Tuesday, September 2, 2014

Mystery Quilt Revisited

Just over four months ago, my first APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG was completed. Have you finished yours yet?

Or did you miss out; and wish you had joined in.... no problem! You can purchase the pattern from my Craftsy store at the special SALE price of only $4.95. Check it out now; and save $4.00 during the month of September. 

Thank you to everyone that joined in on this spur-of-the-moment quilt along idea. I am honored to have shared those four months with you. And if you haven't had opportunity to complete yours yet, here's some new incentive to still complete it in 2014.....



Special Report:


I am planning to do another Applique Mystery Quilt Along... in 2015! This one will only be FREE if you receive a special invite from me, to participate. See details below.


For anyone that has made the 2014 project: "Life's A Journey" quilt, whether it was during the quilt along or by purchasing the pattern; and submits a photo of the quilt before the December 31, 2014 deadline; will receive a free invite, when it is available. (Approx. mid-January 2015.)
Please note: If you do receive an invite; you are not required to participate. This will give you the option; and I'll send further details to you, if you are interested. 
If you have already emailed me a photo of your quilt, you are already on the list to receive a free invite. 

I plan to post photos on this blog; soon, and wish to have others see your creative versions of this pattern. However, if your quilt is a gift for someone; and they haven't received it yet; please let me know in your email when I can post the photo.




2015 QUILT ALONG

Once you receive the free invite, you will email me back to confirm your interest; and only then receive the mystery quilt details. These will include: the supply list and design options for the project. 


TIMING  (Example: If the project begins on February 1, 2015; your invite will arrive mid-January; and this will give you about two weeks to purchase supplies and be ready to begin when the project opens.) 

At present, dates are approximate; and the project is still in the planning stages. But, here are some clues:
  • It is a small wall hanging quilt with an artsy flair; using fabrics in grays and blacks.
  • It will have applique; however, you may change it with one of the options!
  • It will be pieced and embellished in sections to finish up in only four to six weeks.
  • Adding color will be fun -- do it with applique, stitching, crayons, and/or embroidery.
  • Don't like grays and blacks; then replace any with brighter colors!
  • Is it perhaps time; to try a small quilt project that is done from start to finish, quickly?

Over the next couple of months, I want to test out my design to see how these options will turn out; and if it could be made into a larger project. More details forthcoming...



EXTRA NOTES:
If you can't wait for the weekly clues; 
or need to know all the details at the start, 
or cannot submit a photo of your finished 2014 project to receive the free invite; 
the full pattern will be available for purchase at my Craftsy store. 
You can then decide if you want to follow along, or make it on your own schedule. 

Happy stitching!!


Friday, April 25, 2014

A Final View of QAL Project

NINE-PATCH PIECED BLOCKS

The first photo shows how the quilt top without borders looks with the applique designs done ALL in black. Here, I used nine-patch blocks for the pieced blocks that were a little bit smaller than the pattern asks for; however, I was still able to successfully put it all together. With only the quilt top done; I could add borders to include or exclude the swag applique design. The appliques have not been stitched yet.


APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG -- NINE-PATCH
(As shown: 25 1/2" x 25 1/2" square)


With everyone having a choice of at least four different pieced blocks and using their own fabric colors for their applique designs; one can see that each quilt would be totally unique. Each quilt can tell its own story; and that was what I entitled this project: "Life's A Journey". 

The approximate finished size of this project; if using only the two borders in the pattern instructions, it should be: 33" x 33" square. Please feel free to try other layouts and color choices for more new and exciting story telling... using colorful fabrics and thread. 

* ** *** * **** * *** ** *

SCRAPPY PIECED BLOCKS

I wanted to have you see that going totally scrappy will still create a stunning quilt. I even used only one thread color for the complete project. If I don't have enough fabric in a specific color grouping, I can easily select new ones, and still come up with a beautiful arrangement with these quilt blocks.

