Sarah Fielke Secret Garden quilt blocks
I have paid for several of Sarah Fielke’s Block of the Month programs over the years. For some mysterious reason, this is the first I’ve actually worked on. I can’t explain why, except that I’m learning the block of the month format interests me in theory, but not in practice. And I also find that I like her sketches better than the actual designs. But this one, her Secret Garden pattern, stayed interesting to me. It’s a mix of piecing and lots of applique in a mix of sizes. I have all the blocks done, but this is the only section I’ve sewn together so far. Without further ado, these are my Sarah Fielke Secret Garden quilt blocks:
The four blocks are the bottom left corner of the quilt. I enjoyed choosing fabrics and doing a little fussy cutting along the way. While I planned my quilt, I decided to challenge myself by using these low-ish volume background fabrics that are aqua and white. This isn’t the easiest color to work with as a background. It’s more medium than light, and sometimes makes contrast difficult. I went for it anyway, partly because I particularly love the two background prints I chose.
I have also challenged myself by using a large variety of methods in the applique. I’ve used perfect circles, applique paper, freezer paper, aluminum foil, tracing on the front of the fabric, thread basting, pin basting, glue. I might have missed one or two. I want to experiment with lots of methods. It’s been fun. I have really enjoyed adding the vines along the seams as the blocks are sewn together.
One favorite block is the key. I used applique paper to make it, and learned a lot. It’s thicker to sew through, and stays in the quilt, but will eventually dissolve partially if washed. Not sure I’ll ever love appliqueing tiny 1/2″ circles, but at least I’m practicing! You can see behind the key the fun Heather Bailey print I’m using for half of the blocks. I wish I had more of this print!
I am loving using ALL of the greens as I stitch leaves and stems. The more, the better. In fact, I am buying more green fabric all the time. Whenever I scan a sale or clearance section, I’m looking for greens that would be fun to use in applique. They have their own bin in my sewing room.
I had to put these blocks away when I was preparing to teach my Marian’s flower applique class, and I haven’t had time yet to pick it back up. Sometimes all the prep for applique slows me down, but when I block out time and get it done, I can stitch, stitch, stitch! I’m excited to get going on my Sarah Fielke Secret Garden quilt blocks very soon. It’s been a busy summer and my son leaves soon. Hopefully I’ll find time to stitch!