Still sidetracked...

I have been using the SKW Quick Curve Ruler to make the three different sizes of Shimmer blocks. I want to make a quilted birthday 'card'. Here are some pics of my process.

This is my first attempt using the smallest size of shimmer block Each square finishes to 1 1/2 in. There are too many leaves in this attempt and I don't care for the inset stem that requires inset background pieces to the left and right of the flower. I do like the center of the flower which is done by using the easy bow-tie block method. 

This is my second attempt but making a bigger sized shimmer block. This shimmer block finishes to 2 1/2 inches. I tried using background 'rectangles' instead of squares to each side of the flower to do away with a tiny strip of background fabric however ​I am not liking how the inset stem in the bottom half results in misaligned seam lines to the flower top half. 

Here is the next attempt at the same 2 1/2 inch sized shimmer block. I like the leaves closer to the flower and without the upward tip piece. For the stem on this one I inset a folded strip of 1 inch stem fabric into the seam that joined both leaves. Then I pressed it flat and applique stitched it in place. This results in upper and lower seam lines lining up which I like but it created more bulk in the stem due to the method.

Now I'm back to the smallest sized shimmer block that finishes at 1 1/2 inches. I am happy with this layout. I used a bigger sized flower insert (bowtie method) and I pieced the 1 inch stem fabric after I trimmed the stem side of the leaves by 1/4 inch. This resulted in a less bulky stem and the seam lines in the upper and lower halves line up nicely. I quickly quilted it on my domestic machine using Peltex (bag making stiff stuff) and finishing it easily with a satin stitch.


Here is the back of the 6 1/2 inch square block. 
I am happy with this size and layout. Now I will make one in brighter fabrics with a white background. I'll post pics when it is done.