Blue Rose

 Blue Rose Center

Below is the third sketch I made for this answer to the Fast Friday Fabric Challenge.  It was my turn to create the challenge.  Something Blue with black, white and one other color also allowed, but not required.  The main thing is that one should think 'blue' when looking at it.  When the 'Coming Up Roses' exhibit was announced, I decided on this blue rose.

I wanted to create something dimensional.  This is my first try after seeing the wonderful dimensional flower quilts by Barb Forrister at Houston last fall.  I also attended her demo and got to meet her.  What a thrill.  She makes it look easy.  However, I found I ripped out a LOT.  If I had more of the blue satin, I would have just cut more.  Having a limited amount of fabric really pushed my creativity.  

College of Working Parts

Clockwise from top left: sketch,  blue satin strips to enlarge the 'bud', top of one of the 'petals' showing how I stitched the petal over, then held it in place with gold thread, back of the 'petal' and 1/2 yard blue satin [- a small chunk].  

I have been experimenting with different ways to finish out the quilt.  I have already thrown out three tries.  Because of my fabric limit, I try ideas out using other fabrics.  However, for me, the blue satin is the only fabric from my stash that works. Perseverance is the name of this game.