And even when I messed up; I was still able to continue. Or when I changed my mind, it still was possible to make adjustments. That is what is great about quilting, one can make changes or adjustments; if the need arises.
  1. While the pattern needed a three-inch cut for the second border; it was late when I was cutting out my own; and I forgot to add the seam allowance to the finished measurement; so mine ended up narrower than it should have been; because I hadn't written out the final instructions, at that point.
  2. I wanted to brighten up the quilt with bright borders; however, the pink was too much for me; so I added the brown to tone it down. 
  3. Before finishing up the final hand-stitching of the hanging sleeve and quilt label, I auditioned buttons and added them to several of the applique designs.  


Here’s how my quilt turned out...

APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG -- SCRAPPY BLOCKS
(Size: 34 3/8" x 34 3/8")
** *** **** * *** ** *

Closeups of some of the appliqued blocks:

Block 7 -- Potted Flowers (embroidered stamens)

Block 5 -- Fence (with Flowers)

Block 5 -- Fence with Flowers (button centers)

Block 11a -- Boat 



Thank you for joining with me to make this applique mystery quilt along project to brighten up those long winter months. The weekly lessons will be available on my website until May 18, 2014.

Happy Quilting....



Friday, April 11, 2014

My Mystery Quilt Layout

As this Applique Mystery Quilt Along is soon to be completed, here is how my quilt is shaping up; as I prepare each lesson to share with you.


COMPLETING THE QUILT TOP

With the applique blocks and pieced blocks ready and sewn together to make up the quilt top; here is how adding borders will complete the project, and update the look.


BORDER ONE
Using a narrow border, in a darker color; works well to add a framed look to the activity in the blocks; like a frame on a painting. The blue-green fabric was also used on the domino framed blocks.

BORDER ONE


BORDER TWO
The second border provides the surface area needed to apply my chosen swag applique; and give it added interest on this busy quilt.

I chose to use three colors (blue-green, yellow, and pink) on the domino frame and also bring it to the outer borders. My blocks needed to be brightened up and the pink definitely provided that intensity.

BORDER TWO


BORDER TWO--APPLIQUES
I wanted to add interest on this border; and so applied a swag applique to help showcase the handiwork of all the appliques used on the quilt top.

Here, I used a yellow; and instead of the bright yellow used in the domino framed blocks; I decided to use the same yellow as was used on the sun applique.

APPLIQUE DETAIL ON BORDER TWO


BORDER THREE

There are always decisions to make as one builds a quilt. Here were a few good reasons to consider adding an additional border:

1.)  It was only after I has added the swag applique, that I realized I had cut the strips for border two; at two and one-half inches, instead of the three inches wide they should have been. (That's what happens when I want to quilt late at night.) So I had less space between the applique and where the binding would be added. What should I do about this?

2.)  I found I had indeed brightened the look of the quilt; however, now it was just way too pink for my liking. So if I added a darker color, it should bring down the intensity of the pink. (Your computer screen may make this border look more red or orange. But it is very pink!)

3.) I was considering adding piping or lace, on the outer edge, so wanted to have more distance between the swag on this border two and the binding. And I didn't really know how wide this border should be, either; so made it two inches wide, so I could make this decision later.

4.) As a general rule, it is a good tip to have the ability of trimming the final border narrower, if desired; and to ensure it is even and has square corners, when trimming all three layers. Here, I would have possibly cut into my swag applique, if my quilt needed extra squaring up, before adding the binding.

So, here is how my quilt looks with the extra border in brown:

BONUS: BORDER THREE


I decided that I really did need to add an extra border; and this color will provide a better background for my chosen binding fabric.  So, my quilt will be a few inches larger than the original pattern indicates.

The final post on this mystery quilt, will show up in a few weeks, when the last lesson has been posted on the website. Thanks for coming along on this quilt journey with me.

Happy Quilting....



Saturday, April 5, 2014

Creating Unique Quilt Labels Tutorial

Everyone knows a label on a finished quilt is how we know who made it and when. But, do we always find the time to create one and stitch it onto our own projects? Perhaps not....

