I've been thinking about designing a new flower quilt and I actually have something in mind but thought I'd pull out some of my existing flower quilts to look at the various techniques I've used along the way.... that reminded me that at some point I was going to demonstrate how I created the poppy stems on my California Poppies quilt.... so today I've decided to talk about this quilt and I'll give you a demo for creating realistic stems.
I am not sure these poppies look exactly like the real California poppies, I never named it this for that reason. It was named simply because I made this quilt when staying with my friend in Lakewood, California.
California Poppies
The background is constructed chevron style. This is when strips are sewn together to form a V-shape. The original design keeps the V-shaped bottom with a squared top however pattern includes instructions to square the bottom too. I have yet to see anyone make it this way so if you have, please share a photo.
I have used two strip sizes that match on both sides however the left side is constructed in a lighter green than the right. The wide strips are all different fabrics to keep with my color wash theme in other color wash flower designs I've made over the years.
The poppies themselves are vivid and stand out well on the dark background.
Closeup of poppy on dark background
I think what really appeals in this quilt is the stitching on the stems. I have had many comments over the years on how realistic they look.
Closeup of stitching on stem and bud
To get this look I have used a free-motion zigzag. Instead of trying to describe this I've made a video so you can see exactly how I did it. Not too difficult at all.
If you'd like to give it a try, you can find the pattern here: California Poppies
Or if you'd like to learn more about applique (including Brittingham applique) and various stitching techniques/options by machine and by hand, then consider signing up for BOM Spring Life workshop.
