this would be a cool small project for us to make

http://www.dotcomwomen.com/crafts/va...-holders.shtml

Have you ever tried a little bit of basting spray in the centers? Just enough to get it to stick while you stitch and it washes out. That might keep it from poofing in the center.

Whoops, I hit send too oon. I was going to say that I don't know if it would work, I only machine applique but I use a variety of different stitches depending on the loook I want. Sometimes zig zag sometimes blanket stitch, sometime invisible thread, or black or a contrasting color. I'm currently working on an applique quilt for DD. Beach theme with flip flops, beach balls, etc.

I am wanting to learn so count me in, looking forward to all the inspiration here!
Rae

Cool I have added some more links for us so be sure to subscribe to the Applique virtual thread

I need all the help I can get when it comes to potholders! lol I would be up for doing this project.

I have a YouTube video demonstrating this technique:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZhySWUDx2xs

sorry it's shaky, I need to do it again with a tripod

I'm working on a quilt for my mother's birthday and did some machine applique on it. I think that if you squint you can just barely see it in this picture.

Next time I'm in the same room with it I'll take a closer picture. It's really, really nice to have a job again, but it sure cuts down on the quilting time! ;-)

I do like to applique too.....all my applique projects were appliqued by hand cause my sewing m/c in Thailand doesn't has a applique stitch optional on...Here,I used to practice applique by m/c but they were not neat yet. I have to spend more time to learn. However, I do really like to applique by hand more....

Here, they are some of my project which were appliqued by hand..

Here's a good utube of a heart showing how to get that point correct. I hope it helps! (Sorry, I don't know how to post links in a virtual group...I have to go and read up on the topic.)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spjJD...eature=related

Also, it appears, to me, as if we have two different levels of appliquér's interested in some lessons :) Yippee skippy :)

One level has never done a single stitch. (For this level, the heart potholder would be an awesome beginning.)

The next level, has done some, but not much, and would like to work on perfecting points, curves, stems, etc. (Perhaps a project with a couple of flowers, stems, and a simple pot?)

Just something that crossed my mind, as I was reading and looking at the pictures of some lovely past work. I was wondering what everyone else thought? (I've never done a group project, or followed one here, so I may be way out of line. If so, please forgive.)

Debbie in Austin