3 Questions about my quilt and reverse applique
 

I am making my grandson a quilt for Christmas. He has requested a quilt which has his favorite university team's letters on it as well as its mascot. The University is Texas Christian University and its mascot is a horned toad. (I'm including a pic of the quilt and another of the horned toad I wish to applique.)


I have three questions. 1) any suggestions concerning placement of the toad on the quilt? Front/back? large/small? etc...

2) I'm thinking of reverse applique for the toad. The University colors are Purple and white. Looking at the toad pic, I'm thinking of doing the white portions in a second color....and in reverse applique. Of course, I could do it as a layered applique, instead?? Which would you do for the best look?

and 3) If I reverse applique...what do I do about the raw edges? I don't like the look of just leaving the edges raw...but if the design is too small, wouldn't it be difficult to turn under the edges for stitching...or too small for machine satin-stitching them?

My head is spinning and hope some of you have applique suggestions for me. I have attached the pics. (sorry they are so big...I don't know how to make them smaller).

Thanks in advance,
Dray - SE Oklahoma

Looking good! I think that the reverse applique will work great with the toad. I would do a satin stitch that is skinnier on the smaller corners and wider on the longer big areas. I would also satin stitch with the purple thread. I think the toad would look good in the lower left area with his head facing just below the "C". Maybe add something small to the upper right area too to keep it a little balanced.

VERY nice design.
Can't imagine all the work it's going to take to applique the horned toad. OR, turning under all those edges. Satin stitching will take a while too.

Sweet's idea of adding something small to the upper right area... how about using only a portion of the toad, like he's looking over the edge of the quilt?

Looking forward to seeing this quilt finished. Please post a picture when you're done.

just had a thought... instead of all those inner triangles... how about prairie points for those?
love your layout

It will be very nice. I would not have enough patience for the horned toad. I think I would applique it as a solid.I am always looking for an easier way. I like the colors.

large on the front lower left. looks great.

You might do the toad in a fabric that doesn't fray, such as felted wool, fleece, or microsuede. Or if you make it large enough you could do needle turn applique.