A bit behind.

Hello.
I'm impressed about all the nice blocks, and I see how much I'm behind. I get my pattern a few weeks ago, but I get my DMC thread just a couple of days ago. I'm almost finished with the stitching of the first blocks. After Easter holiday I will start applique. And then hopefully catch up slowly.......

HAPPY EASTER EVERYONE.

Baby Steps

A girlfriend once told me that she never makes New Year's resolutions. Because once you fail, you think, "There's always next year." Instead, she makes monthly or weekly resolutions.

So, instead of stressing over my pile of incomplete blocks, I'm celebrating my little victories.

Happy stitching,

Elisa

 

Whole Lotta Stitching Going On

Hello everyone!

I wish I had a better picture to share, but...

Now that I'm able to focus on my SAL, I've been working on all my blocks simultaneously - LOL. All my blocks are in different stages of undress.... er.. completion! Many are complete (I've shared those already). Some are appliquéd and half stitched. Some are appliquéd and marked for stitching. Some are cut out. Some just have their selected fabrics next to the pattern.

I can tell you that I'm going on a long weekend and this block (and, hopefully, one or more others) will be completed by the end of it.

Love seeing everyone's progress! Keep going, girls!

Hugs, Elisa

 

Still Plugging Away

Happy Sunday!

Just wanted to drop a quick note to show I'm still plugging away at these! The embroidery shouldn't take long.

For the tags on the suitcase, did you embroider the labels and then appliqué or vice versa?

Hope to have more finishes soon!

Elisa

 

I'm Still Here

Wow! It's been awhile since you heard from me! Life has been pretty crazy here in Michigan. I had to put my SKoW on hold until I finish some paid side projects (otherwise, no vacations or summer fun!).

On the bright side, I have my pieces cut out and should be able to dedicate myself full-time in about 3 weeks! Have to get my groove on so I'm not left out the next round! I've been reading all your posts and am still super motivated.

I told Ginger NO NEW PROJECTS until we get caught up!

Happy stitching and a safe, healthy Memorial weekend for all my American friends!

Elisa

 

Showing Some Progress

Hi everyone!

Must admit I'm having the hardest time focusing on this project.  In the US, it is now in the dead of winter for us.  So, typically fickle Michigan weather, it's 70+ degrees and gorgeous outside!

I have been catching up.  I'm teaching myself needleturn applique and this is my first project.  Here are some more of my blocks:

Sanders Chocolates is a fixture in Detroit.  These kind of look like they were in the sun too long!  LOL!

Vernors is another favorite (the Original Ginger Soda!)

The spray at the top is all the bubbles that go up your nose.

Add some butter pecan ice cream....

And decorate the table with a daisy:

And these are my blocks so far!  I'm working on my suitcase and book right now.  Hopefully, I'll get to the March blocks before March is over!

You will note no sashing blocks yet.  I'm waiting until the end of the project and will cut up my remaining charm squares for that.

Happy Stitching!
Elisa

p.s. I love seeing all your posts.  Really brightens my day!

My First Appliqué Attempt

Well, after pooling your knowledge and reading high and low, I finally made my first appliqué attempt. Don't look too close, but I'm pretty pleased :) I've already made notes of changes when I attempt my actual block for the quilt.

1. Need to be more patient and take smaller stitches
2. Need smaller seam allowances along the side - little more at the ends.
3. Making small "placement" pencil marks didn't work for me. Need to think that out.
4. Need to pin a little closer to each end - my pieces flopped around too much.

Now, my question to you. When I sewed on the body, do I sew the body to the wings or sew all the way down to the background?

Hugs, Elisa

Applique Questions

EDIT: I have added this to the sidebar. 
Elisa asked several questions. Others have answered them.
Some have links so if you read this and have something to add put it in the comments
I have added the link to this post to the sidebar. Chookyblue


Hi everyone,

One of the reasons I wanted to participate in the next round is to finally learn the ins-and-outs of appliqué (I have done it in the past – mainly by machine - but, to me, appliqué is the “A” word!)

I’ve been scouring websites and checked out books.  I know, like embroidery, everyone has their own methods and techniques, but I wanted to survey you over some questions that have arisen.  I’m finding two different sources will say the exact opposite thing!

1.    For needle-turn appliqué, does your thread match your appliqué piece or the background?

2.    Is it true you can’t iron YLI silk thread because it will melt?

3.    Several sites recommend using blue washable marker for turn-under appliqué.  Some say never use it because it does not wash out – it reappears.  Thoughts?

4.    For those doing raw-edge appliqué, is that using fusible and then finishing with a stitch like a buttonhole or satin stitch or top stitch?

5.    For needle-turn appliqué, after appliquéing your piece, do you cut-out the background fabric behind it?

6.    Do any of you use freezer paper?  Do you use the methods where you iron it to the wrong side or the right side?

7.    Do any of you use starches or appliqué glue?  What should we know?

I was assuming if I had these questions, others would also.

Thank you!
Elisa

After quilting for 17 years, I can't run away from applique any longer....