Bluebonnet Applique Progress

I made progress with my bluebonnet Hawaiian applique block this week. As you can see in this picture, I have completed 2 of the 4 large flowers, 3 of the 8 small flowers, and 2 of the 4 leaves. If only there were more leaves! Leaves are really easy!! The floral parts are incredibly difficult to sew correctly.

Also of note in the photo:

• The next small flower section (at about 5 o'clock position) is prepared with a freezer paper template.
• Compare the lower left & lower right corners. Notice the difference between finished floral sections and unfinished (turning under the edge refines the shape drastically).
  
• I'm still having a hard time with really sharp inside points (on the larger floral sections).
  

I'm almost half done! It's not as symmetrical as I would like (in very minute ways). But, I'm happy with it so far.

Technique update:

Glue Baste-It: I used this special water-soluble glue to help turn under the edge in a few of the trickier spots. It has a special applicator, which dispenses a dot of glue about the size of a pin-head. I like the applicator a lot, but wish the glue was tackier.

I love my scissors! I have a tiny pair of extra-sharp Gingher (brand) scissors. They are fantastic for detailed applique like this!

I should find a way to take a picture of my needle. It's bent horribly (it's probably 15 degrees off from straight)! I think I'm gripping the needle harder than normal, as I handle the pressure of working on these very detailed sections.

When I do my big 2010-goal project (wall-sized Hawaiian applique quilt), I think I will go back to working with batik fabric. I used regular fabric (though from a good quilt shop) for the design in this block, and it is fraying too much. Batik fabric seems to have a higher thread-count and tighter weave and doesn't fray so badly.