I like using my computer to design my own quilt labels to fit each project and make them each unique. As one can easily add color, insert images, fancy text, and make it all small enough to fit on a label. Editing is quick and easy; and when one is finally satisfied with the end result, off it goes to the printer.

Illustrations and Photos shown in this tutorial are from the Applique Mystery Quilt Along—2014 project.


APPLIQUE MYSTERY QUILT ALONG LABELS
 
 
QUILT LABEL TUTORIAL INSTRUCTIONS
 
1.      To begin, consider what you’d like to write or draw on your quilt label.

2.      Open a word document and set up a table with several rows and columns. As you plan out your design you can add more; or delete any rows or columns you do not need.

3.      If you select “no borders” these will not show when the label is printed. (These borders are visible in the illustration below, as blue dots.)
 

LABEL IN A WORD DOCUMENT
 

4.      On your page, provide white space around all sides of your label, so you have room to cut around the label to allow for seam allowances.

5.      Play with different layouts, fonts, and images if needed, so you can see what works best for the label information.

6.      Once the design is ready, check it over for errors and do any editing to finalize it before you send it to the printer.

7.      Insert your sheet or cut piece of PhotoFabric into the paper tray and print your label with the best quality ink setting.

8.      Once printed, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to prepare it so it is ready to work with.

9.      I find the type of fabric used in this product will stretch out of shape as it is stitched onto the quilt back. One way to keep the edges straight; and looking good once applied to the quilt back, is with added borders. (I prefer to add at least two borders onto the printed label portion. This allows the label to keep its shape.)  
 

CLOSEUP OF STITCHING ON LEFT SIDE OF A LABEL
 

10.  Embellishing the quilt label, you may add applique pieces that are made specifically for the label or are extras from your project, if desired. [examples below]

11.  A quick way to prepare and also eliminate extra hand-sewing, is to use the selvage edge from fabrics to make the border strips. (If you don’t use selvages, allow an extra width to fold back raw edges on all four sides.)
 

RISK AVOIDANCE: If iron is too hot; it will scorch the label fabric. To be safe, use a pressing cloth when pressing the seams and applique embellishments on your labels.

 
12.  When adding each strip that goes around the label portion, place the raw edges together with right sides together; and stitch on the top and bottom strips, using at least a quarter-inch seam allowance. Press open.
 

ADDING FABRIC STRIPS TO LABEL: TOP AND BOTTOM
 
13.  Trim sides to where you want your seam allowance. Then add the side strips.

 
TRIMMING OFF EXTRA ON SIDES OF LABEL
 

ADD STRIPS TO SIDES OF LABEL



PRESS SEAMS -- FRONT SIDE VIEW



VIEW OF BACK SIDE OF LABEL


14.  If only adding the top and bottom strips; to hide the raw edges, you will fold back both sides. (Having the top and bottom strips will give it enough rigidity to keep the label straight as you hand-stitch is onto the quilt.)

15.  If you do not want any raw edges, cut the two side strips about one-half inches wider; and after stitching onto the label section; fold these two raw edges under.

16.  The label has added color and will not stretch out of shape; and is ready to hand-stitch to the back of the quilt.

17.  One last step: is to stitch the label to the back of your quilt. J




 

EXAMPLES OF OTHER LABEL RESULTS
 
 
FINISH TWO EDGES WITH PURCHASED BINDING
 

SHOWN: BACK OF LABEL USING BINDING


USING APPLIQUES TO EMBELLISH THE LABEL


SELVAGES USED ONLY ON SIDE STRIPS; TOP AND BOTTOM ARE FOLDED BACK


TWO SELVAGED-EDGE STRIPS USED; TOP AND BOTTOM ARE FOLDED BACK.
(THIS LABEL WAS DAMAGED WITH THE IRON, SO I MADE ANOTHER ONE.)

