I'm finally feeling a bit better, not fully recovered but good enough to get some errands completed. This was sent out in the care of the postal carriers today. I took one look at the center block/1st border and thought that those lovely pale corals and blue Asian flower fabric warranted a floral applique. I wanted to use traditional needle-turn but unfortunately after I had sketched out a peony (based on various ones found on the net) I realized that the design was too complicated for my fledgling skills. So rather than change the design, I changed the technique. This is done with a raw edge fused applique. I drew the individual pattern pieces (with an 1/8" overlap) on freezer paper and ironed it face down on to the prints. Then I used misty fuse and a teflon pressing sheet to make the appliques. It was helpful to have the original drawing under the pressing sheet as I laid out the individual pieces. Now it's up to the quilter to finish this before sending it off to the final recipient.
Here's a closeup of the peony applique:
Here's a closeup of the peony applique:
