Hey, I just had a thought - wouldn't a Raggedy Anne quilt for a granddaughter, with real yarn hair, shoe button eyes & alter nated with pink candy hearts that say "I Love You" be a fun project? ;-)

Haven't read all of the pages but a lot of them and I have to add my 2 cents. I love applique. Maybe it is the frustrated artist in me. Due to a pinched nerve in my neck I am unable to do handwork so all my applique is by machine. I absolutely love raw edge. I usually use the buttonhole stitch on my Baby Lock Ellegante, but sometimes I just FMQ a straight line around all the pieces. Also, sometimes just for a change I sew the pieces on to dryer sheets right sides together and then turn them right side out and then buttonhole stitch. I do some thread painting. Not the real heavy stitching, just follow the outlines on designs.. I don't use the satin stitch because I get to impatient and don't slow down and stop and turn the way I should so it comes out looking messy. Those that can satin stitch a smooth line on curves and siz-zags really have my admiration. It looks wonderful when done correctly. I forgot the most important part of my machine applique. I "always" use fusible!!! I have used the expensive fusible and the inexpensive Wonder Under. I can't seem to tell the difference except at the cash register. Enough of my rambling. Everyone have fun. When will we see photos?

Polly, would love to see some pics of your applique. I just started learning to machine applique last year & really like raw edge with wonder-under. Am learning Elenore Burn's method with fusible interfacing that sounds like what you're doing.

I love this! Thanks so much craftybear! I am still a mess trying to find my way around on the site, I went to the home pg and scrolled
down to find the user define section to join but I can't find it...ugh...what am I doing wrong?
kat

I took a class with Mimi Dietrich this past summer. It was soooo much fun. Mimi is the best! I learned not only Applique but all sorts of hints, tips and trick to get me applique to look it's best. I'm still working on my project from class, only because I've had some obstacles in my life lately and haven't had time to work on it much. But, I'm almost over my obstacles and plan on getting back in the 'groove' of Applique. Get Mimi's books, they teach the basics of Applique, you can't go wrong when trying to learn. The instructions are clear and precise. Mimi's book takes you from the very first steps in preparing your applique pieces......all the way to finishing your project with batting and binding. I think you'll love it! ! !

Nice job on this quilt. I love the colors. Yes sails are a little hard to see but still love the pattern and quilting motifs.!
I too agree with the possiblities that are left out there to applique. So much fun.

sewing
 

Enjoying sew yes, I do love to forget the world at times and quilt, and sew.

I have a kitchen hand towel i machine appliqued an apple with leaf.

Patti, do Mimi's book teach machine applique?

Do a search for applique and then watch some you tube videos. I learned from a class at a quilt store in maui. Wonderful teacher. Loved it, but as in everything, it takes practice. You could also go to a local quilt store, buy a small project to start with and ask for help on doing applique. This is also what I did when I was having issues with a certain turn, could not get it right. Sharon Pedersen, Sharon Schramber, Eleanor Burns, and many more. Also, Sandpat knows a technique that is really fun and you do not have to fret over stitches so much. It is in the cat swap or dog swap memos unless she is watching this swap. Will see what I can do to find some more info of the name of the technique. That is where I would start though.