Easily Applique a Sunflower Quilt

Published: Wed, 04/20/16

Sunflower quilt
Hi ,

Spring has definitely sprung and suddenly beautiful flowers are blooming all over the yard! It's this time of the year that I love digging into flower quilt designs and exploring the bright colors and organic designs we can machine quilt.

One of my favorite ways to create quick flower quilts is to applique with the technique called No Sewing Until You Quilt It. It's a turned edge applique technique created by my friend Ann Holmes that allows you to easily build complicated quilts over a layer of French Fuse interfacing.

I met Ann Holmes very early in my quilting journey and her method of applique really rocked my world. Finally I was able to achieve beautiful curving lines without hours and hours of tedious work.

Even after learning multiple applique techniques, No Sew Until You Quilt It is still my favorite go-to for super fast applique and unique quilt construction.

Click Here to find the book No Sewing Until You Quilt It so you can learn this technique too! We've included 1 yard of French Fuse Interfacing so you can jump right into the technique and start making a new quilt immediately.

When you purchase this book you will also receive a free downloadable pattern for this fun Sunflower wallhanging Quilt I created using Ann's technique.
My Vintage Miniature Sewing Machine
Essex Mini machine
I've been playing with my vintage Essex Miniature Sewing Machine this weekend and stitching small pieces together and enjoying the feel of hand cranking out every stitch.

I love taking this little machine on trips because I don't need to worry about a power cord or foot pedal. I store the machine in it's case with a little project ready to stitch so it's easy to pop it into the car and be ready to stitch something fun on the road.

This little machine was built after World War 2 when sewing machines were in huge demand, but very short supply. Even though it's super tiny, this sewing machine was built for an adult to use and sew and mend clothing.

Dresden Plate Patchwork Quilt
Dresden plate
It's Quilty Box time!

This month's box was put together by Jeni Baker from InColorOrder.com and she has selected a terrific set of fabric and supplies to play with.

I've been hankering for a chance to play with my Accu Quilt Go and the Dresden Plate Die I picked up several months ago so I decided to create a mini Dresden Plate Patchwork Quilt.

Of course, cutting out the shapes for my Dresden Plate was super easy with the die, but I ran into a snag as I tried sewing the shapes together to form a circle. 


This was the video that I cut off my fingertip, though I did edit the video to exclude that gory detail! Yes, even professional quilters can make big mistakes, though I'm happy to say my fingertip has nearly healed.

It was a definite reminder to me to slow down and enjoy the creative process. This week I've been taking my time making a new batch of videos so be looking for a new series of free motion quilting designs and fun casual cam videos coming soon.

Let's go quilt,

Leah Day