Thank you for this site. I still have not started My Dear Jane but hope to in the next week or two! Started too many projects and am trying to play catch up with my lack of talent... But I have not given up yet!! Will ck this site out... Thanks again!

Did some searching and one of the best tips I came across for trying to get the stray threads tucked under in the corner of B12 when doing the reverse applique was to use a wet toothpick to kind of roll under with. Tried it and it worked nicely. Contacted Sanpat about this block and she recommended doing it regular applique instead of reverse applique so I tried that too. Have never done hand applique before, but after trying the reverse applique, figured it had to be pretty much the same thing so far as the stitiching goes. Am learning lots with this quilt for sure!
Here are the two blocks - one is reverse applique and the other is regular applique. I like the regular one best and hubby likes the reverse one best! I would feel better about the regular applique one being in the quilt as I just felt the cut threads on the reverse one might possibly fray in the points with time.
Does anyone have any comments on the possibility of fraying?
Thanks!

Wow! Never done this before? Looks great! Little threads are a pain. I also find if you moisten them they will behave.

i recommend using 'fray check' after you have finished your applique sewing on the areas you feel are vulnerable to fraying. it works a treat!!
well done btw, your b12's are lovely!!

I've done quite a bit of normal needle turn applique. For a recessed point (like the divet in the top of a heart) I always clip right to the pencil line, and right at the very bottom where there could be some stray strands, I take three small stitches at that point; sort of like the front facing chicken feet toes. I'm sure if you search applique you will find a diagram on what I am trying to explain. I plan on doing the melon using reverse applique and doing that same technique. FYI: I keep a round toothpick with my applique supplies. I never have wet it but even dry it 'grabs' the fabric in a nice way.

Linda, both blocks are gorgeous! Your craftsmanship and fabric choices are wonderful!

Just starting to experiment with reverse appliqué and inner points and stray threads are driving me nuts. So far the best thing I've come up with is to tuck the threads with a toothpick that I stick just a bit into a glue stick - just a tiny dab of glue, then sweep the fabric and any stray threads under. This also works well on melon points with regular appliqué. Tymetoshine your b12center piece looks great! I like the regular appliqué one best. My first try on this block was a disaster. Haven't had the nerve to try again yet.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/29241801@N02/6812022415/" title="uploaded by iFlickr by ndumot01, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7033/6812022415_6044f2f437.jpg" width="375" height="500" alt="uploaded by iFlickr"></a>

My photo for this week.

NDQuilts...nice blocks. Are you piecing these by hand? I really like the fabric in B3

Thank you. I am piecing primarily by hand. For my templates Ii used Press and Seal this time. I like how flexible the product is although seeing the edge can be difficult.

Your blocks are both great, the edges of your aplique are so nice and smooth - what's your secret?