Scrap Busting Sew-along - Week2
Welcome to Scrappy Blooms - week two of the scrap busting sew-along. This week we will be making a start on our blooms, so there are a couple of steps that we need to get right to head out on our journey. Lets check we are ready!
By my sewing machine I place my sewing mat. I like to avoid getting up and down every five minutes so this set up suits me very well. My preference is to place a large mat under my machine and across the width of my sewing table so there are no edges to be wary of. I ready my rotary blade and my small acrylic ruler. I use this 6" ruler so often and for so many projects. It's great to see if I am forming the shapes I want and very easy to manoeuvre and check my sizes are correct.
I lay out my three piles of light medium and dark and check they sit nicely together. I am using a handful of fabric at a time. Too much on the table is just overwhelming for me. So small is better!
When I am ready to begin, I cut my centre piece. I want to make sure it is not square. Odd sides and angles are GREAT! I aim for a piece around 2". Be mindful of your seam allowances, any smaller and you might find there isn't a lot of fabric left. You can go bigger, and its nice to mix up the sizes of those centres.
I now choose my first row of petals. I like to start my first block with my darkest pieces. It's usually the most dramatic contrast and I can see visually how well the colours will start to work together. Find the smallest pieces in your stack to use up first. Join them to each side of your centre piece. This can be in a clockwise direction or random. The important thing is to change it every so often so that each bloom looks different. I really don't use an iron yet unless my fabrics are very creased. I find finger pressing or a little spray of water usually enough.
Once all sides are sewn, check the centre piece is fully encapsulated and there are no gaps between the fabrics. Now you can start to shape the 'bud' that is forming. Avoid square-like patterns and shapes and cut different angles to soften any corners.
Thats the first stage done! Each bud you make will vary in size and shape. Mine are usually around 4". Take a moment to check you are happy with the shape and you are set to make your first bouquet!
I made 12 for my lap quilt, but you can make as many as you like. I made 4 buds starting with dark, then 4 buds starting with medium, then 4 buds starting with light. It adds an extra layer of variance. This is an optional step. Feel free to make them more uniform if it makes you happy. Thats this week's task. Make your buds!
