Step by step pictures.

[DamarisEstrada]

Just wanted to drop in and let you all know I have not dropped off the edge of the earth,lol. Life has simply interviened and slowed my progress. Today, though, I spent a good while on my January block finishing the last stem and I almost have the vase finished too. I saved the flowers for last because I was hoping a fabric would sing for me on those - it sort of has so we will see. Hopefully I will be posting January before the end of February ops: 8)

[DamarisEstrada]

Hopefully I will be posting January before the end of February ops: 8)

Mandy,
You are not alone by any means I have been very busy too and trying to learn how to machine applique (very new to me). You are ahead of me as is my quilting friend "Kc123" who is hand appliqueing hers. I too hope to have my Jan. block done by the end of Feb. :roll: ops:

[DamarisEstrada]

LOVE your purple vase Lynn! And I hope you submitted that colorado log cabin quilt for the calendar contest! It's wonderful!

Cathy
KY

[QuilterLynn]

I thought of sending that quilt in for the contest but I've lost the record of where I found the pattern, and Ricky made the statement that having people in it wasn't such a good idea.

Did I mis judge? I thought it was cute too, but am rather prejudiced about the young lady in the picture!

[QuilterLynn]

Margo thanks again for all your photos and tips of wisdom. I love how your March block is coming along. I have one stem sewn down, but I love the process.

[Margo]

Thanks, Judy! I'm looking forward to seeing BOTH of your March blocks!
Your ambition is impressive!

[Margo]

Margo, I too much give you much great thanks!!!
I am a fast learner, and my dear Mother-in-law showed me how to needle turn applique just so I could do this BOM.
However having your pictures and step-by-step really help when I have a !DUH! moment.

thank you Margo

Heather in UT
http://www.aquiltingwewillsew.com

[Margo]

So glad to help!!
I'm just thrilled that so many newbies are trying the BOM project! It doesn't have to be needleturn....just find a technique that you ENJOY!!
SEW LONG!

[Margo]

Well I have actually done applique before, raw edge applique and reverse raw edge applique. But thought I would give the needle turn a try this go around.
Heather in UT

http://www.aquiltingwewillsew.com

[Margo]

Heather, do you find that you are enjoying the pace of needleturn? It is much slower than machine applique, and a lot of people find it difficult to adjust to the slower pace.

[WandaM]

FYI to everyone,

Just left the Sharon Schamber site. She has a new, free video for needle-turn applique that makes it look so easy. This is a wonderful tutorial. Here's the site:

http://sharonschambernetwork.com/free_area/free.html

I know that for me, seeing it on video makes all the difference!

WandaM

[Margo]

WOW! Thanks for the heads' up, Wanda! Those videos are GREAT!! And they include some great tips that are completely different from what my tutorials show. Again....there is no right way to do applique...just different techniques to try. Find something that works for you!

Sharon demonstrates on tiny applique pieces, using teeny-tiny stitches that make mine look like I'm a kindergardener drawing with fat crayons! She does beautiful work, and it's easy to see why she's winning the big prizes at the big shows!

ENJOY THE PROCESS!
Margo

[Margo]

thanks Wanda, there is some great info on there... maybe that's the method I'll try for April, since I've done 3 different ways on the 3 blocks so far :? A bit like turning around freezer paper templates, but don't have to cut into the back to remove.
Although, I must admit, I don't really think needle turn is boring, but WATCHING needle turn certainly isn't exciting... guess that's why I'm always doing something else along with... watching TV, waiting in the car or dr. office, etc.
Lots of good tips on curves, etc., and visual helps a LOT!
Florence

[Margo]

Margo,
At first the needle turn was awkward, and I thought I was never going to finish it. But the more I worked on it, the fast and better I became. I quite enjoy it.
I only work on it in the evening while sitting on the couch with my bird. I sew, she plays with her beads. Once in a while my birdie decides she has other plans and wants to help, so I have to set it down, so I don't always get to work on it. But it is nice to have something to do while I am giving her attention as well.
I really like it, I always thought I should be doing something while I am just sitting around, and now I feel like I have found that empty space I had.

Machine applique takes time and patience as well. For instance, I just finished up my Quilt Diva, which can be viewed on my website, and I did her under my machine. If the project is big, it is hard to keep moving it around and takes time to get all your stitches even (Depending on the stitch you use). Sometimes I dread doing machine applique cause you have to fold up your project to turn it under and around your needle and machine.

So I guess its a win win or maybe a lose lose situation with either one you choose.
Quilting & sewing aren't fun if you hurry and rush and get frustrated. Its an art and should be taken at a slow pace if you want it to be something viewed by others. LOL It should be something that you look forward to doing and your hobby should be something that relaxes you. If it doesn't then why are you doing it.
oh gosh, I am so good at rambling, sorry about that.

I guess what I am trying to say is that there are pros and cons in doing it either way, if you look hard enough you can find enough cons to make you stop doing it all together.

Heather in UT
http://www.aquiltingwewillsew.com

[Margo]

Another note I should add....
Another good way to do machine applique but make it look like it was needle turn is to use wash away thread. Now bare with me people.
You sew your shape rightside together with wash away thread.
You have your fabric you are going to use, and then a piece of something else, such as muslin, and you sew the shape. then you cut a tiny slit in the muslin and turn your shape inside out, you then press it, and then soak it with a spray bottle of water. You spray it so the thread dissolves then you press it again. It gives the appearance of needle turn without doing the needle turn.
Then you sew it down. You can machine stitch it or hand stitch it.
I did a whole bunch of quilt block in this fashion. But it takes time just like the needle turn does.

Heather in UT
http://www.aquitingwewillsew.com