TanyaL

Have any of you used blocks that were not "block" shaped? I guess this would make the quilt an art quilt since it would be so untraditional. I was just wondering what methods had been used or tried and which worked or didn't. I'm hoping to use your experience to cut down on my R&D time. I'm trying to avoid my go-to method of appliquing on to a solid background - would like to sew the designs (blocks) together directly, but they are definitely one of a kind shapes.

pollyjvan9

I would start by putting them up on a design wall, look at them until I got them in the places I like them, then if they are straight cuts I would start sewing them together like a crazy quilt (stitch and flip on a foundation). If they are curves maybe you can just slowly begin sewing them together but this sounds risky. The simplest would be to piece a pretty background, maybe something like a colorwash, and then applique like you have the the past. Good luck, hope to see what you come up with.

TanyaL

The designs are all very fancy fleur des lis on black backgrounds. The backgrounds have been fussycut into fanciful shapes and the sashings between the shapes will meander around the top adding to the design. The quilting will be the final step in the design. There is one very large medallian in the center to acting as a design anchor/central point of interest. Believe me, this has been all over the design wall in every configuration. LOL. But I am trying to not over do the applique work. Each fleur des lis is made seperately and appliqued on its bachground. This isn't some grand effort for a juried contest, just trying something new.