Stitching Your Applique Melons, Curves and Pointy Points

Freezer paper method melons (or orange peels) will require some preparation before beginning this set of steps. Instructions are provided in order on the Applique Tutorials Tab. 

For this section, I always begin near the middle of one side of the melons and work counterclockwise with small stitches hidden by the applique. This continues one stitch at a time around the melon/peel until about an inch of sewing remains. At that point, I remove the freezer paper before finishing up the final inch. Photos should be helpful in pointing out each of the steps below. 

 

I begin my sewing by creating a small knot in the end of the thread (shown in contrasting quilting thread so it is visible). As in the top photo, I enter the underside of the seam at the edge of the melon then tuck that seam and keep it down by pinching my sewing as I move around the melon. 

I sew just one stitch at a time as I move counterclockwise around my shapes, making sure to pinch my work as I go to prevent knots in my thread and to keep the seam allowance tucked. I'm grabbing a bit of background fabric underneath the melon and just a bit of fabric at the edge of the shape before pulling the thread through and making another stitch into the background fabric, repeating continuously until I get to the points.

As you work towards your point, plan how you'll be able to get the remaining material for the seam allowance under your initial line of sewing. While you don't want a lump of fabric all in one spot and will be tempted to cut it way back, please don't until you see what remains on the second half of the point closure. If you cut too close, your fabric will fray. 

At the very tip of your shape, bring the needle through the point and again straight down into your background fabric to maintain a pointy point (for other visuals of this process, see pointy points photo tutorials & sweeping the points). Next you'll tuck any remaining fabric beneath your line of sewing. This process takes a few tries at first, please do not get discouraged. Be sure to check out the Sweeping the Points photo tutorial for better photos for this stage. 

 




Once your fabric is under the point(s) and out of your line of sewing, continue to work with small stitches around the curve until you have about an inch remaining.

At this point, loosen your freezer paper melon carefully (especially if you are using silk thread). Pull the shape out and finger press your final inch of seam allowance.

Usually, I'll place a few extra stitches along or beneath my shape before making a tiny knot. If you create larger knots, be sure it's hidden well below your shape.

Press your final melon after cutting the end of your thread and add it to your finished pile. Congratulations, you've completed an orange peel or melon shape.

A Little More Heather Ross

I just gush over Heather's prints and know I'm not alone in this. They sell out so fast, I've had to purchase from many shops just to get a little yardage. I am seriously considering prepaying for the November line because it's Malibu and I LOVE the ocean, shells, and all things nautical. I do not want to miss out on the adorable sea turtles, super cute surfers, corals, sea birds, etc. 

Have you ever pre-purchased fabric? If so, what line?

Happy Sewing,

Heather

Final Pink Castle Fabrics Order Arrives

The final June order of modern basics arrived. The next orders will include zippers, a few Pellon products, wool felt and some new feet for the Viking until school starts back up as I try to behave for a while.

Wish me luck!
I've been waiting on a few prints for the Aneela Hoey bags and I have to say they're even better than I imagined. LOVE that!
I made another matching see it all bag and I think there are still a couple adjustments that would be helpful for me...but I did get to use the Viking for part of it. YAY! I didn't order a zipper foot for it yet but now it's a must. One of the quilt shops out in West Lafayette was supposed to be pricing a huge list of feet for me but no response yet. I'll have to follow up on that later this week.

It was a lovely sunny day and I was able to run a couple errands in the convertible. Oh the sunshine felt soooo amazing! I hope you're having a wonderful day.

Happy Sewing,
Heather


PS I'm waiting on a photographer/videographer to tape some applique. If you're in the group and want to see back basting or need some reminders about freezer paper, please check out the old videos while you wait. The freezer paper method is my favorite for vines/basket handles, not in general.

The videos were specific to the Farmer's Wife Quilt Along and were requested by several forum members at the time but I rewatched them and they're still a good overview. Our video and photos on the cell phone have improved in a decade, thankfully. Please bear with some shakiness since it's such small work. Also, if you're having issues, I can do a zoom meeting on Saturday if you're learning applique with the group. Please just let me know by Friday so I can send everyone an invitation.
😄

♡ A Little Applique on the Go Bag ♡

I have a little confession...I've never put in a zipper until today. To be honest, I never needed anything that really required one until I purchased Aneela Hoey's Stitched Sewing Organizers. Let's just say that there are plenty more zippers to come. I've also never worked with vinyl before and it was a bit trying to say the least but I wanted to try some new things and I REALLY wanted a set of bags once I found Aneela Hoey's patterns.

Now, you could purchase them individually online from her blog store but you may find the book is considerably less expensive if you'd like several styles.

Binding is my least favorite activity and clearly I need some practice. Also, the 30s needle case is out of place now that my bag contents can be seen. I'd like a matching one to throw into this case soon. The actual wool felt was out at a couple shops and I cannot work with polyester because it beards terribly long term with a lot of use.  Assuming I can find some without spending an arm and a leg, I'll post the coordinating one ASAP.  For now, I've got the bag and will be glad to take some handwork with me while I'm out and about...and I ♡ LOVE ♡ the feature fabric.

Happy Sewing and Applique,

Heather

Some Lovely Modern Staples Join the Stash

I'm oohing and ahhhing over the lovely new arrivals from Pink Castle Fabrics. All of the new goodies will go nicely with the Aneela Hoey prints in an upcoming project. I love the Clover Hollow (top fabrics). I wish I had ordered more and will have to check elsewhere online to see what other shades are available.

Is it just me or does ordering 3 yards of any print seem like so much after working with such tiny pieces that a fat eighth used to feel like a lot a fabric?

In any case, stocking up to refill the stash has been a lot of fun. I think the rest of the summer I'll have to behave. More Heather Ross debuts in November...and I can hardly wait!! 😉

Happy Stash Shopping/Collecting/Obsessing,
Heather