Step by step pictures.

[Margo]

Well said, Heather. I think a lot of quilters talk themselves out of doing a project before they ever begin by piling up all the potential problems! I've done machine applique for years, (see my 12 Days of Christmas quilt on my profile) and really enjoy it, but I also love the slower PACE of hand work. (The Anniversary Quilt)
I think that the main thing is to find a technique you like, and just do it! If you really want to do it, don't just wait until you FIND the time....you need to MAKE the time. Schedule time on your calendar. Maybe it will help to re-evaluate your priorities? Is it time to say "No" to some projects that your heart really isn't in?

The finished product is just tangible proof of how much fun you've had! :wink:

[kfstitcher]

Oh Wanda Thanks! I haven't looked at Sharon S. site for awhile and didn't know about this new video. It couldn't have come at a better time. I had just about decided to cry " Uncle" and give up on the needleturn. With my Parkinson's I'm dealing with a couple issues along with the tremors but I won't go to plan B yet without trying her methods. I am re-energized and ready to start again. Jan. BOM here I come! Woo Hoo. Karen

[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

That is Eleanor Burns' method and works well for larger pieces, but for really small pieces some other methods will work better.
Check out The size of the pieces that Sharon Schamber demonstrates hand applique on! Amazing!

http://sharonschambernetwork.com/index.html

[mknavy90]

Wanda - Thanks for the lead on the Sharon Schamburg site. After getting on the star onto my January blocks (with some real rookie applique methods!!!) I watched Sharon's applique videos and have some good thoughts on improving upon what I have been doing. Thanks so much! Mary Kay

[mknavy90]

OK, I need a little advice! Sharon's site recommends a light weight foundation for the applique method that she uses..... :? does anyone have a brand that they recommend for light weight foundation? Thanks!!! Mary Kay

[Margo]

Go to the "store" on her web site. She sells her own brand of stabilizer. I haven't used it, but I have used Ricky's Stable Stuff, and it will work, too, as soon as they get it back in stock in the TQS Shoppe.

[kfstitcher]

Is the applique stabilizer the same as what she was calling applique foundation? I was wondering about that before I buy it.

[Margo]

Is the applique stabilizer the same as what she was calling applique foundation? I was wondering about that before I buy it.

Hmmmm...I'm assuming so, but it may be worth shooting off an e-mail to check before we order it!