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Cameo Bloom: A Petite Masterclass in Reverse Needle-Turn Appliqué
Nic VaughanCameo Bloom is a little jewel of a project - a technique-packed mini quilt that lets you explore the art of reverse needle-turn appliqué without committing to a full-size quilt. This 13″ × 13″ dodecagon block is part of the Machine Sampler Minis 2025 series, a limited-time event showcasing 12 bite-sized patterns and video tutorials to sharpen your skills and inspire your creativity.
Why Minis Matter
Mini quilts are the perfect “taste test” for new techniques. They’re quick to make, easy to finish, and versatile in their final form - hang them as wall art, turn them into cushions or pouches, or mix and match them in a sampler quilt. With Machine Sampler Minis 2025, you get twelve distinct patterns (including my Cameo Bloom) and matching video tutorials for just USD$12 total - an unbeatable $1 per pattern investment in your stitching journey.
Join the announcement list, and I will email you when the bundle goes live on June 13, 2025.
What Makes Cameo Bloom Special
- Geometry Meets Florals: The 12-sided dodecagon shape gives a fresh, modern twist to traditional appliqué, framing a flower and scalloped border.
- Reverse Needle-Turn Appliqué: Master the satisfying technique of cutting away background fabric and turning each edge under for a crisp, hand-stitched finish.
- Choose-Your-Own-Adventure: Use the block as a mini quilt or a cushion top (envelope back instructions included), or square it up for easy integration into larger projects.
- BONUS: All purchasers of the Machine Sampler Minis will receive my bonus after the event. An additional scallop border template and the quirky sardine appliqué shapes, make the same version as pictured (photo coming).
How You’ll Grow Your Skills
By making Cameo Bloom, you’ll:
- Practice Precision Cutting: Learn to snip curves and corners for smooth, professional-looking appliqué.
- Refine Hand-Stitching: Build confidence in your needle control and thread tension, taking those tiny slip-stitches that disappear into the fabric.
- Understand Fabric Behavior: Choose fabrics that resist fraying and test show-through, a critical consideration when layering light and dark prints.
- Finish With Flair: Explore bias-binding on curved edges and optional quilting stitches to add texture and definition.
You’ll find all the templates, illustrated diagrams, and fabric cutting guides in the full pattern - plus a bonus section on transforming your quilted block into a charming envelope-back cushion.
Joining Machine Sampler Minis 2025
Machine Sampler Minis 2025 is your one-stop sampler school: twelve mini patterns, twelve video lessons, and a community of fellow makers, all for just USD$12 available June 13-20, 2025. After purchase, you’ll have one year of access to the portal - download the patterns, watch the videos, and refer back whenever you need a refresher.
Instructors and Techniques
- Christina (@sweetpotatoquilts) – Paper Piecing
- Leslie (@theseasonedhomemaker) – Unique Half-Square Triangles
- Lauren (@mollyandmama) – English Paper Piecing
- Chris (@rosecityoriginals) – Half-Rectangle Triangles
- Ellie (@mojaviefarmsquiltco) – Square in a Square
- Charisma (@charismahorton) – Curved Piecing
- Jemima (@tiedwitharibbon) – Machine Appliqué
- Emily (@homemadeemilyjane) – Strip Piecing
- Nic (@craftapalooza) – Reverse Needle-Turn Appliqué
- Maelynn (@mae.just.sew) – Flying Geese
- Becky (@patchwork_posse) – Disappearing Nine Patch
- Jen (@aquiltingjewel) – Paper Piecing
Creative Possibilities
Once you’ve completed the Cameo Bloom block, the sky’s the limit:
- Wall Art: Cameo Bloom will look gorgeous on your wall!
- Cushion Accent: Sew it into an envelope-back cushion for your favourite reading nook or sewing corner.
- Sampler Quilt: Combine it with other minis from the series to create a sampler quilt top - think twelve unique blocks, each 13″ square!
- Functional Accessories: Turn it into a large pouch, tablet cover, or even a unique table topper - your pattern guide includes size recommendations and finishing tips.
Tips for Success
- Test Fabrics First: Especially for reverse appliqué, do a small swatch to ensure your fabrics won’t fray excessively and that show-through is minimal.
- Keep Snipping Small: When clipping background fabric, make tiny snips to maintain control and reduce fraying.
- Match Your Thread: A neutral grey often blends with most fabrics, but don’t hesitate to switch to a perfect match when a piece demands it.
- Use Quality Tools: A pair of sharp, small appliqué scissors and a fine needle (I use Bohin Long Appliqué #9) make all the difference.
Ready to Bloom?
Don’t miss this limited time opportunity to build your confidence and expand your toolkit - Machine Sampler Minis 2025 patterns (including Cameo Bloom) available June 13-20, 2025.
Join the announcement list, and I will email you when the bundle is live 13 June 2025.
We can’t wait to see your Cameo Bloom blocks pop up in the Craftapalooza Designs Facebook group - or on Instagram share your photos with #CameoBloom and #MachineSamplerMinis so we can cheer you on every stitch of the way!
