Modern Medallion WIP: Applique

My first attempts at reverse applique were interesting. I didn't really enjoy the process very much, but I must say, I LOVE the results! And I LOVE doing the blind blanket stitch.... that you can see. Also a little hint: if you are using freezer paper for your appliques, just use butcher paper from your local grocer. It is free and worked great for me. Like freezer paper, it is waxed on only one side.

After I had completed all of my appliqueing and pulled out the paper. I was quite scared to pull it out and worried about ripping out my stitches, but it worked seamlessly. Pun so very intended.

I then played around with which fabric I wanted on my border. Do I go warmer or more neutral?? I decided that I liked the pop of the orange and how well it framed my bloom. This decision also helped me to decide on making the embroidery section cooler in color.

Modern Medallion WIP: Fabric Choice

Hello all! Here is the progress on my Modern Medallion Quilt from the the Handstitched class over at Stitched In Color. So far I am having a lot of fun! This class is getting me sewing again which is a bigger gift than I think Rachel could have ever dreamed up. I have learned two new skills so far: applique and mitered corners... but I'd like to talk a bit about my fabric choices today.

I knew right away that I had to have the Henry Alexander super large rose/peony print as my center focal point, so then I worked at pulling fabrics I already had in my stash. This was the color palette I came up with. It was soooo much harder than I'd like to admit to pull fabrics. I hadn't done it in so long. I ended up buying a few extra 1/2 yards off etsy due to the most of what I had being scraps. 

Most of the fabrics are from Llama Fabrics and the ever wonderful Sew Me A Song. << I can't sing SMAS praises enough! There was a slight mix up with my fabric and Becca was excellent at quickly responding and getting me the correct fabric. She's a fabric life savior. I highly recommend usingboth of the shops!

I knew that I wanted to keep the focus on the brilliant floral of the center fabric, so I chose colors and fabrics that would accent it. I want my quilt to be more on the cool side of the palette, but I also wanted a few pops to keep the quilt interesting which is where the warm pinks and oranges play in. I have to say picking out all the solids for the medallion really got me inspired though! We're about to add in all of these. I'm still working on some embroidery though, but I can sew on that throughout the piecing of the quilt! Next up for the post: my applique skillz and handwork!