Let’s Expand the Poppys

I have been thinking how I can expand the Poppy block and offer my students another variation of this block.  Believe it or not, this design fits in a 12” block diagonally!  The size of the Poppy does not need to be adjusted. In preparation for another “Pop Up Trip,”  I cut out the appliques for the diagonal block and have started the applique.  In the process, I have almost figured out a secondary design!

But I must get back to my #1 Poppy. It really needs embroidery added to the middle of the first Poppy and possibly some embroidery on the leaves.  I love hand embroidery but have not done it in a long long time.  That requires practice!  So I simulated the middle of the Poppy on a smaller piece of fabric to practice stitching.  Boy, am I rusty!  After several of these practice pieces, it looks like I am almost ready to add it to the finished applique. Below is the last practice piece.  What do you think?