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Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

Qwkslver — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 17:50:33 GMT

I always use fusible and my quilts are washable. Mostly baby quits. Yours should be fine.

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

Carey — Fri, 18 Jan 2013 14:31:45 GMT

I've been working a lot so sorry for the late response. Noone's quilts are ever perfect they just look that way because we know how to hide mistakes we made lol.

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:53:53 GMT

UPDATE as of 1-17

I'm taking a quilting class, and my instructor felt that undertaking the applique bulldog quilt might not be the best option for my first attempt, given the deadline (baby shower in 6 weeks) and her desire that I'm extraordinarily successful and thrilled with the results of my first quilt. So, I've re-purchased fabrics and will be making a crib-sized quilt that has nine-patch (5" finished blocks) with alternating 5" blocks in a cute blue/teal/navy/lime green jungle animal print. A bit risky since my son and his wife will be decorating with another zoo-type quilt.

The original bulldog design is still in the running for the second quilt, although I might make a smaller version that my new grandson could carry with him, versus sleep under. I also want to undertake an alphabet book, although I'm not sure how I would bind the thickness 13 quilted pages (26 front & back). The "D" is for dog page would have a miniature version of the bulldog. :)

THANK YOU, everyone, for the much-needed encouragement and suggestions! This was a wonderful way to jump right into the discussions. Pleasantly surprised by the amount of voluntary help. Again, thanks!

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Thu, 17 Jan 2013 09:42:50 GMT

Thank you for the words of wisdom. I love your username!

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

Nana — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:51:34 GMT

daffodella

I am not sure that I have ever seen trapunto that shows up on both sides of the quilt. I love the ones that have the trapunto on the front.

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

Spudgrandma — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 16:43:32 GMT

Hi daffodella, it is nice to meet you. I don't do hand work but it looks like you have some good answers in that area already. I just wanted to say, don't be afraid, jump right in and go for it. There are a lot of very helpful people here if you get stuck. You can also take lessons at your local quilt shop, most of them give lessons. You will do great, and remember, no matter how long one has been quilting, we are still learning because there is always something new to learn.

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:31:01 GMT

Thanks so much!

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

Patti — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:26:16 GMT

I like the blanket machine stitch. If one doesn't know any better, it looks hand done.

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:12:19 GMT

Excellent suggestion on the trapunto! Sounds like this would be much easier than the option I had heard about. With the (1) sew one layer of batting, trim away and then (2) attach batting and backing and quilt method, would that lead to the bump showing evenly on the front AND backside of the quilt, vs. the (3) create a slit and stuff it method? That's a question that has been lingering for me since I first thought of this.

Thanks!

Appreciate your insights!

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:08:56 GMT

THanks for the suggestion -- great, great analogy! If you find that I'm frustrated, feel free to remind me again!

Do you have a tip or two on applique -- perhaps "I wish I had known this in the beginning..." ?

Thanks again! Looking forward to seeing your finished art.

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:05:54 GMT

I wasn't aware of qnntv.com. WOW! So many videos and tips! Thank you very much!

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 15:05:08 GMT

Thanks so much for responding so quickly! You mentioned machine stitching around hand-turned applique. Is there a particular stitch or two that you like to use? I ask that because I bought a well-used, old Viking Husqavarna Designer 1 and it comes with what seems like a million stitch options, and I'm not sure which is best. THANKS!

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

MelodyP MO/KS — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 13:19:36 GMT

daffodella, I too am new to applique so no help there. but perfectionist I do know about, just relax and allow yourself to fall in love with what your doing. Just like you will with that new baby. Congratulations and Happy Quilting

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

Patti — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 12:45:30 GMT

We all have our favorite methods. I think the hand turned applique is the most durable. Fused tends to ravel on the edges when washed unless a solid satin stitch or something of that sort covers the edges. I did a baby quilt once with hand appliqued hearts that then had a decorative machine stitch added around the edges. Very durable.

For trapunto it may be easiest to make a small cut in back, add stuffing. Then you can also make it as puffy as you want. If you do the two layers, do one layer, sew or otherwise attach it in place, and cut around it, and the second layer comes in when the the batting and back are attached.

Sounds like a very cute pattern.

Don't forget to check out youtube for demonstrations of techniques. Also the Fons and Porter videos on QNNtv.

Re: I'm NEW -- Time-sensitive advice please on applique

daffodella — Tue, 15 Jan 2013 09:29:49 GMT

Nana, Thank you SO much for your prompt response! That's so reassuring! Have you trapunto'd also and does that hold up, too?

I have heard about two ways to trapunto:

1) sew applique, then cut the back of the fabric and insert extra batting, then stitch the hole closed

2) sew two layers of batting and carefully trim out one of the two layers where you don't want the trapunto

Would appreciate any ideas on this one, too.