Sunday, July 14, 2013

Trying Something New!

I am practicing a new technique for me when doing my needle turn applique.  Up until now, I would make freezer paper templates, press them onto the right side of the fabric, trace around the template  and then pin it in place on the block and stitch it down.
My technique has worked pretty well so far, but like most quilters I have so many quilts that I would love to make, so I am always looking for a time saving tip. I also really like not adding marking substance to the fabric if I can help it.

I started this morning sitting out on the terrace and trying my new technique. First off, living in Arkansas there are not too many, or should I say any mornings that are cool enough to feel like sitting out and stitching. Here it is July 14th and it was 67  at 730am perfect weather to try a new technique.
I must say, so far so good! The freezer paper on top really makes me take smaller stitches and with applique that is a good thing.  I also find that I am forced to make my stitch thru the very edge of the applique so the stitch is hidden.  The other advantage is I can line the mark on the template with the vine line on my master template when using the light box, which helps to be sure the placement is more accurate. So I will spend some time this afternoon and evening stitching down the rest of the leaves on the current block.  This block will finish with a  a six layer flower, I sure hope this technique helps me master the flower, since they are so wonderful.
For now I am taking a bit of a break and going over to Kathy's blog to see what others are hand stitching today.

14 comments:

  1. A perfect morning...enjoying the great outdoors in the summer with some hand stitching! Thanks for linking up and sharing your project!

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    1. We are having a cool summer for Arkansas, low 90's and the humidity has been low for us. Just wish we could have a shower, my garden is thirsty!

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  2. I love applique but am afraid to try it since I don't see very well. I'm not sure I understand your freezer paper method. I have a book with different methods to try when I get the urge to applique something big enough to see.

    Good luck on your new technique.

    Hot here in Iowa too especially living in an old farm house without air conditioning!

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    1. Cathy you should try a hawaiian quilt block. I used the back basting method which is a great way to learn needle turn applique.

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  3. i looked back at a few of your other posts and see that you are doing a beautiful "Baltimore Gardens" quilt.
    i hope that your new technique is working out for you.

    our temps (NE Nevada) have been quite high as well. it's expected that it will get very hot in southern Nevada during the summer months but normally here the altitude has us experiencing much different (cooler) weather. although we aren't seeing the same extremes as Las Vegas we have been having a sizzler of a summer this year. it's good to get out the small hand work when the temps have us feeling wilty~!

    :-)
    libbyQ

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  4. I've been doing the needle turn applique with the freezer paper on top with my last few midgets. I'm too lazy to iron the fabrics under it like I used to! As long as it works for you, go for it. Enjoy the cooler temps.

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    1. Applique, like hand quilting are skills that come with practice. I love not having to mark around each template, anything that saves time, too many quilts, so little time!

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  5. It's always good to play and experiment, hope your experimentation is working well.Your baltimore blocks are absolutely beautiful! [I love the back basting technique, find it very fuss free!].

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    1. I love using back basting also on larger pieces or when all else fails.

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  6. I am a beginner at applique and whenever I find a new technique that makes it easier I am very happy. As I go along, I am finding that often different projects do require different techniques to get the best results.

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    1. I agree Ellen, it is good to try them all, you never know when you might need to use it. I consider myself a beginner too, wish I had tried applique earlier. I get bored with piecing quilts, but never with applique.

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  7. I tried leaving the freezer paper on during the applique process a long, long time ago. It did not work for me because the freezer paper kept coming loose.

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  8. That is what happened at my first attempt. I now either baste with thread or pins. It really works best on smaller pieces.

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