Roses Roses Roses

Everybody ready for the next step?  I hope all of this makes sense, and that it doesn't send the Type A personalities jumping off a cliff.  I'm a much better 'show-er', then 'tell-er'.  I've created a mosiac of the steps that you need to follow to create these little log cabin roses.  Remember that this process is very improv...a good exercise in letting go, and having fun, right? 

• Begin at the beginning!  For the centers you will need a wonky little block to begin with...start with a square and knock the edges off of it, or begin with a triangle, that is how I begin most of mine.  In the photos below, I'm working on two different flowers, so you can watch the process of building each rose.
• You will start building the flower by adding a scrap of fabric, using a 1/4'' seam allowance, open, press, repeat, until you have added fabric to each of the exposed edges of the flower center.  The piece of fabric that you add needs to be as long, or longer than the edge that you are adding to, don't worry if it is too long, you will trim throughout the process
• As an FYI - if I have little scraps to build the flower, that is what I'll use, otherwise I just cut off a piece of fabric with my rotary cutter (no ruler...use caution) to the approximate size that I need.
• As you add each new piece, finger press or iron, whatever your preference
• Use two to three fabrics per flower (one fabric per ring)
• You will need flowers in small (1 1/2'' across), medium (2'' to 3'' across), and large (4'' to 5'' across). 
• 15 to 20 flowers for the mini, and 30 to 40 flowers for the 12 block quilt
• Start making the larger flowers first - it will be easier to learn the process on the larger flowers
• If your first flowers are a bit of a mess, don't pitch them, use them as the base of your bouquet...no one will be the wiser!
• If your rose is becoming a little too square, and actual log cabin-ish, add your next round of fabric pieces at an angle, and lop off some hard corners.
• Continue to build your flower until it is the size you desire.
• Your flower will probably not resemble a flower until you trim off the edges into a more circular shape.
• Okay...you are ready to go!  Next time, some decisions about your flowers, and how you will adhere them to the quilt base.
• I've added these photos to Flickr for a better look at each image
• Have fun!!!

 

Comments

[DoreyR]

Hi, um, Type A personality here. (waves) Hoo boy. I think I'll go have some supper, then come back and look at this again.
....
Breathe.
....
Just breathe....

[joyce]

Yay for wonkiest!!! My first two fit in both the medium and large sizes when measured. I like straight edges...I like to mix it up a bit though. I'm keeping the first seam to my right- that seems to be the front of the flower. Off to try a triangle---->,---> Wee!!!

[Lisa Gray]

I am making roses and enjoying 'letting go' to make wonky and free flowers...gotta get back to making them, eight down and many more to go. --Lisa

[Rachel]

These roses are so much fun to make!!

I've made 9 so far, but my first few were a bit big. I think I'm going to aim for 12... I don't have anybody to give me a bunch of red roses so I figured I'd make one for myself.

All your instructions are so clear and easy to understand, you're doing such a great job! I can't wait for the next step.

[Jennifer]

This is super cute. I'm going to have to try it!