A baby quilt is out of the question for this couple - the colors are totally non-babyish, hideous and impossible to match. So I thought of making a 3-D fabric flower "bouquet" and framing it in a shadowbox. I found a few sites of ideas but I need something astounding here; a shower gift where people are expecting me to give something handmade. What about the "stems"? How could this be done, as I'm a non-applique person. Ideas please!

I got a book from the library one time called "Fantastic
Fabric Folding" it has some really neet ideas for flowers in it. And there was another one I got called "A Fresh Twist on Fabric Folding: 6 Techniques 20 Quilt & Decor Projects" This is one of the quilts in the Fresh Twist book. http://www.softexpressions.com/Merch...reshTwist7.jpg

Maybe check your local library for either of the books for some great ideas!

Good luck.

You can fuse 2 identical cut flowers wrong sides together, cut the edges with pinking shears. Cut another set 1/2 the size of the first, fuse and use as the centers. Stitch down each flower in the center only, leaving the edges loose for a 3D effect. sew a yo yo for their center and stitch them down. Use bias tape for the stems, make the long narrow leaves the same way, only fold the tops over at various heights and blanket stitch them down for a 3D look too.

I have made dementional flowers and stems & leaves. Just cut out set front&back sew them together clip edges turn sew the bace down, then tack the peddles and leaves from the back, two or three stitches in one spot,'tacking'. add as many flowers and leaves as you wish, always sewing the sext flower over the seams of the top flowers. Stem can be sewn strip with wrong sides together, pressing the seam in the middle of the stem. when turned over, the raw edges aren't seen, either machine zig zag long running stitch on edge of stem then repeat for other side, or you can take amall stitch on stem by hand. like the invisible hem stitch used on skirts or pants. I hope this might give you some Idea, to help you disign your flower bouque. Theresse