Deco Bloom no. 12

those tricky little Dresdens

This week I’ve been sewing my third batch of Deco Bloom blocks, which brings my total count of blocks up to 12. At 20” finished, these blocks are large and layered. Literally. There are machine paper pieced sections, traditionally pieced sections and a final flourish of hand applique.

Speaking of… the applique is not quite finished on this batch of blocks. But that’s okay. I’ll set this stack of ready-to-be appliquéd blocks in the living room, to slow-stitch at opportune moments.

Do you know what took me the most time to figure out with this block? Those tricky little dresden flowers. There are a variety of ways to form such curves. I tried a few methods before landing on sew-and-turn of individual petals. I’m using a cheap lining fabric for the white layer that allows me to create a quick and secure, turned-under edge.

Once all the individual petals are sewn, I join them as full circles, pressing all seams open. I find this allows the inner points of the joined petals to be sharp and secure. Then I appliqué the completed dresden flower onto the prepared block background.

The flower circle centers are also made via the sew-and-turn technique. After sewing along the marked circle, I cut away the seam allowance with pinking shears. The prevents the seam allowance from being bulky and bumpy once the shape is turned right-side-out.

Yes, there are a lot of steps, but the results are pretty spectacular. I’ll be starting on my last batch of blocks soon, and while I sew I’ll be looking forward to seeing everything come together in a finished quilt top soon.