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Decisions...
A Quilting Life | 29 Jul 2010 - 11:20 am
A whole stack of the extremely yummy Meadowsweet 2 means you have some decisions to make...
A whole stack of new designs from the amazing Camille doesn't make the decision making process any easier...especially when you want to make every pattern! "June Bug" seemed to be the perfect match for Meadowsweet 2...so a decision was made!
Heat n Bond Lite is my favorite fusible to use for machine applique'. I like to buy it by the package and use a 50% off coupon at Jo-Ann's (it's also available by the yard, but buying it by the package also makes it easier to store).
Every shape that you need to fuse needs to be traced onto the paper side of the fusible web. Cut out each shape leaving just a little bit around the outside edge. Also, cut out the middle of your shape (I usually leave just about 1/4" on the inside). This will make sure that your applique' shapes are soft and flexible...so that your quilt is also soft and flexible! Iron shapes to the wrong side of your applique' fabric using a medium heat and only pressing for a few seconds.
Next, cut out all shapes on the outer drawn line...they are now ready to be fused to the background fabric. One nice feature of the "June Bug" pattern is that Camille includes a guide that you set underneath your background block to ensure that the petals are placed in the correct position. After the block is set in place you can slide out the guide and iron. Remove the paper backing (actually, I remove the paper backing from the fusible web before setting in place) and iron using a medium setting for just about 5 seconds. If you use too high of a setting or iron for too long the glue doesn't seem to stick as well. You don't need to use steam here, either.
The "June Bug" pattern is perfect for someone new to machine applique' since the shapes are simple and have smooth curves. If you look closely at this picture you should be able to tell that I've already machine applique'd the edges on this block. I used a buttonhole stitch on my machine and made the stitch length just a bit wider. Practice on some scraps until you get the stitch look you like. I think machine applique' gets easier the more you practice, and simple shapes are best for practicing! After finishing the machine applique' I like to press my block from the back first and then press the front.
Here are all my blocks ready to be machine applique'd...two down and nineteen more to go!
My alternating blocks are all finished...hopefully I can get the machine applique' finished today!
I also had to cut out another bag pattern while I was cutting my "June Bug" quilt...can't wait to finish this one...these are the perfect fabrics for an end-of-summer bag!
And if you haven't entered my giveaway yet...you can still enter here! I'm enjoying reading the comments (there are a lot, so I won't be replying to these...). I'm also really appreciating the ideas for future posts...you've given me some great ideas, so thank you! Hope you have a wonderful day!
Pillowcases Are Us (or me!)
Quilted Cupcake | 29 Jul 2010 - 10:41 am
Went on a bit of a pillowcase jag yesterday. Made 2 new pillow covers and a pillowcase hobo bag for my Etsy shop. The top one is using my new favorite tumbler template, discussed on podcast.
Best part? All were made from the stash. Now that I look at them, I'm noticing a blue and green theme here, too. Maybe restful, calm colors are calling me as I craft through the rest of my vacation....
See shop for more details.
How Does She...
Tattered Threads & Willing Hands | 29 Jul 2010 - 10:23 am
have you checked out this website? O. my! you must!!!
i personally fell in love with this balloon wreath, but there is oh so much more!
if you'd like to make your own fesitive wreath, {your kids will LOVE it too!} go here for the tutorial.
and seriously, go check out the site!
Modern Holiday 2 1/2" Square Sap
SwapDex | 29 Jul 2010 - 10:08 am
Modern Holiday 2 1/2" Square Sap
Sign-up date: August 14, 2010
Swap date: INTERNATIONAL: September 24, 2010, DOMESTIC: October 1, 2010
Sign up to send groups of 50 2.5" squares of the same fabric. (Perfect for making 1.5" hexagons!)
Marie Antoinette Charm Swap
SwapDex | 29 Jul 2010 - 10:06 am
Marie Antoinette Charm Swap
Sign-up date: August 4, 2010
Swap date: September 4, 2010
Create 12 charms (for a charm bracelet or necklace) and mail them to the hostess. She'll swap them out and send you a darling assortment of Marie A. charms!
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