 
LABEL USES TWO SELVAGE-EDGED STRIPS - TOP AND BOTTOM.
RAW EDGES ON BOTH SIDES ARE FOLDED BACK.
 
 

FINISHED LABEL - TEXT AND IMAGE CREATED IN WORD
 

 

Participants in the Applique Mystery Quilt Along may use the quilt label provided along with the weekly lessons on the website. If you can open it with MS Word on your computer, you should be able to type in your name; and change any colors, if desired.
Hope these examples have inspired you to try creating your own unique labels for all your quilting projects.
 
Happy Quilting....
 

Friday, March 21, 2014

Domino Frame Blocks

Only two more applique designs to complete before this quilt project is ready to piece together. I have chosen to use a fancier block for these remaining two blocks. They are 9.5" x 9.5" unfinished and will fit into the final two spaces on the quilt layout.


QUILT LAYOUT--FINAL BLOCKS



DOMINO FRAME BLOCKS

This domino frame block is used in Weeks 12 & 13. It is the same block construction; the difference will be the chosen applique design. Week 12 is shown below.

To create the domino frame, you will see I've used three bright colors and a flat piping to frame the center of this block. These colors are taken from my border fabrics and I hope will provide a good contrast to the other colors used in the pieced blocks; and liven up the scrappy look of my quilt. You may select colors from your border fabrics or from blocks within your quilt, as desired. The piping is optional. 


WEEK 12 BLOCK


THE DOMINO FRAME
The instructions on the pattern page give you all the sizes required for the domino frame. Here you can see that I have sewn two B-C-D sections together; and two A-B-C-D-A sections together. Placing them around Piece E (not shown below) will create the domino frame block. Then I've added an applique design to the center of this block to complete it.

CONSTRUCTING DOMINO FRAME BLOCK



THE FLAT PIPING
If you want to add flat piping to the edge of the center of this block, cut strips 1" wide and the length of each side. (6.5" x 4 = 26" total length needed) Fold the strip in half with wrong sides together. Press. With all raw edges lined up, stitch through all three layers. Sew your stitching line just under the 1/4" measurement so it will be covered when the domino frame is added. 

ADDING FLAT  PIPING



VARIATIONS
For variations, you may choose:

1.) To omit the domino frame and use a plain piece (9.5" x 9.5" square) for this block; where you will add the applique design to the center and embellish as you wish. You  may add creative stitches, rickrack, ribbon, bias tape, piping, etc. to add interest to this block. (Block is shown below in pink/green print.)
2.) To replace the domino frame with plain strips to add to the center block. (Block is shown below with pink/green print in center and a pink border.)
3.) Or wait until the blocks have been stitched together and add creative stitching to the edge of Piece E.

VARIATIONS


EMBELLISHMENT IDEAS


You may construct two domino frame blocks and add next week's applique when it is available; or prepare the pieces to be ready for next week's lesson. 

Once these final two blocks are completed, you are ready to assemble all the blocks as per the quilt layout. Then step back and take a look. Colorful, right! At this time, if you wish, you can rearrange your blocks to see if any pieces look better in a new arrangement.  



Posts coming in April:
1.) After placing your finished blocks on your design wall, allow time to view your work before making final adjustments, (if any). I'll share with you a post on making a quilt label.

2.) I'll reveal my finished blocks and show you how I rearranged them. There's always room for change, and you can decide if you want to place the blocks as per the quilt layout; or one that suits the look of your own project.

3.) A post on tips and final construction processes, where I deem necessary. 


Happy Stitching!!



Friday, February 21, 2014

Flowers for the Fence Applique

Having some time to check out the applique blocks already completed, I wanted to see how adding more color to the fence could be done. Originally, I just left it as the block appears in the quilt along. However, I did mention you could add flowers, if you wished.



Flowers can be added in a variety of ways:
1) using purchased flower decoration,
2) with embroidery stitches,
3) using appliques,
4) creating delightful flowers using buttons.





