New to applique .. yikes!
 

My lqs is doing a BOM applique quilt. There are fusible backed shapes all laser cut for the quilt blocks. I've been purchasing the blocks each month and so far we have six blocks. There are 9 blocks total plus wide side and end borders. I purchased the borders today. So, I have 3 more blocks to go and then I'll have the whole project minus the backing and batting. I am not able to take any classes on this quilt at the lqs because I am home bound with taking care of my mother in law. Do any of you know about on line classes I could take to learn this art? I love applique and thought this would force me to learn it. I think I'm somewhat intimidated. So far, the blocks are being stacked on my shelf waiting for 'someday,' because that's what I'm apparently waiting for. However, I am in the middle of a quilt for my granddaughter that's getting married in June. I just finished a baby quilt for my darling new grandson that is 6 weeks old. (number 19). I also am making a table runner and place mats and just finished a 2 year quilt. (yay!) So it's not that I haven't been doing anything.

I just got the mail and The Keepsake Quilter catalog came. The Applique quilt I'm going to be doing 'someday' is the Spring Bouquet Block of the Month in this catalog. I like the price I'm paying my lqs better the the price listed in the catalog! Anyway, any advice on applique would be nice to have. Thank you my kind quilting friends.

i am working on the 'spring bouquet' quilt now- fusable applique is alot different than hand applique---and these are really easy because the pieces are already all cut out for you so a few steps are eleminated. i light box comes in handy---if you have a lightbox, or can make one then you can place the applique pattern down- tape it in place, place the background square over the pattern; tape it in place---then start placing the pieces...the laser cut pieces have a fusable that is kind of sticky-but can be repositioned- so you peel the paper backing and place the pieces...when you have them all placed the way you want them you take the block to your ironing board & press everything (once pressed they are no longer re-positionable) then you stitch everything down -- i am using invisible thread on top, cotton in bobbin and a small zigzag)
if you do not have a lightbox (which i don't so this is how i'm doing it--) i tape my pattern to a window on a bright day- then tape my background square over the pattern and i trace the pattern onto the fabric with a pencil (lightly-i'm using one of the fine-line ceramic lead pencils)
then when i have it all traced i put it on my table-with the pattern beside it so i can look at it as i go- then place the pieces same as using the lightbox-then press-then stitch.
if you visit Edyta's website she has hints, tips, free patterns, tutorials to help you along the way (she's the designer---her web address is on the pattern pages/ laser cut pieces package)

My avatar is Reaching Out by Edyta Sitar - it's the second appliqué project I ever did. I think it's fear that's holding you back - just go for it!
If you feel you need to practice machine appliqué, then cut out a few hearts and do those. A heart is a good shape to practice on as it has curves, straight bits and inner and outer angles. You can also then decide what finish you like - satin, blanket or zig-zag and if you want your stitches to show or be invisible. I like to use a rayon in a blending colour so the edges have slight definition.
To centre your block for positioning the pieces fold in half and lightly press - you can half again for quarters.
I would also advise assembling your unit on a silicon sheet before fusing onto the fabric - check out some of the YouTube tutorials.
Good Luck!

Does each pattern give a layout? I assume so.

In that case, you cut the background fabric. ( I like to cut it bigger first and then trim to size when everything is in place.)

You will need to follow the pattern layout and you can either eyeball the alignment or you can use a light table.

Some people transfer the pattern to the background fabric using the light table. Other people use a transparent overlay to trace the pattern on.

Remove the backing paper from the interfacing (assuming it has not been removed). If the paper doesn't want to come off, I score the paper with a pin and that generally releases enough so I can grab it.

Place the shapes into their appropriate spots on the background fabric - per the pattern. You always lay those pieces that are farthest back first and lay the other pieces on top. Pay attention to where they overlap - it will be your guideline.

When you are happy with placement, iron the pieces down following the instructions for that particular type of fusible. Be careful that you place the fusible side DOWN or you will have a mess on your iron.

At that point I do the outline stitching. My favorite is the blanket stitch but I have done zigzag or even raw edge.

If you get glue on your iron, you can run the hot iron over some USED dryer sheets. Works for me like a charm.

If you want to put some pieces together before adding them to the background, you can do that on a teflon sheet - it will release the applique. If you were to just do this on your ironing board, you would have a lovely pattern on your ironing board, and NO, it won't come off.

