Here is the William deMorgan tile set quilt again with some close ups as an incentive to quilters out there to add some embroidery to their applique. Keep in mind that it isn't necessary and sometimes not desirable to match the embroidery floss to the color of the piece. None of the flowers would stand out the way they do without embroidery but I think it made a big difference in the red lilies. A side note: This doesn't hang as poorly as it appears to in the photo. I am behind the quilt holding it over my head and probably swaying in the breeze as my husband looks through the view finder.
I outline stitched and emphasized petal details with navy blue floss and added pistils and stamens in tan. Bullion stitch gives them a dimensional quality as well. The solid colors of the hibiscus flowers are enhanced with lighter colors in simple straight stitching.
It's hard to imagine how flat and lifeless the red lily was before the black outline stitching was added and you can just see the blue outline on the white portions of the vase that keep it from fading into the background. There are even French knots on the pink lily to mimic the dotting that is often a feature of lilies.
So when you finish your applique give your piece a critical look. You will see areas that just need a little punch that simple embroidery adds.
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