WEEK FIVE -- Applique Block

When I shared this quilt block with my sister, the first thing she said was, "it needs flowers".  And so I knew I'd have to come up with something to suit this block before the blocks were joined together. She was in agreement that it looked so much better once the flowers were applied! Take a look....

BLOCK 5: Fence Applique


BLOCK 5: Fence with Flowers


So, I just wanted to share this block from week 5; and if you want to use these flowers on your block, I've included a PDF under the February lessons on the website.

Enjoy the quilt along journey....


If you want to see my quilt blocks done so far, check out the Gallery Page on my website. And, if you can; share your quilt blocks on Facebook; or if you don't have an account there, you could email them to me. And, I can put them up there, for you.


Happy Quilting....



PS February winners for the SHARE THE LOVE Prize Draw were chosen. Please contact me, if you have not already done so. Thanks.  (info@darlee.ca)



Friday, February 14, 2014

Valentine's Day Draw




Thank you so much for stopping by to let me know how you feel about the applique mystery quilt along. I am happy to share this journey with you; and hope to see more photos of your finished blocks.

I do love seeing and hearing about your journey... and am certainly surprised and pleased to see so many quilters trying fused applique for the first time.




This technique was the first one I tried in a quilting class; and have loved it ever since. As I am not keen on hand stitching or doing large size quilts; fused applique gives me the perfect opportunity to apply my style of creativity to smaller projects that can be displayed in a variety of ways.




What I Love About this Mystery Quilt Along....
My original idea to have quilters create their own life's journey, started with only black and white images for the applique designs. This would allow total freedom for each person that went on this journey with me to write their own story into their quilt. This really is where the magic begins....

It's as if....I've given you a coloring book and a box of crayons; now you go interpret those pictures in your own individual way. Only we've added a twist to make it more grown up and are using delightful fabrics and colored thread, instead. I am truly amazed at the final results of your blocks.

Your creativity is shining through... with your applique color choices; your pieced block options; the added embellishments; how you interpret your blocks; the fabric choices, using your scraps and stash fabrics, adding cherished memories from clothing pieces; are all such great ways to make it your own special story.



My Goals....
1.) The project should be fun, allow creativity, and add some challenge to our current ability.
2.) Giving guidelines; so our own skills and creativity can be put into action to create a one of a kind quilt. I do prefer variety because we are not carbon copies; we are each unique individuals.
2.) To be able to use fabrics and embellishing elements that we may already have on hand.
3.) To have options that allow a broader range of quilters to join in; regardless of skill level.
4.) Working on one lesson at a time allows us to focus only on that portion; without feeling overwhelmed by the larger picture. (Which of course, is part of the mystery!)
5.) Flexibility continues as we build the quilt; because each block is done separately. This gives each of us the ability to add our own twist in the final arrangement of the blocks.
7.) A smaller project is easier on the budget and our time; and I wanted to provide an opportunity to create a quilt along that didn't just involve pieced blocks with the end result being a bed size quilt.
8.) To challenge myself with this first attempt to teach others what I have learned and share my ideas to make quilting a great (online) experience for those of us that can't travel to quilting classes.


I look forward to seeing how many variations there will be when we all get to arrange our quilt blocks into the final layouts. Thank you for trusting me as I unlock each week's lesson to build a unique quilt that tells a story of our life's journey.



Valentine's Share the Love Draw....
Okay, it is time to reveal the three winners for this Share the Love prize draw.





Congratulations go to:

1.)  Diane in Delaware
2.)  Starchaser 06
3.)  Michelle Collette








Please email me (info@darlee.ca) so I know which email address to send your free pattern. Go to my Craftsy store to make your selection. Then email me this information. Thank you for joining this quilt along.



Happy Quilting.....



Friday, February 7, 2014

Fused Applique Mini Tutorial

Now that the nine patch, four patch, and scrappy blocks; have been reviewed, let's take a closer look at the fused machine applique technique.


Applique Blocks

I have seen lots of very creative applique blocks come in on Facebook, already; however, for anyone that is new to this technique or would like a more detailed approach, here is a mini tutorial using our Week 6 applique design.

