Took a quick look through the Keepsake catalog and there on page 38 is my idea of a perfect horse. I have to make him! Also on page 40 are the moose, bear and owl that I already have the patterns for. I will enlarge all of them to make it easier to satin stitch but it is not necessary if doing raw edge. Have to get my backgrounds ready and hope to start the beginning of May.Anyone else interested in a step by step?? Get the pattern and start looking at fabric for the animal and background!

Have never tried this, but now might be the time since there will be help available. I'm in.

I would also love to be involved..... I have several animal patterns, but have not been brave enough to try. I have purchased I believe Big Fork love them but tired of only looking at the package

I have my fabric ... just waiting :)

Which pattern did you pick??
I am almost done a string background using bali pops. I think the horse will look great on it or on a log cabin.

Materials
A fusible (I use wonder under because it is cheaper and I use a ton of it)
Thread whatever your machine handles best (I love the 30 wt. Mettler but often use the the regular sewing weight 50 and if you use a thinner thread in the bobbin for machine quilting (Signature, bottom line etc.) use that in the bobbin.
Sharp smaller sized scissors
Sharpie extra fine point marker or sharp pencil
Parchment paper from the grocery store
Tear away stabilizer (i use wall paper liner which you can buy at Lowes for $15 per double roll)

Your machine with an applique foot. This is the foot that has a little groove in the bottom to let the stitching pass through easier and a wide space for the needle to swing from side to side in the front (zigzag). Stitch length set as close to zero as you can and still have it feed through. Stitch width not too wide or too narrow this will have to cover the edge of the fabric without being too wide and use up thread fast or too narrow and be hard to stay on and cover the edge. Now thread top and bottom and test on a piece of fabric with stabilizer underneath. Make sure it feeds through without stopping and leaving a "mountain" of thread. Use the stabilizer to guide it but don't push. You want the top thread to be pulled to the back and no bobbin thread to show on the top!! If your machine is due for a service call use this opportunity to take in the practice piece and have them show you how to adjust it so you get the desired satin stitch. Write down all the settings and if they have to adjust (tighten) the bobbin either write down the turns or have a spare set just for applique use.

Questions??

Next: practice shapes. The stitching begins!

I have the "Wild Girl" - planning on doing raw edge. Just had a new grandbaby last Tuesday and have to finish a few items for her nursery. Will try to fit this in -- should we go ahead a cut out the pieces?

I saw them too and thought they were beautiful!
Unfortunately I've got too many other projects going that are screaming for closure!

You can use any fusible that you want to, the lighter the better. Most of them have a paper release and you draw the REVERSE shape (unless the pattern says that the pieces are already reversed). My Toni Whitney pattern says the pieces are already reversed so they are good to trace as they are!! If you are using Misty Fuse you can sandwich it between two pieces of parchment paper and iron. Now your Misty Fuse has a paper release to trace on. After you trace the pieces rough cut around them, not on the lines yet (be sure to number them as per the pattern). Pick your fabrics and match up with the pieces and you are ready to fuse according to the manufacturer of your fusible. Now cut out the pieces on the lines and you are ready to build your applique.

Maybe some day. There is a LOT of prep work which I like to do while listening to the ball games or at night in front of the TV. I save the stitching for the "right" days and can get a lot more done that way.

Sounds like you have them traced on the fusible, or already fused. Either way you should be ready to cut! Double check the info I posted just above and away you go!!