22 January 2013

Trying something new

In February some of us in my applique group will start work on the fabulous Vintage Valentine quilt. I decided to get all my pieces prepped this afternoon so that I can start sewing on the 1st.
Over the years I have tried lots of different applique methods and always come back to needleturn, it works well for me. I cut the pieces out of freezer paper and iron them to the right side of my chosen fabrics.
I draw round the FP pattern with a silver or white Gelly Roll pen and cut them out. I normally leave the freezer paper on until I am about to stitch, then using a vinyl overlay I place each piece in position one at a time, remove the freezer paper and stitch in place. This method works well but it can be a slow process placing one piece at a time. I have noticed a number of people have started gluing all the pieces in place before taking a stitch so I thought I would give it a try.

I used a Sewline glue stick to attach all the applique. I like that I can see how the finished block will look before I start stitching. The block is now completely portable. The pieces lift off with a little pressure very easily and the glue dissolves in water. I don't know how easy it will be to stitch and I don't know if the pieces will start to fray. I can always go back to my old way if this doesn't work. Sometimes it's good to try something new!

7 comments:

  1. That quilt is going to be beautiful Elaine!! I'm always interested in what methods of applique people prefer since I'm just a beginner. I use the starch method and have been afraid to try needle turn.

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  2. It is good to experiment. This is my all time favourite quilt

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  3. Interesting about the Sewline stick. I usually use Steam-a Seam, which I find better than Bondaweb because you can move it and move it and it only sticks when you iron it. I like this idea though and will give a try next time I do some applique. Mind you with all these SAL's not sure when that will be. This is a lovely quilt. xx

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  4. Looking beautiful. I'll be interested to hear how you go with the actual stitching with this method.

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  5. Gosh, I love that block! It is going to be so nice! Trying something new is always good.

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  6. Very pretty block. Looks like fun.

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  7. Love your valentine block--so pretty. Julierose

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