Mkotch

The interfacing or fusible method toverly describes is a lot like Lori Holt's method. I'm not wild about it because I can never get the interfacing to not show somewhere along the edge when I turn it right-side out. But some people love it.

I use freezer paper underneath, leaving a small seam allowance that I baste under before appliqueing. It takes some time to do the basting, but I find it works best for me. I don't do a lot of applique these days as my hands aren't as flexible as they used to be.

I've looked at that oak leaf block myself and am thinking I might avoid it if/when we get to it. :-)

QuiltingVagabond

When I was teaching myself to applique while working my Dear Jane blocks, I was having lots of trouble with the small seed shapes. I bought the Appliquik tools and it is slick. There is a very thin fusible interfacing that you trace the design on and cut along the tracing line. Press the fusible side to the back of your fabric and trim leaving a narrow allowance. Use the glue stick pen on the raw edges and the metal tools to fold the raw edge over the back side. Then hand sew to your block. I use 100 wt poly thread, Invisfil. If you can cut a smooth edge on the interfacing, you can get a smooth edge on your applique.

Mkotch

My favorite, go-to book on applique is Elly Sienkiewicz's "Applique 12 Easy Ways." She's the Baltimore Album guru. Good visuals and easy to understand directions.

toverly

Thank you Mkotch, it is Lori Holt's, Bee in my Bonnet method of applique. The only thing I did different was use the glue side to flatten the applique. If anyone wants to see the process, just google and look at her tutorial on any of her patterns. She is excellent at photos to show the process. I call it cheating because the ends are automatically turned under. But really, it's just another way.

WMUTeach

Thanks for the Lori Holt suggestion. I catch her now and again for scrappy ideas. I have been trying to diminish my scraps and her tutorials always have three sized for the same pattern. I like that. Some days I just need to go big and use more scraps. Her scraps all match. It makes me laugh. Mind don't.

When it is time for an applique block, I will give her site a look.

toverly

I thought the same thing WMUTeach about Lori's fabric bins. I love the way her colors match, but I could never keep only matching scraps. I guess that's the advantage of having your own fabric lines. I try to keep only batik and solid scraps, any print scraps go to the free table at Guild.

BethA

Here are my March blocks. I am just a month behind at this point. I just also noticed that my last block has a BIG mistake. Will have to fix that.

Fabric Galore

I have my book and I love the blocks. I started a Dear Jane in 6" blocks so I can incorporate them in HJ. Right now I am working on a graduation quilt that I have to finish this weekend, a quilt for my youngest daughter, and a crumb quilt to use up some of my scraps. I am setting aside scraps that are large enough to use in HJ. I will probably be the last one to finish the blocks but I love the finished quilt. I have enjoyed looking at all of the beautiful blocks that have been completed by other members.

joe'smom

BethA, your blocks look beautiful! I love that brilliant blue in your first block.

toverly

Looking good BethA! Your colors look great together.