Naomi, your quilt is beautiful!

Linda Ann, I LOVE that bright "blue appearing" fabric! I would love to know what line it is from. I "collect" brights!

Naomi, your quilt is just gorgeous! I've had to go back a couple of times to soak in all your detail and the colors. Wow. Makes me want to get started.

Went to an LQS a block away from my work today and bought several batik fat quarters. Now all I need is for my background fabric to get here. Last night I pulled out scraps for my practice pieces, and I noticed there was a bit of a problem with loose threads and fraying. Hence, the batiks that I bought today.

So, Ducky, you are going for the chocolate look - brights will look good on that too - re scraps, I have just used an ordinary cotton fabric print on one of mine, because I didn't have any batik that I thought would do the job as well, but I can see how some might fray. Of course there is always the possibilty of using something like Fray Check to deal with that

Thanks Naomi, for joining us - I know that Kathy is keeping a list of board names, and actual names of those who have said they might join us. I am trying to do the same, but I admit to being somewhat dyslexic with names, so I hope people will forgive me if I goof.

Sharon~so sweet to have company in enjoying brights. I will try to get the name of it for you. I know exactly where to get more of it. Believe me, it really is prettier than my camera picked up.

Ok, this might not sound like I am a team player but keep in mind that Naomi said something to the effect that she just had to put her own twist on things (paraphrase mine). I am planning to make all of the blocks along with y'all however, in the end I will put my own spin on it. Hubby and I will pick out a few blocks that we like the most and design our own lay out of repeat blocks and a center for it. I can use the left over blocks for pillows, gifts and such. I will gain the fun of putting a quilt together that both my Sweetheart and I love and also learning each and ever technique and mastering new skills (I hope, lol).

Lesley, you said that you use two threads of DMC (which I have TONS of) for the embroidery part. Do you only use one strand for the applique? My practice piece was done using two threads and it looks odd.

For some reason, my hand sewing isn't as good as it was last night. Maybe I'm tired.

Nevermind about my single thread question. I just answered it myself. One thread looks so much better!

Once I get my stitches down pat, I need to work on placement technique.

i have some stabilizer that is 8 1/2 x 11 sheets with a "sticky" side and a non...i am using that to print my template on and then stick it on my block. That way I not only know where to put my fabric (applique pieces) but I have the lines for doing the stitching....no tracing involved. This stabilizer is dissolvable when washed...first time i have used it.We will see how it goes.

Gosh, with all the practice going on I'm really going to be behind. I'm trying feverishly to finish an 85 x 85 Hawaiian Star and still have to assemble and quilt a Funky Chicken quilt for DBIL in time for a festival in May. I guess I will come to the AOTH party pretty green...but filing away all your tips for my use in getting going. Thanks everyone for doing the legwork up front.

And here's a dumb one---I'm not familiar with stabilizer. Is this the same thing as the iron on fleece and stuff used for appliques?

good idea. I did all my transfers with dressmakers carbon. This seems much easier. Does it add much bulk to stitch through, or gum up a needle?

Hi, Roxanne,

Stabilizer is a thin, non-woven material that most usually is made by Sulky. It can have a sticky side or not. There are several kinds such as tear-away or wash-away and several different weights. I don't normally use stabilizer for applique, but if you feel more comfortable using it, by all means use it.

Don't worry about being "green" or behind. This project isn't supposed to start until June 5, but we have quite a few ladies who have formed the "Jump the Gun" Club. :-) That's OK. I will be working right along with all of you once the sew-along begins.

Many participants will be contributing their vast knowledge of applique techniques as we work through this quilt. I would like to be working on AOTH, too, but I have a very full plate right now & need to get the commitments out of the way. Then I can settle down and concentrate on the Affair. For now, however, I have to be content with stroking my batiks.