I wanted to do something this month that would stretch me, help me learn. I’ve always wanted to try needle turn appliqué, and I thought, hey, why not on May’s wreath block? Well, I will tell you why not. It takes forever, that’s why not. Despite that, it was fun to learn and practice something new. I now have something to practice, a lot. :)

By way of explanation, I used three different kinds of appliqué on this block, but you don’t have to. I used needle turn on the leaves and stem, machine appliqué on the blossoms, and raw edge appliqué on the centers. I think it adds some fun and variety to the block, but if you are loving one kind of appliqué over another, by all means, use that method.

My friend Kathy swears that she won’t be making this block, which is sad, because it’s super cute. But I know, I know, some of you are still scared of applique. Don’t be! And if you really still are, check out the tutorial I did a while back, it will help. You can learn something new, I promise.

Many a genius has been slow of growth. Oaks that flourish for a thousand years do not spring up into beauty like a reed.

George Henry Lewes

Instructions:

Materials:

(1) 14″ background square

(1) 12″ square for the wreath circle

(32) 2½” squares for leaves

(7) 2½” squares for blossoms

(7) 1½” squares for flower centers

Embroidery Floss

Making the block:

Using a water soluble marking pen, mark a line 2¼” in from each side of the background square. Be sure to keep all pieces inside this line.

Cut out all pieces using the templates provided. The pieces DO NOT include seam allowance, so if you are using needle turn applique, you will need to remember to cut seam allowance.

Place your wreath circle in the center of your background block and applique. Next, place your leaves around the wreath. Applique in place.

Place blossoms around the wreath, applique. Finally, stitch the centers of the blossoms down.

Using a light table or bright window, trace the word pattern onto the center of the block.

Embroider the letters and blossom using a backstitch.

Press your block from the back. Square up to 12½”.

Download the pieces here.

A couple days late on this one. I swear, every month flies by faster than the last. But here it is, my April 2013 free block of the month pattern, April Inspire. (FYI, I’m backdating it to April 30th, so it’s easier to find for people who are looking. :)

This month has been full of soccer games, and daffodils peeking their heads out of the ground, only to see snow falling on their petals. I’ve been dealing with some personal health (thyroid-related) issues too, so I’ve been all over the place emotionally.

I started my garden seeds inside, and they sprouted beautifully. Just last Saturday, I planted them outside. And then the wind and snow and freezing temperatures came.

Needless to say, this month needed some sunshine.

The month of April? Well, I have a particular affinity for it, for some strange reason. But aside from it being my namesake–I love it because it is so full. Full to bursting. Everything is on the precipice of greatness. I mean, what is more inspiring than watching spring unfold?

April inspires me. Makes me feel like I’m on the cusp of something really awesome. What a lucky month, April, she gets to carry inspiration with her everywhere she goes.

Was your month full to bursting?

xoxo

April

PS Need to catch up? Here are links to the other blocks in this series: January Sparkle, February Adore, and March Believe.

Instructions:

Cut:

(16) 2½” squares from various yellow scrap fabrics

(16) 2½” squares from various orange scrap fabrics

(2) 12½” x 1½” orange strips

(2) 4½” x 1½” orange strips

Make 32 half square triangles from your yellow and orange 2½” squares by marking a diagonal line on the wrong side of all yellow squares. Place one orange square and one yellow square right sides together, and sew ¼” away from each side of the marked line. Cut on the line. Press.

Arrange triangles as shown, and sew together in rows.

Sew two rows together to make a chevron pattern, press seam open. Repeat for second chevron, set aside.

Using yellow scraps and a linen background, and following the paper piecing template provided, paper piece the center of the block, sewing all units first, and then putting letters together to make the word. Square up to 10½” x 4½”.

Sew your two 4½” x 1½” orange strips to each side of your word block. Press toward the strip. Repeat on the top and bottom of the word block with the 12½” x 1½” orange strips.

Sew one chevron unit to the top, and one to the bottom of the word block. Press toward solid orange strips.

Square up to 12½” square.

Download Paper Piecing Template here.