nanna-up-north

I love the look of applique, have made quite a few items with applique but had never heard of BBA until last week. I googled BBA and it sounded pretty interesting. I once took a class on needle turn applique but really didn't have much luck with that. Instead, I adapted a method using freezer paper and fabric glue. There are several examples of that method in my album. So when I read about BBA on QB, I said I'd try this over the weekend.

Well, BBA has some good points. There isn't any glue residue to wash away. It is easier to get small pieces into the right shape and, basting really keeps everything stable.

And, BBA gave me some challenges as well. The biggest problem I had was trying to draw the lines on dark fabric. To make this giraffe, I appliqued the tan spots to the blue fabric first. I had penciled the lines on the back of the blue. But, when I was ready to applique the giraffe onto the brown fabric, I couldn't find anything that would show up. Other people had mentioned using Frixion pens but I had only a yellow one. The ink seemed to fade into the fabric. I couldn't see it at all. I had a white marking pen but that didn't work well and I couldn't get a fine clear line. I need a fine line for this kind of work.

It took me longer to do this than it would have taken using my freezer paper and glue method. But, that may be due to the fact that I've never done this before. All in all, it wasn't so bad.... it's a lot like needle turn.

So, I'm ready for your criticisms, and, or suggestions. I'm planning on making 3 more giraffe's, one for each quadrant of the 30" x 30" center piece. Please, give me your honest suggestions. I really want this to work out because I'm wanting to start the little brown bird quilt soon and I need to really be able to do some awesome applique.

ps: I drew on the eyes and nostrils with my pigma pen.