I would love to see a picture of your monkey quilt!

http://www.flickr.com/photos/31180198@N04/5031255213/

Am trying to post pic again. Hope this link will open it. :?

Do you put this in a hoop when working on it? I just found a pattern I am going to try. Thanks for any advice.

I haven't done applique for many years and now I need to relearn how to do it again. Have many projects that I have designed and really exsited to get going with it once again. I would very much enjoy joining the club.

Gals/Guys,
In former posts, I have used the words "spray starch". This is incorrect, I use "spray sizing". The starch often leaves a residue, the sizing does not and it works just as well as the starch. Also, I have heard that bugs like the starch, so be sure to launder after completion.

And, I have a quilting pillow. I use it as a third hand when appliquing and handstitching (binding and hemming a skirt). It is much easier to have something to tug against when stitching. It becomes a large pincushion so do not sit on it.

Give it a try. Suz

I'm still trying to figure out what method for applique will work better for me. At least I have a lot of 5" squares that I can use in my experiments. Of course the color combinations and stuff might a bit different but that's ok. Here is experiment 101. A heart to applique using the glue method (done with Roxanne glue-baste-it--temporary basting glue).

Still have to work on curves a bit but I did use Suz's suggestion of doing the point at the bottom. At least it somewhat looks like a heart...I think.

I am not using a hoop but I am a newbie to this so maybe I should have used a hoop. My applique backing is a hite linen and I did not want to get any rub marks on it.

there are so many different ways to do applique (and quilting) that I think you just have to find the way that works best for you. If you don't use a hoop, it doesn't make it wrong.

Sometimes I use a hoop for embroidery and sometimes not. It all depends on the pattern, material, and to tell the truth - my mood. :)

Keep trying. THAT is the main thing.

Ok thanks for the information ladies...I am going to give it a whirl and see what I can do.

I'm teaching myself to do needle turned applique and the sites I like are Piecefully, Quiltsalott, Karen Kay Buckley. Piece O'Cake designs have interesting applique instructions but it's not on their web site. I think I'm going to purchase a DVD.