Once the PDF is downloaded, the template page(s) printed, and your fabric selected; you are ready to follow these steps:

Fusible Web:
1.)  PREPARING THE TEMPLATES
Follow instructions provided with the fusible web product you are using.  (Here I am using Wonder Under by Pellon.)

With the template page face up underneath the fusible, trace out each design. Draw on the paper-side of the fusible, as all my templates have already been reversed. If you draw on the other side (web side), they will face in the opposite direction, from what the pattern applique layout shows. (If your images face the opposite direction, that is okay too.)

To help identify all those pieces:
--Write on its corresponding letter or number.
--Draw on directional arrows, when needed (for proper placement on fabric prints.)
--When doing more appliques at the same time, separate them into Ziploc bags, for easy storage and retrieval, when ready to begin each block.
Additional things you can add (where pieces are large enough or where necessary):
--Template parts: head, left arm, right foot, etc.
--Color of fabric you want to use (so when you go to place pieces you're using the correct fabrics).
Once the images have been traced; cut them apart either separately or as a group (if they are going on the same fabric). I prefer to leave a narrow white edge around the hatched lines, to make accurate cutting easier.

I find the fabric is less flimsy to cut when you cut through both the fabric and fusible web paper. If you need to release an edge to aid in removing the paper, this makes that easier, as well.

My preferred fusible was Steam-a-Seam 2; however, since it isn't available at present, I am using 805 Wonder-Under by Pellon.  The one problem that I have is getting the paper off the fused applique. So, this is what I do; and it de-stresses this process:

1.) Slide the tip of the seam ripper in between the paper and fabric to loosen one side or corner for easier removal, once the piece is cut out. (Depth: about 1/4".)
2.) Place a pencil mark at this location, to instantly know which side you've lifted. Because as sure as anything, when it comes time to separate the paper and fabric, you'll probably not remember which spot you separated. (This easily happens when doing a lot of pieces, at the same time.)
3.) It is best if you do it before you trim the piece, as the extra fabric on the edge gives it more stability.
4.) Since one cannot loosen too much on very small pieces, we want at least half of the piece to stay fastened to allow for cutting out the design.
Releasing Edge of Template

Recommendations
--Use a permanent marker instead of a lead pencil. Why? It doesn't rub off and get on your hands, while working or while using the iron. The lines are easy to draw and see; and will not fade as much as a pen or pencil mark does.
--I like to use a hatched line when tracing out my templates. This eliminates the need to use a ruler, which needs to be wiped, or else collected ink from the edge can smudge other  template pieces as the ruler is moved about. Also, one need not worry about an unsteady hand, causing crooked lines, as it is easy to lift the hand when tired, and then continue tracing.   
--If drawing circles is difficult, you could also use an item the proper size, and trace around it; (IE: bobbin, spool, plate...) 
--Use a small piece of masking tape to help secure your page to the table, as you trace out the templates, when appropriate.



Fabric:
2.)  FUSING TEMPLATES TO FABRIC
Select the fabrics you will be using; press if necessary to remove wrinkles.

To aid in applique placement, you can mark the center of the block, but adding a crease line vertically and horizontally on the block.

Marking Center of Block With Creases


If there are many pieces to layer in a design, you can carefully do a quick press (iron down, iron up) with the iron, then continue adding more pieces, to keep them from sliding about. Then fuse all when ready. (However, only do this when you know you have pieces where you desire them.)

Only fusible with sticky backs can be re-lifted and re-arranged during the placement process. That is why so many people liked Steam-a-Steam 2. (Wonder Under does not have a sticky back.)

To get pieces to align properly while arranging them on the quilt block; use your rotary cutting ruler (or any clear ruler) to keep them straight. This way you can see through the ruler and ensure your design is placed where you want it.