So now I don't know if I helped or confused you more. It really isn't that bad once you sort out the placement order and get the paper off.

Thanks for your quick replies! The info you gave me really helps. I am happy to hear I don't have to use freezer paper when doing this and that I can use my machine. Ckcowl, I do have a light box so I'll take your advise and I am happy to know you are working on the same project. Knitette, you are right with the fear thing. I'll have to tame that one a bit and btw, your avatar is a work of art. Wow! I think it is beautiful.

MadQuilter, yes each block has it's own layout. Thanks so much for your tips and no you did not confuse me. I appreciate your help very much. It sounds like experience talking regarding the ironing board. lol

If you ever want to do hand applique, here is a link that was discussed earlier today in another thread.

http://erinrussek.typepad.com/one-pi...lique-lessons/

When you decide to start your project start at the beginning, read the instructions completely, then follow them line by line. Don't concentrate on how many you have left to do but concentrate on the one you are working on.

I hope you will soon start Spring Bouquet. I have finished block 6. I had never done this type appliqué before but I find that I really enjoy it. My light box is too small for the pattern so I trace the pattern on very thin paper which I pin to the top of my fabric. I lift this paper pattern up and place the applique pieces on the fabric. Because the paper is very thin, I can see that my pieces are in the correct place. I often use a mini iron to tack the individual pieces in place. I am doing this BOM through my LQS. They give no instruction; but the owner has some completed blocks displayed. She used a small zig zag stitch and matching thread. You can purchase a box of Aurifil thread that matches the colors used in Spring Bouquet. I got mine from my LQS; but I have seen the thread on-line. To sew my pieces down, I use a buttonhole stitch and the matching thread. I love the way that looks! I hope you will enjoy making Spring Bouquet as much as I.

I think craftsy has an applique class if not quilt university should

If you work well from books, I highly recommend Harriet Hargrave's Mastering Machine Applique. I'm taking her class this summer at symposium and have read the book twice in anticipation. It gives very clear instructions on multiple ways to prepare the applique as well as machine settings and techniques if you plan to sew buy machine. The preparation sections are still relevant if you are planning to hand sew/needle turn.

Cheers, K

Thank you for the link. I would like to learn hand applique and will check out the link you gave me. I'll probably use my sewing machine on this project though. It is such a big one to take on for a first try. It's how I learn though. Jump right in! Also I'll check on the other thread you mentioned.

Thank you for reminding me of that. I think my problem of starting on this is that I have the whole kit (minus 3 blocks)now and it is a lot to absorb.

I've taken craftsy classes before and have enjoyed them. I like being able to go back at a later date and see something that I have questions about and get the answer. Thanks!

Oh my, so glad to know I'm not the only one doing this BOM. You and ckcowl and me. Of course I have done nothing yet. Thanks for the encouragement and information you have given me. I am feeling a bit of excitement towards this now instead of the fear. That's a good thing.

Try craftsy if they haven't why not get in touch and ask them and see what the response is. They may not realise ther is a need. I have been in this situation and days are long. Look through utube videos . Some interesting ones on there, especially in other languages. Have fun and keep going.

I also highly recommend Harriet's book...she is a master but the book explains it for even beginners and has great illustrations. Hearts and stars are both good shapes to practice on. Depending on your machine, and what thread you use, you can get a lot of different looks with your applique. You can use matching or blending thread colors, or one color on all of your applique, or even invisible thread if you don't want your stitches to show.

Have fun!

Hello, I have done many many raw edge applique quilts. They make an "Applique Sheet" that you can lightly fuse
your pieces together before you fuse it all together. You put your pattern underneath the sheet an lay your fabric pieces on top. I have also used a sheet of light plastic (I bought mine in the craft section at Walmart) and traced
the entire pattern and layed that over the fabric to help me place the fused pieces. I love doing these. If you find
that you like this process, go to Pineneedles.com. She has many many wonderful patterns. Hope you have fun and good luck!!!!!

Quilt University should have an online applique class.

I absolutely love this applique site and may now give it a serious go! Thanks

You can also use parchment paper.

Quilt University is closing at the end of this year :( but you might be able to find good online classes at www.academyofquilting.com.