When working with fusible applique, I like to cut out some of the paper within the applique design, so as to avoid having a stiff applique area. Additionally, the less glue in my project the better, as the needle will move easily while I quilt. It also helps to have that 'window' if you want to include a particular section of fabric design. Here is what I mean: … [Read more...] about Fusible applique tips
machine applique
Embroidery and Applique Inspiration
As I always quilt my projects, I own a few books with quilting designs. Looking at them, one can easily see how they could be used as patterns for embroidery and applique. Have you used any designs as such? Those with continuous line lend themselves more readily for stitchery and applique. One book in particular comes to mind, with designs so lovely I have thumbed through its pages very often for inspiration: Hari Walner's Continuous-Line Quilting Designs: 80 Patterns for Blocks, Borders, … [Read more...] about Embroidery and Applique Inspiration
Sunbonnet Sue
What do you think I wonder about as I lay awake in the middle of the night? Yeah... my next quilt project. I love Sunbonnet Sue and am planning a wall hanging based on three books I have. I will likely use applique instead of redwork embroidery. I wonder what it would look like if I mixed ideas of two separate books - one about boys and one about girls! Here are the books which are inspiring me: Sunbonnet Sue and Scottie at Play, by Suzanne Zaruba Cirillo and The Ultimate Sunbonnet Sue … [Read more...] about Sunbonnet Sue
Cat on quilt
As I watch Jamie, my oldest cat, sleeping and totally oblivious to the sound of my fingers on the keyboard, I imagine if someday I can portray her in one of my art quilts. She is no ordinary cat to me, although she has no particularly distinctive features. In the meantime, here is one of the cats I made a little while ago, which must be adorning a special home right now... The quilt on which he is sitting is from the book "The Best of Black Mountain Quilts" by Teri Christopherson (I found … [Read more...] about Cat on quilt
Two-sided flannel quilt
Finally, my flannel quilt is finished! Since it was a present for ME, I decided to make it a two-sided quilt, so I got 2 for 1... A complete departure from my normal designs, I chose bricks on one side using the Woolies, and plain square blocks with sashing for the back, with a more girly feel to it. It is so warm and cozy! In order to make it even more comfortable, I only quilted straight lines using a decorative stitch and varigated thread. I should probably grab a book and head for the couch … [Read more...] about Two-sided flannel quilt
My secret to perfect machine applique stitches
Over the years I have made many quilts using machine applique. I like the look of the machine blanket stitch, particularly because it is neater than what I can do by hand, although I have done it by hand when working with wool. The first time I used machine applique I noticed that the foot was in the way of my seeing where the needle was touching the fabric, on the edge of the piece as well as inside the applique piece. So, I ran to the quilt store and ordered a presser foot with a clear sole … [Read more...] about My secret to perfect machine applique stitches