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.

                                                            

Happy applique on the go,

Heather

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.
  

VIDEO UPDATE:  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.
😄

Happy Sewing, 

Heather

♡ 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

Essex Yarn Dyed Goodness Arrives

Oh my! Loving the Essex Yarn Dyed goodies that have arrived. The box was so big, my oldest was convinced it "couldn't possibly be fabric". 😁  Hahahaha yeah, right, that's actually just the first of two. 

In all seriousness, I found this great line through the Aneela Hoey blog and am so glad because it will go beautifully with her prints in an upcoming project. There are so many more colors to add. Off to do some more browsing...

Happy Shopping,

Heather

Heather Ross Prints & Noodlehead's Handmade Style

Two lovely new additions to the sewing room books. I'm in absolute love with the Heather Ross Prints and Anna Graham's (Noodlehead Blog) Carry All Pincushion pattern. ♡ I cannot wait to whip some of these goodies up.

Happy Sewing,

Heather

What's in the Bag?

I emptied my old applique bag to show you what I keep on hand for practice blocks and teaching multiple shapes. Nothing was added or removed, this is what I use to teach individual applique lessons if the student has previous handwork experience.

The block pattern was a free one from Sentimental Stitches a long time ago as part of Gay's free midget blocks. Those are now only available for purchase if you did not download during the trial period. For those of you interested in back basting, I learned this technique from Gay's site (link to Sentimental Stitches will take you right there) and never looked back! It's awesome!

The small zip bag next, going clockwise, includes bits of old scraps for the next bloom or the scrap bin. The various threads are next with thimbles galore but I don't usually use them, they're optional for newbies. You'll see what I lovingly refer to as the caca scissors (pink handle) for cutting paper/card stock, a couple pair of old small Ginghers, applique pins (also for newbies), my DJ 30s selvage needle case (free tutorial linked), and a coin purse for odds and ends. 

I'll be adding the new needles I've yet to try (Roxanne's) and some of the melons soon before I make more circles (shape 2). Since I have new to quilting/applique/handwork folks in this group, I'm approaching it differently by shape and method. It's fun so far! Feel free to join in any time. 

Please don't judge too harshly, these are quick stitches just to show the method. You'll notice the contrasting dark thread---that's for back basting---a PIN FREE method!! ♡

Please find applique tutorials on the tab just beneath the teal header. 

Happy Applique,

Heather

Essex Yarn Dyed Swatch Collection Card Arrives

Oh wow! I was one of just 13 lucky people who snagged an Essex Yarn Dyed Swatch Collection Card from a favorite online shop as soon as they posted it last week. I am so excited, it's chock full of such goodness! I wish it had arrived before ordering a few but am lucky to get my hands on some as popular as these beautiful fabrics are right now.
Speaking of snagging popular fabrics, I found some Heather Ross froggies in the middle of the night and ordered right away. It's part of the 20th anniversary fabrics but were already sold out when ordering yardage from a few shops. I have 2 fat quarters but I'm trying not to dip into the FQ sets for now...we'll see how long that lasts. I still have a few more from that line arriving this week (I hope). OOOH SO cute!!

In case you were wondering, no, I'm not purchasing these adorable fabrics for kids. They're for me (the big kid) and I cannot wait to put them to use.

Happy Sewing, Quilting, Fabric Collecting, and Crafting, Heather

Pincushion III

The third pincushion called for some Lizzy House pearl bracelet in teal. This particular one is the hubs' favorite so far, though he also said the same about Pincushion II until III was complete. In any case, it's heading off to a new home soon and I hope it makes the receiver smile. :)

Happy Sewing,

Heather

👑 Heather Ross Fabrics are Arriving 👑

               

The Heather Ross prints are finally arriving. I've been like a kid waiting for Christmas lately, hoping today would be the day...and it was!! Nearly 14 years ago, I came across some of her most beloved and hard to find prints before I knew what I was looking at. The long out of print (OOP) and very hard to find (VHTF) goldfish and goldfish in bags were at the most adorable quilt shop in Chesterton, IN. I chose the goldfish with the blue background and have no idea where I used it...something for the kids, no doubt. I went to find some more and couldn't track any down. 

Learning more about the designer, I came across some very early Kokka fabric and sure enough, it was Heather Ross, too from the Rabbits & Race Cars Line. I always loved that fabric but I "don't use much orange" lol. I still have some stashed away in the sewing room. So---some things do change.

I look forward to including several of these amazing prints in a few future projects. They're stacking up quite nicely in the sewing room even though I'm in the midst of "downsizing" lol...everything except my sewing room.

 Shh. We'll have to keep that between us. 😀

Happy Collecting, Heather 

                      

Pink Castle is Closing 😔

Pink Castle Fabric Shop has closed (brick & mortar), the online shop will soon follow. If you'd like to snag some great fabrics at 25% off, please do so soon. Items are selling very quickly. US buyers can get free shipping on orders $100+. I'm so sorry to see this shop disappear---they will be missed.

Heather