Connie yes its definately a choice for each person to make, but I have to admit I have copied Sue Garmons way with the colour fabric placement as I thought she has had sooooooo much more experience than I, I would just copy her, just to make sure I am learning along the way I did audition my two fabric colours and thought it looked better this way also. BUT like everyone has said it's so much a personal choice and we all look at these blocks in different eyes, in the end if you love it thats all that matters.

The great thing with TQS is we can go to the BOM's show and tell and see the huge range of variations in making this quilt.

pam7040 wrote:
"Fortunately I managed to disguise it with another bud."

NAH.... That's called taking artistic license on the block. No one will ever know but you.

Kathy, Having looked at alot of floral appliques I came to the conclusion that this is the most complicated vine/stems I have ever seen. Straight stems and curved stems I could have done without too much problem. This was a real challenge!! After various sample pieces I finally went to what seemed like the method that would give me the best looking result. Fusing with steam a seam 2. Even then one part got cut incorrectly. Fortunately I managed to disguise it with another bud.

Pam, no need for the red face, I'm just starting my January block. At least you are ahead of me. It's great to have the guidance and hard-earned wisdom of those who went before me! I'm doing needle-turn, aren't those vines for the wreath skinny? Kathy

Connie, do you mean where do use use the lighter coloured fabric and where do you use the darker one? If so then I think you are right, it's a case of personal choice. I will need to audition my fabrics when I get to the swags. I'm just finishing my January block at the moment.

I put the non ruffled portion of the swag as my upper layer.
The darker green ruffled portion slips underneath the lighter green smooth curve.

OK, here's a question for the group: Which piece of the swag are you treating as the upper layer? I'm thinking it is a matter of personal preference, but I'm curious to know how everyone else views this choice.

I prepared my swag appliques today for my Christmas BOM, then I decided it needed some berries. After preparing those I decided it needed some flowers too. I'm going to make yo-yo flowers. This is going to take a long time! And my time is up for today.

Sue, if you will lay the center of your quilt out flat then lay your (slightly oversized) background fabric across the center of the quilt, mark the background fabric to show where it extends beyond the center portion of your quilt. Repeat for the other 3 borders. That way you will know for sure what your finished cut size will be. Then mark the center and quarter divisions and place your swags between these marks. Easy peasy!

Or, you can start by marking the centers first, then marking where the background will eventually be timmed.

(Don't cut the background to length until you have finished your applique to allow for slight shrinking from the stitching.)

Thanks Margo,

I have another one. I went and marked my swag border strip 8 1/4" from the edge and across and then pinned on my swag pieces. After I had them pinned on I realized that by starting at the end I would not have any seam allowance on the left side. I think I should make my first mark 9" from the left side or even better yet mark 8 1/4 inches out from the center.

ajsgramie wrote:
Yes mam!

Just double checking my thinking. My finished block after month 2 is 32.25 instead of 32.5 as it should be. I am thinking that if I cut my floaters for this month to 1 1/8 that I will make up the difference.
Am I thinking this right?
Thanks

i Love the Beloved Beauti version the background fabric is just fabulous for this quilt...I am finishing up one project and then hopefully will start with this in April..it will be catchup time and think I can do it..
I also love the lighter of the swag on the inside it seems to go with the corners better that are also a darker contrast. funny how we are all so different with our ideas and creative thoughts in the end they always looks so beautiful and shows our wonderful personalities

Margo love your quilts they look stunning, with your swags one has the darker fabric on the outside and one has the lighter fabric on the outside and L love them both......soooooooo now I cant decide which way to have my one...aaahhhh