What, exactly, is bobbin work? Now I need to do research.

I have searched for it but couldn´t find it.

I think bobbin work is when you load your actual bobbin up with fancy threads and you work from the back side of your material, don´t hold me to it, but we had someone at the club do it, and I wasn´t payin all that much attention as I didn´t think I would need to use that......doh dumb person that I am.

OK, I found it. Here is the link to the video. And Elle is right. You put heavy decorative thread in the bobbin, and then sew on the wrong side of the fabric, so that the bobbin thread ends up on the top. I may consider that for AOTH.

http://www.nancyziemantv.com/

I am glad you found the video Gai. I tried to do what you said, but I am a complete goose when it comes to computer stuff and it didn't work.

I like to do bobbin work actually...learned how in a class once. I bought all the stuff but then haven't gotten back to doing it. Thats why I have that Razzle Dazzle on a bobbin now.

Sorry the appl. e-book wasn't helpful. I've downloaded a few of their free ebooks and I though they made for some interesting reading. However, I'm one of those that if I learn just 1 new thing..I usually think its worth my time. I don't blame you for using your junk mail addy though...I hate spam.

I watched Nancy's video, but I still think it might be difficult to get the stitching in exactly the right place if you are doing it from the back.

Part of the charm of these blocks is the lovely curves and scrolls of the embroidery, and the placement of them compared to the applique.

For instance, I wouldn't think if doing the embroidery first, even if it doesn't go over the applique, because it's nice to be able to get the embroidery right up close to the applique where the design calls for it.

I think it would be hard enough to exactly line up the design lines on both front and back, but that is just me. perhaps some of you have nifty ways of doing that.

Certainly ...Marilyn

Well, thanks to Kathy's tutorial on fused applique with machine embroidery, I may have to rethink how I want to do my AOTH. I had never tried it before and today may two of Block 34 of AOTH (although I made them for something else and made them BIG - 12" blocks. They came out really good and now I think I love this way of doing things. My only concern is how well it will hold up with washing. Have any of you used this type of machine applique on quilts other than wallhangings?

It is when you put fancy-special or thick thread (even yarn) that is too thick or persnickety to fit in the needle in the bobbin. Some machines (like the Pfaffs and Janomes) have a special bobbin case for these instances because you DO NOT run the thread through the little hook. It sort of just comes out of the side. SOme machines you can use the regular bobbin case. It's a matter of testing.

Some machines can use the regular method to wind those threads on the bobbin and others need to load the bobbin by hand.

You turn your piece over so the top is on the bottom. It is important to have a good idea of the pattern and have the pattern marked on the back (or on paper pinned to the back). Then you do the FMQ as normal. (It helps to do a test run and work out the tension.)

Hope that helps.

Well I have read all of your ideas on this and I personally think I would go mad trying that, and I will be hand sewing, mine luckily isn´t too bad and will only improve as we go along.

Good luck to everyone who is trying this method, I am sure it work out great for you