Bonnie, the stitch you used on the sides of the star is called a 'blanket stitch'. It is usually done with contrasting thread and is to be seen, however, you do not need to turn under the edges of the star with blanket stitch. This gives a prettier, flater edge when left raw. Even if it freys a bit when laundering, it is okay and adds to the quaintness. You can do the three stitches in the inner point of the star (or cleft of the heart) like I mentioned before to secure it. Suz

PS: Bonnie, please to not think me too critical, I just want to help you learn from my experiences and it appears you want to improve your applique experience. O O O (hugs)

No you are not being too critical. That is the purpose of me posting. These are just cut out, not turned under or anything so they do have frayed edges. I need to work on the three stitches (and many more stitches...grins) in the corner. They NEVER come out right. You can always send your responses Suz. I appreciate them.

As for doing a project together, I thought people were going to try and do hearts. I finished my heart and posted it but hadn't seen any others so went ahead with a different one.

I think it would be fun to make an applique wallhanging together. So, for something to think about, let us consider a heart top. I cannot post a drawing, perhaps someone can. But this is what I propose:

20 - 5" square blocks (cut 6", appliqued, pressed, squared
to 5" - 4-1/2" finished)
for interest, choose about 6 white or tans and mix
them up on the top OR all the same

20 hearts - choose 5 different prints (can all be pink, or
all pastels, mixed and different, etc.)

Print #1 - cut 1 heart
Print #2 - cut 3 hearts
Print #3 - cut 5 hearts
Print #4 - cut 7 hearts
Print #5 - cut 4 hearts OR 20 hearts total

Template - draw a heart less than the 5" square as a
template (does not need to be symmetrical - lopsided
is fun)

Placement: Picture a grid of 5 rows up and down AND 4 rows across.

Top row - 5 4 3 2
2nd row - 4 5 4 3
3rd row - 3 4 5 4
4th row - 2 3 4 5
5th row - 1 2 3 4

print #1 will go at the #1 position
print #2 will go at all the #2s positions
print #3 will go at all the #3s positions, etc.

Choose one or several methods of applique to make the blocks by hand or machine.

We will add one border only - 2" finished (cut 2-1/2 strips).
Inside this border will be a 1/4" piping.
Binding to match the 2" border OR cut strips from all of the heart prints, stitching pieces together at an angle. Cutting at an angle distributed bulk and looks better, therefore, no straight cuts.

Your favorite print should probably be #4 since we will use more of it.

We will go over the piping later.

The finished size will be approximately 22" x 26-1/2" (if my math is good).

WHO'S GAME? Over the next three weeks (ending, Nov. 12), let us attempt to have the hearts done, sized and sewn togther; then the piping and borders. I will instruct on the piping beforehand so those speedsters can add it and the lastly border before "SHOW AND TELL".

Good idea or bad??? Suz

Folks, have I offended someone or some'all'? Ever since I posted a suggested project to do together, no one has posted. If I have offended, please forgive. Somehow I thought we were of one mind. Please correct me where necessary. Offense was not my objective.
Suz

Not offended Suz. Just busy these past days and I have to re read what you wrote. Seems like a lot of hearts to me (grins). How big is this suppose to be when finished?

Finished size is 22 x 26. Do you want me to reduce it to 9 blocks? Suz

I think it wouldn't appear to be so daunting for first timers if it was smaller. That looked like an awful lot of hearts to do if you are just starting out and/or aren't sure you even like applique. I'll keep those other dimensions though because after the holidays (perhaps for valentines day) I'll do a wall hanging.

It's finished!

Sorry, have not been ignoring you, just got back from my quilt retreat. Will try to do heart place mat, I have until the 12 of November, correct?
Hugs, Lucinda

Bonni I love your pumpkin, Great job would like to see a close up.

Here are some close up shots. They are also showing the back since that is where you can see the stitching more. :) if you notice, the inner border is actually APPLIQUED on since I thought about it after I put the wall hanging together. :) I'm not the best at this but the overall image, etc. isn't too bad. I have a friend who wants it for xmas.