Originally Posted by CajunQuilter2
Wow Skeat, those are awesome. Way over my head at this point for sure.
It is not way over your head....it is very easy and actually I've played a bit w/applique but, this is my first ever...and, I am learning as I go and I have found out already...I could applique circles forever!! I loved doing those hedge apples!! Here's some hints that I have done...
I trace pattern on dull side of freezer paper...iron on to back side of fabric...then trim to almost1/4" (I 'eye' it as I cut!LOL) Then snip anything that needs to be and press the 1/4" over w/iron....I then pile them all up till done w/one blocks worth.
Then I have those fancy little gizmo's (someone help w/the name) that you slide a certain cut strip thru and it bends it so nice to make perfect bias strip....(it folds it to the middle where the ends meet there) and I press w/an iron stiff.....there are my Stems!!! I made miles of these to be able to place and cut when I need them...and, keep them in a ziplock by size (written on the outside the size w/marker...I need things blonde proof)
I purchased those great little applique pins...such a great investment...for it holds the appliques close to the fabric and your threads don't get stuck as easily.
I am using Prescia thread (sp?) that matches close to the fabrics...which I think has been much fun!! Again, I keep all those threads in a ziplock too...:)
If you ever hemmed a sleev or a skirt with a hand done blind hem stitch...it is basically the stitch I do around the applique (much online to read about how to)
Serge or stitch the edges them from fraying...I'm on that now!:)
Always iron from the backside...as not to make any slick or shiny spots on the front
Oh, and most important....keep all the fabric for this project in a basket...then keep another basket for the project in the making that holds the block, scissors, thread, needles, etc....that is the basket I grab to go...and I don't want to carry all the fabrics:)But, keeping them in a designated spot...keeps you from sneaking that fabric into a different project before this one is done:)Hope this helps anyone thinking about it...
You won't be sorry....they are fun!! And, I am learning alot...espec that "I CAN APPLIQUE!" :)Skeat