My avatar is a needle turn applique quilt that I have been working on for >5yrs. I love the way it looks (even though I'm far from "good" at this technique) but it does take time! :!: I figure at the rate I'm working it'll take another 2 yrs. Of course I'm working on about 10 other things in the meanwhile!

I do needleturn applique. Currently the one I'm working on, I started mid Nov, doing hand quilting, about half way with that. This is my second needleturn. The first one was a christmas bom. It traveled from Ca to Co, back to Ca and now is living in Co. That took a year and half

I am a purist, I think. For me personally, I like to piece and quilt by hand. I come from a long line of quilters and that is how I learned. Very seldom even use my machine. That being said, I don't accomplish many quilts in a year. You'll be lucky to see my work anytime soon. But I enjoy it immensely and for me it is very peaceful. But I enjoy ALL of the work that I see here; and maybe someday I will be converted.

DebbyT - I had carpal tunnel on my left hand (I'm right handed - so it was my under the quilt hand) over 20 years ago also, ended up having to have surgery. Was an out-patient type & sure they have even more modern techniques now. But I also started using "Handeze Therapeutic Craft Gloves" (fingerless gloves) to try to help prevent a re-occurance & they seem to to work good.
Here is a link to some, but I also see they are listed on JoAnns site.
http://www.quiltersreview.com/articl.../010813_a.asp.
They might help to ease the problem.

There are probably even newer types out there now.

Have a blessed day :lol:

I do it and love it..just a bit slow but well worth it. :thumbup:

I'm a new quilter, but I do plan to do some needle turn applique at some point. I look forward to it.

I have tried MANY methods of needle turn applique through the years and felt exactly like you. Then I took a class in "Back Basting Needle Turn Applique". Using this method, I have gotten the hang of it and my work turns out looking nice! I even really enjoy it now! There are online tutorials on this method and some quilt shops teach classes for it.

I took a needle turn applique class over this past winter and was totally frustrated in the class - things in general did not go right. I didn't have the right thread or the right needle - it was tough.

However, I really didn't want to give up b/c I loved the look and really want to do a tile quilt or several - esp in honor of my father who was a tile man. So, I bought the right tools and a selection of YLI silks, a bobbin holder of Super Bobs, and their Frosting's collections of cotton bobs to try and it's going much better. I can't decided which threads I like best yet, so I'm still trying them all out. I do think I like the black clover needle best though. I bought a selection of needles to try those out as well.

I love to sit in front of the TV and be able to do it. I now have way too many books I want on applique and also want to branch out into doing some art type quilts. I have not had a chance to try out other applique techniques yet, but would like to.

this is on the board we are doing Affairs of the Heart as a block of the week . Having funwith this

I love needle turn applique. I am doing a quilt pattern now that is needle turn, but instead of making a quilt I am going to use it as a shower curtain. I will post a picture when done but it will be a while!