Evening Bloom - Block 5 . . . .

Finally, something different to blog about, it's not a new project, but at least it's a break from my Red and White posts.

I'm still working away on Evening Bloom, my needle turn applique project from the Country Inn book by Blackbird Designs.

This month is block five of nine, it's named The Iris Block and it is the center block of the quilt.

Here's the pattern from the book. All the blocks have red blooms and dark leaves and stems except for the center block. The designer went all red for that block. I thought it was a good idea to change up the look of the center block, but wasn't crazy about the pieces being one color.

So here's my progress . . .

My block ready for some pieces.

add a stem,

one leaf,

two leaf,

center bud,

Now here's where it gets interesting,

here's a picture of the next piece, a petal, in the fabric I originally chose. I didn't think it did anything for that block. Even though the designer went all red, I didn't like my fabric choice.

So I tried this, which didn't stay up there long. wow, was that bad or what!

Then I tried this. Even though there's no beige anywhere else in the quilt, I thought the block looked best with this fabric. I also liked how this gave the block a distinct look from the other blocks.

All Done!

And here it is with some of the other blocks. See what I mean about looking the same but still different? I'm very happy with it.

I'm making this project with a friend, here's Marianne's block next to mine. Marianne thinks my technique is improving, that my curves and lines are getting smoother. I am getting quicker.

Only 4 more blocks to go, I'm still hoping I'll have this done by the end of this year!