Great job for a first timer!!! I only do HA or HQ so can't help you there. Usually really detailed work like the Santa and sleigh are tackled after more experience is gained and less detailed items are chosen for their quick efforts and inexperience hands, but you were brave in tackling difficult pieces for the first time. Everything should be easy from here on out for you! LOL! It just takes lots of practice. Charming piece!! :D :D

This is my favorite way to applique (click on link).

http://www.thequiltshow.com/bernina/303.html

Thanks for this link....

You may want to use a fusible under your applique pieces at least until you get the hang out of it. You fuse the pieces to the background fabric and it doesn't move while you sew. Also, I like to use the blanket stitch rather than the zig zag. It fills the edge less and makes it less tight. The stabilizer will help you not have puckers.

Someone posted these two links yesterday. They are very good and helpful.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7X7eMGCnv8g

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qlPEC...eature=related

Youtube has great tutorials!!

I think you did a great job for a first attempt! I used a blanket stitch for my first attempt at machine applique because my teacher told me that it was a bit easier to use as you could count when the needle was going to go into the fabric shape and make it a little neater than using the zig zag stitch. I was also told to check where the needle was in the fabric for turning corners so that I got a nice clean result each time. I still think you did an amazing job but I Hope this helps for your next project

On the top I use fusible Steam a Seam or Wonderunder to hold my fabric in place, although I first learned using a regular craft glue stick. I generally use a satin stitch zigzag. Under the fabric I use "cheap" stabilizer. I was taught to use tissue paper like you use for wrapping gifts. I get plain white tissue paper and one side is usually slightly polished, so that side goes down on the bed of the machine to reduce friction. I use just a few dabs of glue stick to hold it in place if necessary. It rips off easily when I'm done. I have Thimbleberries quilting book by Lynette Jensen and it said she uses paper towels! Haven't tried that, the tissue paper works for me.

:lol: :lol: :lol: You can just say it's the Grinch!! It kinda looks like him! :lol: :lol: :lol: Seriously though, I think it's really cute! Try using a stablizer underneath the next time. :thumbup:

try glue. plain old Elmers school glue. it holds those pesky little pieces in place. there are all kinds of stabilizers out there. different strokes for different folks (situations). narrower stitch width for smaller, thinner pieces. you can use a blind stitch, blanket stitch, or small zig-zag. you can also use fusible on each piece, then stitch around. use the lightest weight you can buy. easiest for beginners.