July BOM - The Australia Block a re-visit

Hi Guys

I know we are a day early for this BOM, but JM has been busy travelling and hasn't had a chance to write a blog post for tonight, so we decided to give you all an extra day to sew this months BOM's.

This month we are going to re-visit a block that we did this time last year.  I was very successful and looked really great when made up into quilts.

Here is one I prepared earlier.

The Australia Block.

Here is a quilt that has been  made up into  a quilt from last years BOM's.

Now we do have some requests.... Please Please  NO PINKS, NO PURPLES, NO FLORALS (Except Australian Wildflowers).   Please use a plain fabric for the background (tone on tone is OK).  Then for the Australia please use an Aussie fabric or fabric that represents Australian life. (ie: thongs, beaches).

First you need to cut yourself a 9" square in your background fabric.  No photo of that , I think you can work that out.

This is an applique block and you are welcome to do it by machine ore by hand up to you.   You need to get yourself a fusible product.  JM and I use Visoflex because that is what our stores sell.

There is a comprehensive tutorial on applique on the blog so if you are a beginner or want some more tips head to The Tutorial listings on the blog and scroll down to the kangaroo applique lesson. 

The template that you need for this month's block is also on the blog so head to  The Tutorial listings on the blog scroll down til you see it and download and print the template.  It should look like this.

 

 

When I trace the pattern I give Tassie a tropical holiday and tuck it into the Gulf of Carpentaria as that saves paper.

 

 

 

Just trim roughly around the edges of the outline at this stage.  Iron on the WRONG SIDE of the fabric (We have all made the mistake of ironing on to the right I am sure ) and then cut out your OZ.

 

Centre you OZ and Tassie on your background fabric.

 

 

The final step is easy.  Set your machine to a close ZIGZAG and stitch around the applique.  Choose a toning coloured thread or a contrast.  Just choose something that will give the map a definite edge.  I suggest you don't match the thread to the background .

 

When you have completed your applique and ironed your block flat again, please trim to 8 & 1/2".  If you don't have a rotary cutter, please leave the trimming to us to ensure accuracy.

 

 

That's it simple. Have fun and remember to post your finished blocks to me

 

Caroline Gunn

PO BOX 3079

ST MARYS SOUTH  2760

 

Happy Stitching.

 

 

Caroline