Quilting squares as you go....
 

Hello! I'm starting an owl quilt like this lovely one from PKWard and I was wondering, since i don't quilt large quilts, and since this is applique, could i sandwich the top, batting and back and quilt it as I applique? What do you think?

You can, it's called Appliquilt. If you want raw edge applique you can just use your straight stitch as close to the edge of the appliquéd piece. I prefer doing it with the buttonhole stitch, but it doesn't look quite as nice from the back.

Couldn't see anything on a quick search other than McKenna Ryan's, have a look & maybe it might help.
http://pineneedles.com/Company/help.asp

I have not done much QAYG but if it were mine, I would probably appliqué the owls first. Now because it has sashing anyway, how about quilting them in strips, assemble 5 rows sandwich and quilt seperalty, then attach together with your sashing, then the boarders can be added with batting and backing. I think it's very doable, since the blocks all have sashing anyway. Others may have better instructions for this technique or maybe there it a tutorial here

sure you can- many people quilt as they go making it much easier to make large quilts without dealing with trying to man-handle all that bulk to quilt it as a whole quilt. no reason to think you can not- it is afterall your project- you can make it any way that works for you- go for it - enjoy the process- be creative- and remember ---we want pictures! :)

i don't know the answer but wanted to tell you how much I love your owl quilt.

I tried it once I did not like how the stitched showed in the back of the quilt. I love the quilt though.

I agree with fat quarters. Applique the Owls before you put together your quilt sandwich. I'd use stabilzer to make sure they don't pucker. Then I would sew the blocks together in rows, separating each block with a sashing piece and quilt the rows. Leave a couple of inches of backing fabric on each side of the row. Cut the joining strips to be 1/2 inch larger than your finished sashing. Be careful with your 1/4 inch seam allowance and be sure to keep the backing fabric loose. Sew the sashing to one side of the row, right sides together. Press the sashing open. Line up the next row so the top and bottom sashing are aligned right sides together with the sashing piece. Sew together using 1/4 inch seam allowance. Press fully open. Turn under the backing fabric (you might have to trim a little) and hand sew the back seam closed.

Clear as mud right?

If you are appliqueinG by machine there is a lot of bulk to maneuver around. I like the idea if doing the smashing strips by machine.

Well...I just yelled to my DH to come and see this quilt! It's just adorable! Absolutely love it!

I like to appliquilt!:thumbup: