Last night I took an applique technique class at my local quilt shop ... and I believe I may become addicted!!!

I'm by no means "great" at it (truly beginner on all things quilt), but I see so many ideas I can do ... and I'm truly loving the idea ... now to just get better at it ...

I didn't get HALF of my 'test' pieces done last night ... however I got a lot to practice on ... Squares/Rectangles are easy ... circles ... OH MY ... I'll take a picture and post it for you all to see later :D

cool, did you buy an applique book for the class

It sounds like you had a great time :D:D:D I can't wait to see your work!!!

Craftybear,

No, we went by instructions that she had typed up ...

I should get a good book. Hubby asked me if I liked it ... I told him yes as it helped me learn a bit more about the machine I have.

Hubby purchased a machine over 5 years ago for me as a birthday present and I spent about two weeks trying to learn to use it. I got so frustrated, was trying to learn to quilt at the same time, that I put all the stuff away ...

So when I moved here to OH, I found by accident a local quilt shop that teaches classes ... so if we're going to be technical ... I've only been machine sewing for approximately 3 months total ...

Yeah ... I'm addicted now that I've taken classes at the local quilt shop.


Amma - keep in mind this was a teaching class when you see the results LOL

Can't wait to see your "practice" pieces!! Is there more than one class to this?? Applique IS fun! :D

Wait!!! It only gets better!!! I love to applique. You can take it anywhere and do it anytime. How wonderful is that!! Applique is a great thing to do in the summer when you have the quilting itch.

Oh no ... don't tell me I'll get THAT addicted :) I'm be a hermit in the house for sure ;)

Is it machine applique that you are learning? I think the best book on machine applique is Harriet Hargrave's. I learned a lot from her first edition, but she has a second edition out now (available at Amazon too). She covers invisible machine applique, fusible, satin stitch, etc.

Yes ... learning it on the machine ... I wouldn't mind learning hand applique as well ...

Here's a link to the machine applique book by Harriet Hargrave:
http://www.amazon.com/Mastering-Mach.../dp/157120136X

Sorry, I thought you were hand appliquing. It is most addictive!

How easy would it be to pick up (hand appliquing)?

I only hand applique...VERY easy to pick up. When I'm in my recliner I pick it up and applique my heart out!!! LOL

Seriously -- I don't find it hard. I use the freezer paper method, with the paper on the outside (right side) and a round toothpick. I suck on the toothpick and use it to turn the 1/4" under. I can work really fast now using that method. Also - the little teeny tiny pins are the best to use...NOT the quilting pins. I also use silk thread -- I buy 1 spool a month and keep adding to my stash....

It's very easy and relaxing. I do the needle turn method. Find its the easiest for me. It just may be that I'm lazy also. It has the least amount of steps!! :lol: :lol: Good old-fashioned sewing!! :thumbup:

I also buy the little applique pins. I really like the ones with the white glass tips. They are more expensive, but your thread comes right off of them, they don't get stuck on the tips.

I'm not understanding exactly what you are meaning ...so I'm going to see some examples on line to try to understand what you mean ...

Okay ... I watched some videos on you tube and now I understand ... I guess I should try that :)

It really is fun and enjoyable!!! Wait till to you see the Baltimore Album quilts. They are absolutely beauuuuutiful!!! That's what got me hooked!