I wanted to do something this month that would stretch me, help me learn. I’ve always wanted to try needle turn appliqué, and I thought, hey, why not on May’s wreath block? Well, I will tell you why not. It takes forever, that’s why not. Despite that, it was fun to learn and practice something new. I now have something to practice, a lot. :)

By way of explanation, I used three different kinds of appliqué on this block, but you don’t have to. I used needle turn on the leaves and stem, machine appliqué on the blossoms, and raw edge appliqué on the centers. I think it adds some fun and variety to the block, but if you are loving one kind of appliqué over another, by all means, use that method.

My friend Kathy swears that she won’t be making this block, which is sad, because it’s super cute. But I know, I know, some of you are still scared of applique. Don’t be! And if you really still are, check out the tutorial I did a while back, it will help. You can learn something new, I promise.

Many a genius has been slow of growth. Oaks that flourish for a thousand years do not spring up into beauty like a reed.

George Henry Lewes

Instructions:

Materials:

(1) 14″ background square

(1) 12″ square for the wreath circle

(32) 2½” squares for leaves

(7) 2½” squares for blossoms

(7) 1½” squares for flower centers

Embroidery Floss

Making the block:

Using a water soluble marking pen, mark a line 2¼” in from each side of the background square. Be sure to keep all pieces inside this line.

Cut out all pieces using the templates provided. The pieces DO NOT include seam allowance, so if you are using needle turn applique, you will need to remember to cut seam allowance.

Place your wreath circle in the center of your background block and applique. Next, place your leaves around the wreath. Applique in place.

Place blossoms around the wreath, applique. Finally, stitch the centers of the blossoms down.

Using a light table or bright window, trace the word pattern onto the center of the block.

Embroider the letters and blossom using a backstitch.

Press your block from the back. Square up to 12½”.

Download the pieces here.