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!