Using the Ruler to Place the Swing's Seat

Recommendations:
--Where many pieces cross, I sometimes like to fuse on the bottom pieces first; go stitch them on; and then go back and add the ones on top. This is helpful when you are changing thread colors; or when it is more difficult to stitch the bottom piece(s) without affecting the piece(s) that overlaps it.
      
Two examples might be: 
(1) A railroad crossing... Stitch around all the short pieces; and then, add the long pieces.
(2) A grouping of flowers... five in the design with three in the background. Stitch on the three in the back row; and then add the final two in the front row. 


Embellishing the Blocks:
3.) PREPARING APPLIQUE BLOCKS
Sometimes, you will want to add extra elements to the applique that are not made from fabric; such as: extra rows of stitching, buttons, lace, rickrack, bias tape, etc. to embellish the quilt blocks.

Stitching Lines:
A machine-stitched line is quick; and works much better when an applique piece would be so narrow it would not really be worth the trouble. (Like the swing's rope here.) You could also do this step by hand with an embroidery stitch.

It will depend on the color of your fabric; however, in this block we can use a pencil to draw a light line to mark the stitching line.

I like to use a 2.5 stitch length and stitch on the drawn line; with the needle down in the fabric, turn the block and stitch over the first row of stitching; and if I want more definition, do it one more time. Then, I pull the threads to the backside; and knot. (I used three lines, on this block.)

Drawing on the Lines for the Swing's Rope




Lines Ready to be Stitched

Other Embellishments:
If pieces are very small, they can be replaced with buttons, sequins, googly eyes, or fussy-cut fabrics. To embellish and decorate a block; we could add decorative stitching, embroidery, lace, bias tape, piping, rickrack, etc. 

Extra care must be taken with blocks that are embellished, as to not nick or melt the attachments, when using the iron.


Sewing the Block:
4.) STITCHING THE APPLIQUE BLOCK
Before we stitch our applique designs, we'll need to decide what:
--thread type(s) and color(s) to use
--type of stitches and size
--adding applique pieces in one or more application(s)
--any embellishments and when they are added to the block

Thread Type and Color:
Generally, it is recommended to use cotton thread for cotton fabric. But if you don't have cotton thread and have lots of other blends of thread, use them. I like the polyester/cotton blend for appliqueing. 

Color Options: 
You can match the thread to the fabric, use one thread color throughout, or use a combination of thread colors; to embellish and decorate the blocks, as you desire. I have used all three in different projects.

Types of Stitches:
I like using a buttonhole or blanket stitch in a 2.5/2.5 size; and the zigzag stitch for finishing the edges on my appliques. I do recommend using a zigzag stitch for small applique pieces. I generally use a 2.0/0.5 or sometimes a 1.5/0.5 stitch size. The zigzag stitch is also quicker, if time is a factor. And since not all machines have the extra fancy stitches, the zigzag stitch still looks lovely used on appliques.


Personally, I have no tolerance for needle-turn applique, and hand sewing I only reserve for the quilt binding on small projects; and therefore, I love this fused machine applique technique. 

I hope this tutorial was helpful, and if you have any other concerns, please email them to me. I can do another applique post, if there are enough interest. Thanks for reading....


And happy stitching....


Tree Swing Block:
5.) A FINAL LOOK AT OUR BLOCK
This is just one way to do it; as you could fuse the complete design and then add the stitching.

In my example:
The tree trunk and swing were done before the tree top was fused and stitched. Since the top of the trunk is covered by the leaves, a straight stitch can be used to get to the other side; and then continue with the selected stitch type.  (This is optional.)

Stitching the Swing and Tree Trunk



After adding the tree top; a few lines of additional stitching was added to the tree trunk. These lines were done with machine stitching. (Can also be done by hand or left out.)

Showing the Finished Applique



PRIZE DRAWS:

With Valentine's Day coming up, let's share the love....

To enter my "Share the Love" draw leave a comment on this February 7, 2014 blog post for your chance to win 1 of 3 patterns from my Craftsy pattern store. Winners will be drawn on Feb.14.

