ROSES are almost everywhere in the Northern Hemisphere, from Alaska to Mexico, and Norway to North Africa. The fossil remains of the rose’s ancestors trace the plant back more than 30 million years. The Chinese, probably the first to cultivate the blooms, proudly displayed them in the Imperial Gardens 500 years before the birth of Christ. Roses were important in trade and religion in ancient Persia, Mesopotamia, Greece and Rome.
Roses are best created with at least four shades of the same color family. Use the darkest shade for the background of the rose, a lighter shade for the top petals, a medium shade for the middle petals and the dark shade for the bottom petals.
  • Draw background template on darkest fabric. Cut out with 1/8th inch seam allowance, turn under and baste.
  • Draw template "A" three times on the lightest of the fabrics. Place two layers right sides together and machine stitch on the drawn line with very small stitches, leaving the bottom open.
  • Draw template "B" three times on the medium fabric. Stitch as above, leaving the bottom open.
  • Draw template "C" three times on the darker shade of fabric. Sew on the machine as before, leaving the bottom open.

Using 1/8th inch seam allowance, cut out each piece and turn through the open bottoms. It is helpful to use a point turner or hemostat to turn each petal and smooth out the edges. Stuff lightly with Fiberfil. Loosely gather the bottom of each piece.
Begin assembly:

Attach the three "A" petals with edges at the top of the background piece, overlapping in a slight semi-circle.

 

Place the center in the middle of the three "A" petals and about 1/4 inch below. Sew firmly in place on the gathering line.

 

Position the three "B" petals upright over the bottom of the bud. Secure along the gathering line.

The three "C" petals fan across the bottom of the background, just below the "B" petals.

When all is secured in place gently fold the "B" petals down over the "C" petals and loosely tack in place. Take care not to crush the petals.

Adjust the petals if necessary and tack in place from the back.

Make the leaves with two compatible shades of green. Draw your template on the wrong side of one. Place them right sides together and stitch on the drawn line with very small machine stitches. Cut out using 1/16th inch seam allowance. Remember to make your slit to turn near the base and on the side you wish to put underneath. Push out the edges with your turner and stuff lightly.

Stems are cut from the darkest green with your templates placed on the bias.

Applique your stems in place first using the picture as a guide and then attach the leaves sewing down the center. If you have made a small enough slit to turn your leaves, then sewing down the center will be enough; if not, whip-stitch the opening closed, then attach the leaf.

Use two shades of the rose color for the buds. Draw template on the wrong side of the fabric, place the two fabrics right side together and stitch all the way around using very small machine stitches. Cut them out, 1/16th inch seam allowance, make your slit at the base, turn and stuff lightly. Attach at the base covering the tip of the stem with one piece overlapping the other. Tack from the backside of the block several times up to the top of the bud catching only the back layer of bud.

Using its background, pin roses in position. Applique to the block. Tack the rose from the back of the block for additional security.
You could vary this arrangement, the number of roses, and the size of the block to create a framed picture. These roses would definitely be a gift that would not wilt.

Individual roses could be used as embellishments for hats, belts, shirts, or even as a corsage.

© 1998, Jean McCarley