Peacock Quilt Applique

Many months ago I created a peacock applique center block for the second session of Spring Fling Round Robin. I was influenced by this quilt, this embroidery, and of course by an actual peacock here. Also I was told that the final recipient wanted a quilt that was inspired by Kim McLean's Princess Feathers Quilt. I was constrained by how to make a peacock fit into an 8" square so I opted not to make a more realistic bird and instead chose to stylize it a bit more like that first quilt inspiration piece. Many sketches and tweaks later I came up with this:

With the exception of the face detail, it's all traditional applique. I made a plastic template from the top row center feather and made all ten plumes the same shape. That was a lot easier than trying to make precise templates for each placement. I also chose to make one leaf template and repeat it. I used the perfect circles for the berries and opted to use raw edge applique for the face details with lots of machine embroidery over it. At first I was going to make a center contrast for each feather but decided that the materials were so pretty on their own they didn't need it. I was a bit disappointed to see that one of the later RR partners decided to add their own circle appliques to it.

That very first block was lost in the mail so I had to make a second one ... fortunately the first one surfaced and became a gorgeous quilt. Sadly the second one is lost in the mail service and has yet to make an appearance. Here's a picture for the curious:

Isn't it interesting how this one had a bit of a different expression? I suspect that's mainly because it's beak was placed more downward.

Now that it's home with Lil I can show you what the finished quilt looks like (this is Lil's picture):

Sharon made the first border, Luisa did the second, and Julia did the fabulous quilting. Didn't they do a fantastic job?

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Now here's a freebie for anyone who wants to make a peacock of their own:

 

Here's the file Download Peacock Applique quilt block by Tami Levin.   Have fun with it and please show me pictures of your versions!

Comments

[oldschoolacres]

Oh, that is so beautiful!

And I curse the mail service! Unless of course they inadvertently sent it to me. ;)

[Diana @ The Chic Life]

this looks great! the colors are so bright and fun! :)

[Heera]

It is a beautiful applique Tami. Nice work! Thanks for sharing.

[Teeanolia]

I just love your Peacock can I use it to make a quilt for myself? Teeanolia

[Lyndaleen]

WOW WOW !! This is a gorgeous surprise! I can't say enough! but I'd sure like to know how (...er...rather who) these keep getting lost in the mail.

[WonderlandShoppe]

Just beautiful! I am following your blog now. Also, I included this link in my blog so others can find you. What an inspiration. -- Alice w/ WonderlandShoppe

[WonderlandShoppe]

Please check out my interpretation of your peacock quilt block pattern. I am calling mine a "Bird of Paradise". This was fun to make! I am already thinking of other color options to do. Thanks -- Alice with WonderlandShoppe The link is here: http://wonderlandshoppe.blogspot.com/

[Ava Hart]

Was it insured? If not, USPS is unreliable. I prefer UPS or FedEx or any company that tracks packages by computer.

[irene vernon]

just found this block on a Peacock applique,something I,ve always wanted to do - much appreciated - thank you so much for sharing.

Vernie uk

[Tonya Yarwood]

Oh, Thank you so much! I've been looking for just the right peacock illustration to turn into an applique for a dress I'm making. Your design is perfect!

[lidia]

We have algo made another wild turkey work. Just wanted to show you:

www.labuhardilladetati.blogspot.com

Cheers!!!