This year our Block of the Month will eventually become Oma's Cupboard.  You can make all of the blocks into a large quilt or just sections for several smaller wall hangings.  Just like the last two years, you can make the backgrounds ahead of time, but this time you can see an overall view of the quilt below.  If you are wondering who Oma is, that is a German word for grandmother, not as formal as Grossmutter, more like Nana.

      If you are looking for good applique thread, remember that I am now carrying a limited amount of Superior Threads Masterpiece Thread in their Frosted Donut.  Go to the link, to read all about it.

      Also, check out my new quilt patterns, for purses and the Double Star quilt.  Then there's a pattern for doing Bargello in small units, Bargello Blocks.  This is a great way to learn the technique to make something small like place mats and table runners, but this same technique can be used to make a large quilt if you wish.

     This year's pieced block base, is a type of Attic Window block, in several different sizes, but the months are grouped, so the first five months are the same group.  Instead of Attic Windows, these are called Cupboard Blocks.  Use a plain background if you wish, but the overall design of the finished quilt is to look like a cupboard with vases of flowers, teapots and cups and other objects on the shelves.  The piecing will give a dimensional look to the background, in effect a "trompe-l'oeil", which is French for optical illusion.

      Use whatever colors you wish for the flowers from one month to the next, as that is how the designs will be presented or choose a more limited palette.  Of course you can use any print or solid, but I will be sticking to my favorite fabric--batiks!  Since each flower only uses small amounts, dig into your scrap basket, you might use up some of them!

      If you wish to make the whole quilt the amount of fabric needed for the background is listed in the Oma's Cupboard instructions.  As you can see from the instructions you could make the five base blocks ahead of time and then you only have the flower and leaves to applique each month as they arrive on your computer.  We are starting with the five blocks at the bottom of the cupboard.  The next grouping will be presented in June.

      You just might have an appliqued quilt top put together by January 2013!  The Oma's Cupboard Block instructions are on a separate page.  The link is at the beginning of the Applique Procedure.

Applique Procedure:
If you are unfamiliar with the applique terms used in the Block of the Month, click on the term to take you to the explanation.

1.  Follow the Cupboard Block directions.

2.  The dashed lines indicate the horizontal seam line and vertical center of the Cupboard block.

3.  Using your favorite techniques Needle Under or Freezer Paper, baste and applique the teapot in place first, in numerical order, with the stems "inside," they are numbered, so they are part of the teapot.

NOTE:  You may wish to baste the teapot parts together.  First the inner teapot, sandwiching the stems between it and the outer teapot and then the inner spout to the outer spout.  Turn the seam allowances under at the same time, this will make it look more dimensional.

4.  Baste the flower petals, following the alphapetical order.  It may be easier to baste the parts together and then applique.  The roses are identical, except the one on the left is a reflection of the one on the right.

5.  The Pieced Leaves are made from two 1-1/2"x7" bias strips.  Applique last.

6.  For machine applique, you may wish to use iron-on fusible web.  Follow the manufacturer's instructions.