Block No 1. Pamela the Keeper of Perfect pathways.

Download Pamela

18" X 18"

Pamela was a shearer’s cook in her former life.

She worked on sheep stations in the outback of Australia for many years and was renown for her generous lamb roasts and bread and butter puddings.

Along with her other friends Pamela has taken up residence in my garden and is affectionately known as  
“The keeper of Perfect pathways” She works hard at keeping the paths ‘neat’ and can be seen on some evenings chasing and scolding the ducks who scuff up the gravel. If there is a very stubborn duck, she picks it up and pops it into her basket. Muttering she walks off down the street on her sturdy legs, waddling a little bit like a duck herself. She gently puts  it back in the creek.

She also has a big problem with the blackbirds who have a wonderful time tap dancing on the bark chips with their spindly yellow legs   -  so if you can’t beat them join them  - she makes cute little bird houses to place in strategic places in the garden purely for the accommodation of the blackbirds…

As yet,  the birdhouses are unoccupied.
I do have faith that her birdhouse condo’s will one day house several families.

 

I was asked why this is called a Fu Fu quilt.... well it's quite different to an art quilt or a pieced quilt. My kids describe Fu Fu as fairies undies.... it's a fairies undies quilt. cute and comical.

Requirements.:-

PLEASE DON’T PRE-WASH YOUR FABRIC.

20” X 20” square of fabric for the garden paths.
20” X 20” square of Iron on Pellon or iron on cotton batting.
1 yard  Steam a seam lite fusible web.   
¼ yard fabric for the hedge
1 fat quarter of blue fabric for inside the hedge
A variety of fabrics for the applique piece “Pamela the keeper of Perfect Pathways”
10” square  of fabric for the foliage of the trees.

A teflon applique mat
Threads to match the applique pieces.
Sharp scissors
Mechanical pencil
.5 black pigment ink pen  (Zig pens from Hobby Lobby or Crafts  Direct)
A red, pine green. brown and blue Tsukineko pigment ink pen.
A light box.

I designed  this  pattern 10 years ago.
The fabric is a little dated.

I chose Mumms the Word leaf fabric for the hedge and small trees.
Another hint is to buy some  little ceramic pots made for embroideries. I have seen the in some quilt shops.
They look super.

The Method for making this quilt is machine applique.

If you wish to hand applique, you will need to allow a seam allowance around the applique pieces.

On the 20” square piece of fabric, draw an 18 ½” square with a mechanical pencil.

Iron the Pelham (or another stabilizer) to the back of the 20” square. This gives you a firm base for machine applique.

Trace the four hedge patterns onto the fusible web. Cut them out with about ¼” to spare and iron the glue side of the fusible pattern to the back of the hedge fabric.

Do the same with the four inserts in the hedge.

Continue in the manner until all the applique pieces have been traced.
You will need to reverse the applique pattern of Pamela. Just place it on the light-box and reverse it.

Cut around the applique pieces with a smooth stroke of the scissors, no crumbly bits on the edge please.

Once you have cut out all the applique pieces, take the paper pattern to the ironing board and pin it in place. Place the appliqué mat over the paper pattern and you should be able to the image through the mat. (like tracing paper. Pin the mat to the ironing board too.

Peel the backing paper off the applique pieces and place them on the mat to match the pattern. With Steam a seam lite, it’s tacky and will remain in place until you iron it. For instance, her feet go down first. Iron them in place, next her wings… iron in place and continue building her until the entire piece is completed.
Then just peel her off the mat and the glue will still be on the fabric… magic.!!!!

Before you add her to your block, you will need to draw in her facial features, the stripes on the legs and the laces. Use the .5 black pen and you can do that when she’s still on the mat.

Iron the hedge patterns, onto the fusible web. Cut out accurately, Leave the paper on the back of the appliqué piece and illustrate the leaves by placing the fabric over the pattern on the light box.
Now this is why I asked you not to wash your fabric… the sizing assists the ink to set permanently…
All done, now you can begin the applique.

These instructions are for machine applique.
You could choose several methods. Blanket Stitch or Satin stitch, or a combination of both.

I chose satin stitch.
I set the machine on Zig Zag. Stitch width 1.5, Stitch Length .35

Blanket
Stitch width 2.5

Stitch length 2.5

Invisible Stitch
Using smoke mono-filament thread. 

Stitch width 1.5. Length 1.0

Threads.
50 weight cotton, top and bobbin.

Needle.
sharp 70/10

This photo gives you an idea of how the block is constructed...I've not added the illustration because I will go through each stage with you during the coming weeks.

The block directly under Pamela, is the next block.... The aggies.

Comments

[Carolyn Foley]

Good heavens Pammy. Did you have this already done or have you sat down and written all these instructions? I have always loved this quilt from the first moment I saw it, which was before I met you. I didn't realise that there was a story that went with it.

[Pam Holland]

Yep, I wrote the story and made the quilt around it... Can you guess how the angels got to end up in my garden?

All will be revealed...!!!

[Carolyn Foley]

No, don't tell me. I want to hear the full story.

[katiesmimi]

This is an adorable BOM and I am looking forward to the next segment. Can you tell me when that will be posted?

[sarah]

just a quick thank you for this fantastic pattern...(yes, i could actually down-load it..a bit slow but that could be because of the distance it had to travel!)
looking forward to the rest of the story....

[sandee]

I to love this bom when is the next installment due ? i keep a looking and cant find past 3 thanks

[Sissy]

Thank you Pam

[Tammy]

Love it thanks Pam