Desert Daydreams Design of the Month Poppy

Hi there, all you cool Pins and Needles!  It’s Melisa from Stitchology.  I’m back today to share with you our 11th block in the 2025/2026 Design of the Month program. On the 2nd Friday of each month, I release a new nine-inch raw edge applique block kit.  This year’s theme, Desert Daydreams, is inspired by my childhood in New Mexico. In addition to the monthly blocks, we will release a quilt that incorporates all 12 blocks as we approach the finish line.  The blocks are available as kits or PDF downloadable patterns and once the month is over that kit will no longer be available, so you will need to be sure to check back monthly to see the new design and to grab your kit while you can!

Kits can be purchased here: https://www.stitchologyabq.com/s-projects-basic-1

Our eleventh block is a yellow poppy.  These are some of my favorite flowers and they do well in our dry climate.

This is a great block because you can play with embellishments.

I used free-motion sewing to add the stamen to the flower center.

If you need a refresher on free-motion sewing and thread painting, you can find the tutorial here:

Additionally, I hand sewed seed beads to the tips of the stamen.  This is an easy way to add a little texture and sparkle.

Once you complete the poppy block, she can be set to the side until all the blocks are finished. We will be back next month with our 12^th and final block in the series, as well as info on how to preorder the finishing quilt kit!

Thanks for reading.

Melisa