Thursday, August 21, 2008

Chit Chat

Thank you all for stopping by and leaving a comment on yesterday's post. We have quite a few entries in the drawing for the Schnibbles X-Rated pattern, and there are still a couple days to go, so if you didn't enter yet, make sure you leave a comment on that post.

Work was lo-o-o-o-o-ong and somewhat stressful today; I was glad I got a good night's sleep last night. After working overtime, I came home to read all your comments, and they sure brightened my mood considerably! I was particularly touched by Nancy, who gave me an "I Love Your Blog" award! Thank you bunches, Nancy!


Nancy mentioned my "recycling," and my friend Eileen asked me today why I hadn't been thrifting lately, so I thought I'd mention the subject here. As it turns out, the Goodwill near my office (which I visited last week) seems to have cleaned out their store and doesn't seem to have much on their shelves. Last week I came away empty-handed--which is pretty odd for me! I've been planning to stop at one of the Goodwill stores near my house on the way home from work, but it was awfully hot last week (Goodwill isn't real big on air conditioning!) and work's been so busy this week, I just haven't had the time or inclination to stop and search for treasures. I'm sure I'll get back to thrifting soon, and when I do, I'll let you know what I find.


I also haven't had much time to get back to working on the borders of the X-Rated quilt top this week. I have, though, kept working on the border blocks for the Halloween quilt, and the photos sprinkled through today's post are the blocks I've completed recently. Much of the embellishment that really "makes" this quilt comes in the quilting and after the quilting, so at this point, the blocks look a little plain.


The applique on this quilt is going pretty quickly, though, because of the simplicity of the design. Each block consists of just a couple appliqued pieces.


A few of you have asked how I'm appliqueing these. My preferred method of applique is to use freezer paper templates ironed onto the back of the fabric. I then baste the fabric under (and around the freezer paper), press the piece flat with an iron, and pin it to the background. After that, I hand stitch the applique, remove the basting, and cut out the background fabric from the back of the appliqued piece. After removing the freezer paper through the back, I press the block and trim it to size--I start off with a background piece cut about 1/2" wider and longer than required in the instructions.


(Above is a purse--this is a perfect example of one of the blocks that will be embellished later by the addition of a handle!)

So, yes, I do hand applique and I find this method goes faster for me than needleturn, although I know that many of you who have done needleturn for a long time are probably quicker than I am since there's less prep time involved. Still, when I draw my own patterns, I can draw them directly onto the freezer paper and I like that flexibility.

Since I also have some applique to add to the borders of the X-Rated quilt, I suspect I'll be hanging around the Sweat Shop with thread and needle in hand quite a lot in the next few weeks. It's just too bad the Olympics can't be extended a week or two!

Happy quilting and happy Thursday--the weekend will soon be here!

9 comments:

Unknown said...

Yep, You're right, pretty boring applique.

But those socks are cute. That top doesn't exactly match the pants. What fabric. Cute anyway.

You don't need to enter me in that contest. I have enough Schnebble's patterns.

Lorraine said...

I can't believe how quickly time flys by.......here it is THursday again...didn't we just do Sunday......I am loving that applique .........! Work has been busy here to I worked back a bit tonight so I can go early tomorrow for my weekend workshop...!

Anonymous said...

Kim, love reading your blog. Usually I just use the link at the Hollow to get here. You amaze me with your quilting and being able to find the time to blog everyday. You go girl. Cute halloween quilt in progress. You can add my name to your drawing. Have a good day!
Kim H

Julie in the Barn said...

I really want to make that Christmas List hanging but am not an experienced appliquer! Do you use that freezer paper technique on tiny pieces like the lettering, too? I don't like the fusable stuff since it makes hand stitching so tough! I end up just leaving edges unturned and then I'm sorry later!

Cheryl said...

Love how your Halloween quilt is coming along...can't wait to see it done. Great fabrics. Yeah....Fall is coming, Fall is coming!

Greenmare said...

I totally can not wait to see this quilt finished! I do needleturn exactly because of what you said about prep time, but I love hearing and seeing how others do theirs. keep on stitchin baby!!

Anonymous said...

I'm not very fond of applique ( just because I'm not very good at it), but this pattern is so cute that I think I'm going to try. So let's google and see were to buy your witch!

Teresa said...

Your coming right along on the Halloween Quilt and it sure is looking cute with all the various fabrics you are using. I enjoy hand applique much more than machine, and try quite a few techniques. I guess my mood determines which I like best, as I vary between several methods. Currently I like putting the freezer paper on top, tracing the pattern lightly with quilters mechanical pencil on the right side of the fabric and then basting it in place with edges turned under for blanket stitching. I think I have just about tried every technique, needles size and thread there is.

Red Geranium Cottage said...

OMG that quilt is gonna be sooo dang cute. But...........does it have a cow on it??? I'm just asking.