Welcome to the Garden

With each block released, we get a peek into the secret life of Garden Mouse. To learn more about the Garden Mouse collection, fabric requirements, and how to get free blocks, please go to "Garden Mouse - Start Here" Blog ➡️HERE

February reveals the first two blocks! 

Where in the garden does the Garden Mouse live? Presenting... 

Mouse House

Isn't this the cutest little mouse house with it's leaf roof. Garden Mouse loves getting visitors. "Hello butterfly friend, how are you this fine day?" 

Stitching Tips

• Many of the blocks will have stems that I recommend making bias strips for. My preferred method uses the Clover Bias Tape Maker tool.  Follow the instructions for cutting and pressing included with the tool. It is helpful to starch your fabric. This can be done before you cut your strips or after. You will simply be cutting the bias strip size needed and running these cut strips through the tool when pressing. The tool automatically turns the edges in and you press them in place with a hot dry iron. Take care, the tool does get hot.

• The Mouse tail could be made with a 1/8" finished bias strip. Take care when applying it so that there are no tucks or pleats at the inner curves. I did not use a bias strip. I chose to do my tradition appliqué method. 
• I chose to do reverse applique for the mouse house window. To do this, the window shape plus seam allowance is cut away from the house patch. The window fabric is placed behind the house patch at window opening. The seam allowance of the window cut-out on the house patch is turned back and stitched, allowing the window fabric to show. Doing reverse appliqué is optional, you may place window on top of house patch as well. 

• When embroidering the window, I also embroidered tightly around the outside edge of the window. This helped it to stand out a bit more.
• I chose to embroider the door knob a bit differently. Using an Outline Stitch, I embroidered around in a spiral, stitching lines very close together. I liked the outcome. Give it a try or use a more traditional satin stitch. Don't want to embroider, how about using a button?

• Embellish your butterfly as you choose. The pattern shows a tear drop design on each wing. Because of the busy print I used, I chose not to use it. You could also choose to make each wing from one fabric. Be creative!

Snail Ride

Life in the Garden is slow and easy. There's never a hurry to get anywhere. So, when Garden Mouse wants to go for a ride, she just hops on her snail friend for a slow ride around the garden. 

Stitching Tips

• Not a fan of too much embroidery? Try using permanent fabric markers. I like Pigma Markers by Sakura. They come in lots of tips, sizes and colors. Make sure to heat set with a hot dry iron.

• I didn't want to embroider the dots on the lady bug so I used a black Pigma marker to make the dots. First I used a fine marker to mark the outside line of the dot, then filled the dots in with a brush tip. You could also use a red fabric with black dots if you have it. 

• Notice the blue floss I used to embroidery the reins. I was originally going to use a more neutral color, like black or brown. I'm so glad I changed my mind and decided to add a pop of color. Think about it, if you decide you want a little unexpected pop of color. 

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Get Free Pattern

I do hope you enjoy these block patterns as much as I enjoy designing them for you. I would love to hear from you! Drop a comment below or message me➡️HERE. 

You can also find me on Instagram and Facebook. If you make a block and post pictures, please use #gardenmouseapplique and tag @colettebeltdesigns. I would love to have you join my Facebook group Colette Belt Designs Appliqué Quilt Group. 

Happy Stitching,

Colette