On the Wall

This last week I just couldn't find any time to make any more Dresdens for my Wild Flower quilt. Nothing new to show you there...

On Wednesday I meet with several ladies for applique...  At the end of last year they decided they wanted me to teach them my beginning applique hearts class.  For some it's a refresher and for our newest member it's all new. Over 9 weeks we are making applique heart blocks each with a different technique. 

We started with needle turn. I like needle turn because there is no prep work...  You mark your shape. Cut it out and applique. 

Then we did cut away needle turn...  It's basically the same, but you don't cut your whole shape at the beginning. You cut a little as you go.  This is great for Hawaiian type applique.  Sorry not pic... of this block.

The third block is freezer paper on top.  This is fabulous for when you have a busy print and you can't find a pen that will show in the light area or the dark area at the same time.  Every one always gets nervous with this one.  I tell them...  just keep going.  It will turn out!

Looks good ones the paper is off...

The Fourth week was needle turn over freezer paper.  This is also good for fabrics you don't want to mark, but not good for shapes with tight areas.  I like have the edge of the freezer paper to help keep the edge of the shape sharp while turning, but I don't like removing the paper... opps...  no pic of that one either.

Then last week we did starch over Templar and glue baste the shape down.  I like this technique because when you sit down to stitch everything is ready and all you have to do is stitch.  I don't like all the prep work tho!!!

Here's four blocks completed...  not sure where the fifth heart is.

If you have time...  pop on over to Judy's to see what everyone is working on!

Design Wall Monday

With all the excitement of going to the Antique Roadshow last week I didn't get much sewing done...  I did manage to piece my Rose of Sharon blocks together.  This is going to be an asymmetrical wall hanging...

I had planned on using the medium pink where the solid turquoise fabric is but I didn't have enough, and somebody bought the rest of the bolt at Quilt Harbor!  I tried several other pinks, but they all seemed to bright so I settled on the turquoise.  Not sure if I'm really liking it or not.  Will have to see once the border is ready to go on how I feel about it then.

This project has been a intermediate to advance class that I've been teaching at Quilt Harbor.  We are now working on our borders....

This has been a learning experience for me as well as my students with designing the applique border...

One of my students is already done with hers!!!  I'm so far behind and I'm the teacher :-0

Design Wall Monday

Or should I say design bed?  I don't really have a big wall at home to use for a design wall... Big picture windows on all the outside walls and closets and such, so I laid these blocks out on my bed.

I started these blocks in the mid 90's.  I'd only work on them a little here and a little there.  I didn't think my applique was 'good enough' so they would get put away.  After going to the different quilt shows I realized I was being to critical on my workmanship.  My applique is just fine and since that realization I've been teaching applique techniques to beginners.

So anyway, I found these blocks that had been put away and finished the 4th block the other day...

 

When I went to block it the green started to run so I soaked it over night in sythralpol.  I remember this happening on one of the other blocks, but like I said it's been since the mid 90's so the memory is not fresh!  All the green came out of the background fabric so I'm happy...

I thought I would make another block but I know longer have the same background fabric.  The fabric I cut for the setting squares is close, but just a touch darker.  I think it will be fine once it's quilted.  (I have big plans for the quilt...)

I have enough of the pink left for a small border then a larger ecru border (for more quilting!)

Class sample

Class sample for my intermediate applique class...  Learn how to make stems, circles and more.

More hand work... Heart Desire

I've started adding some leaves and berries...   Can't wait to start on the next section :-)