Draw Rules:
1.) Post a comment about something you LOVE about this applique mystery quilt along.
2.) Contest is open to ALL participants. (Both free and paid versions.)
3.) You must have a valid email address to claim your prize, if you are a winner.

To make this extra special: Non-participants can also play. And if your name is chosen as a winner; you will receive the February paid version, so you can join in all the fun the group is having. 

THIS PRIZE DRAW IS NOW CLOSED.


Happy Quilting....



PS... 
You can check out this blog entry for more examples of  Applique Stitching . 



Saturday, February 1, 2014

Quilt Along Layout

It was only a few weeks ago, that this project began. And I have already enjoyed seeing some of your work and look forward to seeing your final layouts; when we get to the end of this project.

********************************


As promised, I am ready to share some more details... on the quilt's layout. I know we are not ready to assemble these quilt blocks, yet; however, it'll give you more options, if your block sizes vary in future projects.

For anyone wishing to make a smaller or larger rendition of this project, here is how you can adjust the block's sizes to fit your own.



The original design...
calls for 10 nine-patch blocks intermixed with interesting applique blocks. So when my nine patch blocks were smaller then my design called for; I decided to make up a quilt anyway, using these blocks.

At that time, I had decided I would use my nine patch blocks with blank applique blocks to show you how to adjust the size to fit this pattern's layout.  This will also work with larger blocks.

The pieced blocks coming in weeks 12 and 13 are still hidden to be revealed later on.





So here it is....
This is how you can resize the applique blocks to fit your pieced blocks, regardless of the block size, required.

For Sections 1 and 4; the quilt calls for six blocks in these two sizes:  5" x 5" and a 5" x 9.5". Now what I needed to do was resize them to match my nine patch blocks that were only 4 3/4" x 4 3/4" in size.


FIRST STEP: 
Cut six blocks the same size as your pieced blocks. (My example here is: 4 3/4".) Then... to resize the second set of blocks, lay two of these 4 3/4" squares, side by side, as shown below.

Two blocks (each: 4 3/4" x 4 3/4")


SECOND STEP:
On the ruler, we see the total length is 9 1/2". To cut the other six blocks, make them 1/2" shorter and cut these six blocks at: 4 3/4" x 9". (If desired, you could add this 1/2" and then trim the blocks in a later step.)



SECTION 1 AND 4:
 
In this post, we will be working with only sections one and four. I will reveal the other two sections in a later post.
 
 
 
Both sections use the same blocks in their layouts. Section 1 fits at the top left-hand corner and Section 4 fits at the bottom right-hand corner of the quilt. 
 
For the quilt along, we are creating each unfinished block, one at a time, in order that we have the flexibility to rearrange our pieced blocks and applique blocks, as desired. Plus, this allows the applique mystery to unfold block by block.
 
 
However, in these examples, to help demonstrate the layout, at this time; the applique blocks are left blank (shown in this example in white). I will be adding the appliques, later.
 
To create these two sections....
Lay out the blocks, stitch into rows, and then into a section. (Section 1 is demonstrated here.)
 

Laying Out the Blocks
 

1) Prepare all the blocks; both pieced (nine-patch); and applique blocks (shown in white here).
2) Arrange your blocks, as desired to fit this layout.
 
 
Blocks Sewn Into Rows
 
                 
3) Sew these eight blocks together into three separate rows. 
4) Then join these three rows into a group, which I refer here as a section.


NEXT STEP:
Once these blocks are stitched together into this configuration; measure all four blocks before trimming. Because I have already made the other two blocks, I knew my final measurement would be 13" x 13" for these four blocks.  (Examples below are not trimmed yet.)
 
 
SECTION 1: Blocks Sewn Together
 
 
SECTION 4: Blocks Sewn Together


When all four sections are sewn together, we will measure the width of the quilt top across its center and cut our border lengths to fit this measurement. That instruction will be given in April; when we get to that stage of this project.



Happy Quilting!!
Darlee