The owl is sew cute, but I have no idea how to get those circles to behave, sorry.

we had a lesson in guild that really works for applique circles...cut a circle out of heat proof template plastic and then cut fabric at least 1/2" bigger all around. use HEAVY DUTY aluminum foil and put fabric and plastic circle in the middle and then bring foil up around circle and fabric tightly....works like a dream. set your iron on the whole thing for about 30 seconds and let cool...neatest circle you can make...will not work with thin foil as it doesn't hold up. plastic may wrinkle a little but still useable and you can trim all the way around after it is cool...try it

He is SO cute...looks like he had a little too much eggnog!

Will be watching for more ideas.

Push a thumbtack through a piece of tape so that the point of the tack is through to the non sticky side and tape the tack to the bed of your machine where the center of your circle should be as you sew. Push the fabric over the tack, and start sewing. The tack will keep you on your circle line, providing it's dead center of the circle.

Really cute owls, btw!! :)

I just found the pattern and saved a picture of your owl with it, it has a much better look. Wonky eyes and all give it wonderful character and no way will they be alike if you just keep doing them as you are. Beats having them all look like they came out of a factory.

What cute owls.

RugosaB, that is a brilliant method. Being an applique girl myself, I will be sure to use this on any piecing project.

Thanks.

I use a thumb tack taped to bed of sewing machine then find center of circle and put it down on tack then sew the 1/4 in. seam you have to adjust the tack to the right spot to get 1/4 in. seam then just sew and it will turn with you guidance and sewing. I use used dryer sheets for backing then slit the dryer sheet and turn right side out. Clear as mud hey.