, and a couple of green leaves. Please feel free to critique, as I am at the point where I cannot see the forest, for the trees! This is really fun, and my first major applique! (Stable Stuff, lots of glue!) Oh, and they get a beak, and eyes.



Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

Scoopie wrote:
Oh come on Dawn -- you big tease! Post a sneak peak soon -- the anticipation of seeing your block is killing m.

Thank you.....I was not sure if advertising was allowed.

Bertwood wrote:
There is not currently a forum for advertisers, but it sounds like a good idea for a forum topic. I'll start one for you and see if we get any responses.

Robin,

Now you understand why I have not posted a finished block as yet! As I was working on Erin Russek's design for my center, I realized that the obvious flower to use (repeat) in my swag area, was not my favorite! I spent a week designing and making flowers before I got one that I was happy with. I brought in a little darker color, then was wondering if I needed some more of that color elsewhere for balance. And, so it goes!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

Margo and others...... I have looked in the FORUM for a topic where people offer their "Machine Quilting" business, and did not see anything. Is there a FORUM on this website where people advertise? Does anyone have any suggestions for me, please. Thank you

Bertwood wrote:
Yes! I machine quilted the entire quilt on my Handi-Quilter16. Not all machine quilters just do pantographs, but if you get as much detail as I did on mine, you can expect to pay well for it! I have over 30 hours of quilting on that quilt, and I wouldn't do it for minimum wage! You will pay a long-armer for their vision as well as their skill and time.

Also, if a long-armer uses a robotic system (like I used on parts of mine) it won't necessarily be faster! It takes a few minutes to set up each component so that it stitches in the right place, so if there are a lot of little motifs, the time really adds up. Of course, a robotic panto pattern can be done more quickly and economically.

[url]see-quilts/show-and-tell-quilts/[/url]

Thank you!!!!!!!!! I think....grinning. Yes, I think by changing the pattern just a touch, always makes things a bit more personal.

Sue, your block is lovely! Great job!! And Janice, you are a troublemaker After seeing your flower variation in the center heart, I started thinking about how I could change mine, so I looked at some clip art, then realized I have flowers in my focus fabric -- yup, there's a flower that would look just lovely in the middle of the heart shape ... but wait, look at those lovely Wm Morris style leaves in the fabric -- oooo! but how to put them on the heart shape ... no, wait, they will work nicely in a circle ... So, although I was very excited about starting next week (as soon as I get a couple of projects out of here, sigh) on the lovely applique heart that Sue designed (I was looking forward to the challenge of it), instead my head is busy playing with how I can use these wonderful leaves. Janice, this is all your fault! but thank you -- this quilt will be much more my own because of your flowers. Stay tuned ... Robin