All very good advice and instructions. Just to be clear...:o(, I waited until I had all my blocks (I actually waited 3 years) before I did the "At Home in the Woods" quilt. Another suggestion if there are pieces that go over a seam from one block to another, I used batting under each side when I pressed the blocks so that the seam did not show through the merged piece. (Hope that makes sense.) I love my quilt. It gives me joy and pleasure every time I look at it. I even used a real "fly" on the end of the fisherman's line. My niece makes her own "flies" for fly fishing and she gave me one of hers. I love it and I know that you will love and treasure your quilt as long as you live! Can't wait to see the finished blocks. Please share with us. Yolanda Wood River

is it possible to use the needleturnappliqué technique with those quilts or is it better to fuse (never did this) and I really like those patterns. I'll have to try them one day

littlebitofheaven-I love your McKenna Ryan quilt that you made :) You did an awesome job!

I have made a lot of her quilts, some as bed quilts. My solution was to enlarge the patterns and then satin stich them down. They then go through the washer and dryer. Use a piece of parchment paper instead of the expensive sheet, it5 works just as well. I have taught some classes where the students use the patterns as provided with extra webbing, fuse to the background then stretch over artists' canvas and staple down ready to hang. They were a big success.

If you enlarge them and use some of the simpler ones it is doable.

I also did her "Espresso" series. The same one that "Woody" posted. I am not good at applique but I did it. In fact, I turned it into a valance for my kitchen window. It is now on the wall of my sewing room. I purchased my own fabrics. I love her stuff but when she comes out with a new pattern I have way too much on my plate.

I have made several of her patterns...lots of fun but lots of small pieces. A tiny iron is a huge help, I use the clover one with the little triangle foot. I have also mixed and matched pieces from different patterns to make something I specifically wanted. After fusing the pieces, I do some thread sketching to enhance to detail, before I make the quilt sandwich. After the sandwich is together I outline the bigger pieces with MonoPoly to add texture. Her fabrics are beautiful, but I have used other batiks with success.

this is a beautiful one Chiara

I love McKenna Ryan patterns. Yes, they do take some time, but I'm usually so anxious to see the finished product that I work longer hours on them. I have yet to do one that I don't like. Plus the comments from friends are amazing!

I have the one with the otters. I have not finished it, but I too like the idea of the colors being correct.