TQS Show 1912

[ladyquilter]

I wanted to pipe in and say that I purchased the Apliquick tools about 18 months ago and love them. However, I had a difficult time holding them for lengthy periods of time because of arthritis in my hands. The coldness of the metal and how fine they are in size made my hands cramp up bad. Previously, I used 2 of Alex's 4 in 1 tools. They are wooden, larger and I didn't have a problem holding them. However, they are not as good for this type of technique because it is two larger metal points.

To make a long story a little longer (LOL), I wanted to show you what my husband did to my Apliquick tools. They are now perfect for me! I love my hubby because he thinks outside the box. I wanted to share in case others find they too have arthritis in their hands. Now, you could put the pillows on each end of all four points, but I did just the two that I use most frequently. The other sides I may use, but not as much.

JoJo
jojohall.blogspot.com

[kfstitcher]

Great idea!

[sewengel]

That is a great idea. I use those too, the rubber thingies and put one on the end of my seam ripper to swipe across the fabric to catch threads. I have considered the tools too.

Sharon in CO

[Pemela]

That is a great idea. I have the apliquick tools on my Christmas list and I'm sure that Santa will bring them :whistle: . I'm really looking forward to using them - when I don't use needle-turn applique I use Sharon Shamber's method of using two wooden cuticle sticks and glue pen in the same way the apliquick tools were demonstrated on TQS show and they work great.
Best Wishes Pam (in Scotland)

[eileenkny]

JoJo, that's a great idea! I've been wondering about the exact same thing because I have arthritis and fibromyalgia.

I do have a question. Instead of the fusible, couldn't we use freezer paper instead? I find fusibles to leave my applique looking pretty flat, but if I use freezer paper, I can pull it out and have a little pouf to my pieces. What do you all think?

[Ladywingnut]

I have made beautiful Applique using Sharon Schambergs method of Applique, I use polyester tear away stabilizer which pretty much dissolves with washing. The Applique tools are pretty cool, but a little pricey for me, I am going to stick with my method.

[ladyquilter]

Eileen, I'm sure you could use freezer paper. I would double or triple it so it stays crisp.