May's Block - Robins

Happy May Day! Spring has got to arrive to Minnesota soon... the cold temps and occasional snow flurry last week was discouraging. The Robins are confused with the colder weather. I'm sure if they are wondering if they arrived too soon!  I'm making my flower list for the garden and I'm looking forward to visiting the greenhouses and digging in the dirt! I've got my garden seeds purchased, (since January)! I'm looking forward to some warmer days and sunshine! Many years ago, a dear neighbor shared some daisies with me, and I shared some lilies for her garden. I look forward to these daisies popping up and blooming every year! I always think of her when they bloom, that sunshining day that we dug in the dirt and shared some perennials, laughing. The daisies are dear to me since she passed away several years ago. I knew that May's block had to feature daisies!

 This month's block features a couple of sweet robins with a flowerpot of daisies.  So let me show you how I have made this month's block. Go on over to the Website and download the PDF pattern. The links are below towards the end of the posting. Make sure that your email is correct so that the link for the pattern is sent to you. Also, if you don't find it, check your trash or spam folder just in case it ended up in there....

Go thru your fabric and pull the colors that you are going to use for the block.

Trace the applique shapes onto the paper side of your fusible web. I use Flexifuse. I then group the shapes using the same color with the fabric.

Following the manufacturer directions, I then iron the fusible web onto the backside of my fabric.

Then cut all the shapes out...

Following the pattern placement sheet, position all the applique shapes on the cream background rectangle. Notice how some of the shapes overlap. Iron everything in place.

I like to use an open toe foot for applique stitch. It's easier to see needle and stitch placement. I am using a brown thread to buttonhole stitch around the flowerpot, leaves and birds.

I used a white thread to stitch around the daisies. I also cheated and used a stitch on my machine to stitch the stems on the flowers.

~ Robins ~

Isn't it a fun design? I love it! This would be a cute design on a tea towel too! 

Each month will feature an applique design, I have a stash of basic colors that I use for applique, I bet you do too! You will also need a basic cream or white for the applique blocks. You will need 1 3/4 yards of a cream/white background fabric. It can be a tone on tone or neutral print. This cream fabric will also be used for the top and bottom boarders along with some pieced cornerstones. You can also get scrappy with your cream fabrics! The applique blocks will measure 8 1/2" x 10 1/2" (this includes the seam allowance).

It's an adorable quilt when it is done. The finished size of the quilt is 58" x 65" Each month's pattern is a free PDF instant download. If you miss a month, the patterns are available for $2.50 on my website and also in my Etsy shop.  

If you don't have a printer, you can purchase a PRINTED copy of the pattern

HERE

 There's also a Facebook Group, please join and post your progress! It's also fun to see everyone else progress too! Make sure to post your blocks so far! I will be ending this year's BOM with some giveaways. Make sure to stayed tuned for that!

I hope that you all have a wonderful day and find some time to do some stitching!

Happy quilting,

Cindy and Josephine