Petal Tile Blocks

I am still working on my Petal Tile quilt blocks.  This block was taken from the book, "Tile Quilt Revival" by Carol Gilham Jones & Bobbi Finley.   The instruction in the book had templates for a 10" version and you are suppose to increase the size by 150% on a photo copier.  Well, I didn't have the time or patience to run up to my local copy store, so I just took some paper, taped it together to measure 17" square and started drawing out the shape.  It's not perfect, and that's what I like.

You applique each petal working from the center out by either needle turn applique or fusible applique technique.  As I stated above, I have little patience and time, so I am using fusible.  My machine is set on blanket stitch and I am using "Totally Stable" on the under side of my background to prevent tunneling.  I mentioned before that "Steam-a-Seam 2" is the product I used on the first 5 blocks, but it is gumming up my needle so bad that I am switching to "Heat-n-Bond Lite" along with the stabilizer.  After deciding which technique to use, place the template upside down in a window or on a light box and draw out your pieces onto the fusible paper side if using.  

 If you're using the needle turn method, use freezer paper to draw out each piece and when you cut them, be sure to add about an 1/8" seam allowance to each petal.  This will give you the "grout" between each piece.  Number each petal so you know where they will be placed on the block.  

Making the blocks in stages keeps me from getting too bored with one process at a time.  The top set of 5 are completely finished except for the trimming.  The second set of 5 are ready to blanket stitch.  The third set will have 6 blocks, then I will trim them to 15.5" when all are completed.  I haven't decided about adding a border yet, but I know I will not be set with sashing strips.  I want the quilt to measure 80"X80" when finished.  

All the fabrics I'm using are from my stash and I place each color family in their own pile and whatever looks good to me is what goes into each block.  Some of the fabrics and color families will have to be repeated.  After seeing most of them done, I am getting excited to carry it through to completion.  After these blocks are put together, I think my machine will need a well deserved "vacation" at the local Bernina store to get cleaned and serviced, it has been a while.