Norah,

You will need a template (freezer paper, Templar or washer); can of spray sizing, paint brush, iron, and quilting thread.

I have taken several applique courses from Karen Kay Buckley, so the circle method is from her. I have nylon or teflon thin white washers in many sizes, however a stack of three layers of freezer papar will work as well or you can use Templar (which works with heat).

Draw and cut out your circles. If you use Templar use an emery board to smooth the edges. Using your template, draw the circle on the back side of your fabric. If you are using the freezerpaper method, press the template to the back. Cut the circle out with a 1/4" seam allowance. Stitch a basting stitch, round as you would for a yo-yo. While holding onto the thread tail, draw it up tightly around the template, dab it with sizing, still holding the tail, hit it with the iron. If you have any points, just repeat the process. Once your circle is dry, gently remove the template and redraw. Ready to stitch.

If you wish, you can stuff slightly for a raised circle.

For my smallest circle, I used a paperpunch to size my template. They were perfect. And I also use this method to make leaves and other shapes. The tips of leaves are perfect. I find this method much faster and more precise than needle turn.

Let me know if this is not clear. Suzanne

Boo,
Thank you for your kind words. Reflecting, I seem too wordy so please excuse.
Look at the response to Norah regarding the circles and leaves. If you are having trouble with outside curves, your seam allowance may be too wide. Trim it down a bit. Also, carefully slash toward into the seam allowance (like in dressmaking). Not too deep here. This will allow the edge to relax the fabric to make the curve.
One of the methods Karen Kay Buckley taught us was to draw the desired shape with a pigma pen. Yes, a pigma pen, onto the right side of the fabric and then turn on this line. Stroke and stroke until the edge lays flat.
Let me know ho this works.
Suzanne

Ladies,
One more thing and then I'll shut up.
I have an old pillow that is like a pincushion. I use it as my third hand. I pin my background fabric a little distance from where I am working and then I can tug against it as I stitch. You can rest your hands/arms and it will also bring your work closer to your face. -- You will be surprized how much this little item helps.
Warning!!! You will lose pins and needles in it, so do not use again to sit upon.
I promise, I am done. Blessings. Suzanne

Suz, the seam allowance being too much makes sense to me. I have never tried cutting as I do with sharp inside curves. Thank you so much for the tips. As I will be takling a queen size quilt of applique, all tips and suggestions are welcome.

Suz,
The circle instructions are clear and I will try it as soon as I get off line. And the pillow, how big is yours? Don't worry about being wordy. I understand what you are describing without any difficulty, I think. I will know when I try it. You are my new mentor. :thumbup: Thank you and God Bless.

Norah,
My pillow is a 14" rather firm pillow. God Bless you also. Suzanne

Hi Suz, thank you for the information. I don't think you are writing to much, your instructions are clear and i understand what i'm suppose to do. Now I won't be so nervous working on my projects. I am very happy that i have joined this message board, i enjoy reading it daily and learning great tips from everyone. Thank you again and God Bless. Denise.

Well I'm a little confused, I've never done any applique but my grandmother's stuff is all done with a blanket stitch in heavy floss that matches but it is to be seen not hidden. Is this just her way of doing it? She made these pansy quilts in the 60's. She's gone so I can't ask her but my mother does it that way because that's how she was taught.

Kathy, most likely that is a decorative blanket stitch. I've added a link to an example.

http://www.equilters.com/library/gallery/SSue/images/sue-brewneb-det2.jpg

Usually the piece is appliqued on then the blanket stitch is used to accent the piece.

yep, that's it, is that not very common?