Thanks Losie. One block a week is a great pace I think...I am just trying to get ahead as I know i won't do any blocks in July and most likely August. Using the invisible machine applique method, more than half the work is preparing the pieces, stitching goes fast. Can't say the same for preparing the pieces though, just spent two hours preparing (turning the dyes under) the pieces of one block!

The actual preparation is a lot on these little pieces, I baste all of mine on to the paper templates, it works well for me, but like you say it does take time

Happy birthday Lesley!

no real prepping here... I make two copies of the block, trace my design on background, choose applique pieces by auditioning them... that is, I cut 'window' carefully out of one of the copies and decide what part of fabric I'm using if it is a fabric that has a print that changes [dont do this with batiks or allover small prints] I mark the spot and trace around the outside of the applique pattern I cut out to make the window. Then I cut that piece adding 3/16" seam. When I place the pieces on my background I usually just work one piece at a time because they go so fast. I will cut 4 leaves or hearts, but I pin only one piece down. With the small pieces I have found that running a mid-size pin through the fabric a few times [like a running stitch] sets it in place so long as you start needleturning slightly past the head of the pin. I just match the markings of the corners or two parts of the piece with the pin and make my third match with the start of my sewing. Explaining it takes longer than doing it. I did the starch method and other preppy things that take much longer and have found for me that my needle & left pressing thumb works fine. I 'press' with both forefingers/thumbs just ahead of where I go and hold in place with left thumb.

OMG - I am too wordy this morning..........


oohhhh HAPPY BIRTHDAY LESLEY!!!
my sweet grandson's was yesterday!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY, LESLEY!

Oh...7...quilter7x...where are you? It's your day too! :XD:

Happy Birthday, 7!!! :-D

No problems Mousie, we are good girls and can share a cake, no problem.

Many thanks for everyone's good wishes. Not sure I want to count them anymore, I didn't want to join this old age club.

:thumbup: me either, but it's that or...no quilting, lol ;)

HAPPY BIRTHDAY

Lesley and 7

Yes, Happy Birthday Lesley and Quilter7x..I guess you both are exactly one month older than me..my birthday is July 10th :mrgreen: :lol: