Way to Grow Growth Chart

Materials:

Background
12-1/2'' x 48-1/2'' rectangle for top (this can be one single piece or random blocks)
12-1/2'' x 48-1/2'' rectangle for backing
16'' x 54'' rectangle of polar fleece or batting

Flowers
four 7-inch squares for flower fronts
four 7-inch squares for flower backs
four 7-inch squares of matching polar fleece
four large complementary buttons for flower centers

Leaves
four, 5'' x 3'' rectangles for leaf fronts (either one fabric or make each side of the leaf a different color)
four, 5'' x 3'' rectangles for leaf backs
four, 5'' x 3'' rectangles of matching polar fleece
5/8'' wide green rickrack
1/2-inch wide green rickrack
freezer paper
matching thread
fabric glue
four large buttons for flower centers

Steps:

1. Assemble the panel background pieces and cut to size. Layer the elements in this order; batting, top (face up), backing (face down). Pin the layers together to prevent shifting.

2. Using a walking foot, straight stitch 1/4-inch in from the edge around the perimeter of the wall hanging. Leave a five-inch opening to turn the panel inside out. Backstitch at the beginning and ending of the opening. Clip the corners of the panel to remove bulk. Remove the pins and trim the batting even with the raw edges. Turn the panel inside out and slipstitch the panel closed.

3. Locate on the left side of the panel the following positions, 1-foot, 1-1/2-foot, 3-foot, 3-1/2 foot. Place a pin at each of these positions. On the right side place a pin at these positions, 1/2-foot, 2-foot, 2-1/2-foot and 4-foot. Set the panel aside.

Steps:

1. Assemble your quilt sandwich as you would with any quilting project. Using a stipple pattern, quilt over the entire surface of the square. Do this for both the leaf and flower units. Set units aside.

3. Position the freezer paper patterns on top of the appropriate square and iron down. Press only long enough to secure the pattern to the fabric.

4. Once the freezer paper is secure, use a small pair of scissors to cut along the edge of the pattern. After the pattern is completely cut out remove the pattern.

5. Because the elements have a raw edge, run a line of stitching around the entire shape. Using a straight stitch, sew approximately 1/4-inch in from the outside edge of the flower and leaf. Secure the thread ends.

7. Referring to the diagram. Find the leaf positions and make sure they connect to the flower stem. Adjust stems as needed.

8. Referring to the diagram. Create smaller stems off the main stem using 1/2-inch size rickrack and pin in place. Using a straight stitch sew down all the stems.

10. After the panel has been fully quilted, glue the flowers and leaves into position. Attach a button for flower centers. These will add extra construction support and dimension.