We have VIDEO!

Simplified Needle Turn is helpful for basket handles or vines when you're new to applique, especially for smaller blocks. Your concave line of sewing can be done by machine or by hand, since it won't show...it's just personal preference. 

Once you complete your sewing near the raw edge of the bias, you'll flip and press the bias tape (or bias strip) over the completed line of sewing towards the convex (outer) line of sewing {where you'll hand applique}.

If you choose to try back basting and are fussy cutting your handle or if you're new to working with bias, you'll want to cut your focus fabric large initially, so you have room to line up your print {and/or to keep the bias from stretching until your basting is complete}.

Additional applique tutorials on points & the sweeping motion of traditional applique are available HERE by PDF.

Happy Applique,

Heather

=)

Twitter is All Abuzz!!

The Twitter hashtag #FWQAL {Farmer's Wife Quilt-A-Long} has quilters in quite a stir.

Fabric is flying off the shelf & scores of the Laurie Aaron Hird book are going fast!

It's a good 'ol fashioned bee...but modern & online.

Join in the fun on Flickr, blog if you're into that kind of thing, tweet to your heart's content and join in the fun.

If you're new to applique, you're not the only one. Don't let that stop you. I've got a basic intro to applique tutorial on the way. For those of you who know me in real life, you're probably painfully aware that I've been slightly obsessed with learning all I could about the subject for the last year or so. The tutorial is a condensed version of my nerdiness with additional sites mentioned when what's left of my memory managed to hang on to those details. If I left something out, please let me know.

I'm freakishly visual and applique is all about movements so showing you is far easier than a photo tutorial. Mr. Fabulous was kind enough to VIDEO an applique tutorial for me...it's downloading to his computer at this very moment. We're new to this technology, so your patience is greatly appreciated. Part I should be available late tonight or early tomorrow. I'll add a link or embed a copy (depending on how late/early it is!) to a post here.

I'm joining in the fun a little late but it's a laid back, piece at your own pace, friendly atmosphere. To participate, the only requirement is that you pick up a copy of the book.

See 'ya at the bee!

Happy Quilting,

Heather

=)

Yummy KONA Yardage

Robert Kaufman Kona Cottons....perfect for an upcoming project.

 I bought a little extra for the stash...ok, quite a bit but you can never have enough.

Happy Stitching,
Heather

Redrafts, Piecing & Applique Fun

'Soulard' fleur-de-lis variation

My very first applique block for RSVP is done and on it's way to the volunteers. I could not find a pattern that fit the black & white theme but kept coming back to a fleur-de-lis. After seeing a couple versions in the recently purchased Circuit Riders Quilt Book, I simplified the design, widening the ring in the process.

The white is Robert Kaufman Kona cotton and the background is from Blank Quilting, purchased at our local quilt shop in Valparaiso called Needle & Thread.





Spiderweb or Kaleidoscope

Bloggers' Block-A-Palooza #3, Shoefly Geese
Free Pattern available: HERE

Wild Goose Chase Free Pattern at Jinny Beyer's site

Redrafted Fancy Dresden Plate also known as Dresden China Plate, Aster & Friendship Ring

Originally, I saw a 20 petal 'Dresden Plate' pattern in Better Homes and Gardens' 1977 hardcover edition of Patchwork and Quilting. The pattern called for 14 1/2 inch background fabric and I had to get it to 12" finished block to meet the charity quilt criteria, so I eliminated several petals on the redraft.

You may remember I also purchased the Fancy to Frugal Book of 30s Patterns not long ago. 'Fancy Dish' is on the cover but calls for 17" blocks (and 20 petals, also)....I rarely go larger than 12" blocks these days, though I did find the additional petals look really pretty in various colors.

Talking about the variations of the Dresden online recently, I came across a wonderful quilter named Sue whose family was from Kansas. She was kind enough to share family photos from a vintage Fancy Dresden circa 1930s and other quilts made from the 30s to the 50s.

 Isn't this a treasure?
Thank you again, Sue for kindly sharing photos and allowing me to post them here.

Best Wishes & Happy Quilting,
Heather



Finally...a Dear Jane Update

My sweet husband was kind enough to photograph my Over the Rainbow 30s Jane a few days ago.

One of these days I hope to have a pic of the completed top.

Happy Piecing,
Heather