Has anybody heard of using a fusible, washable Foriani stabilizer for templates for needleturn applique? I read it somewhere in a blog -- and of course, don't remember where.

Judy

tease!!!

I'm using two methods for my center block. For the detail applique, I'm using Jane Townswick's method of applique, which was a little head scratching for me at first but it works fabulously once I got the steps cemented in my head. Then I attached the larger sections using Sharon Schambers method. I'm definately not going to win a marathon in speed applique but the results sure have me impressed. I hope to have a picture of my finished block by the end of the week.

eileenkny wrote:
In Episode 304, which aired in 2008, Sue was showing the separate stems that we used in her pattern for the 2008 "Bouquets for a New Day" BOM. The 2010 "Hugs and Kisses" BOM also uses straight stems.

For the stems in the Ruffled Roses pattern, however, Sue has included the heart shapes, heart cut-outs and the short stems which are attached to the main stem instead of being separate pieces of fabric. The design does not lend itself to easily shaping straight stems because the heart shape is a continuous unit, and the ends of straight stems would be difficult to camouflage. You can't just cover up the join like you would if it were a straight stem with a flower on the end of it.

Can you see why straight stems are not the best option?

Margo wrote:

Okay, now I'm really confused. So Sue is showing separate stems in 304 but she doesn't recommend it.

Yes, Janice! The pattern needs to be printed out on four sheets. You just need to match up the horizontal and vertical registration lines and tape it together for your master pattern. Sue gives instructions in the Introduction about how to set your printer so that the pattern is the right scale.
[url]learn/all-boms[/url]

HOWEVER...In the introduction, the 1"x1" test square DOES NOT MEASURE 1" X 1". Therefore the practice pattern to paper-piece the little house does not come out to 4-1/2" (unfinished size). That is a great example of why the scaling is so important, especially for the paper-pieced foundations!

The four blocks for the first month's applique should print out to 7-1/2" x 7-1/2" but these outlines may be a little off also. Because Sue has us cut the background fabric larger than the final size, you just need to make sure that the applique shapes on your assembled master pattern will fit inside a 15" FINISHED size block, then line your pattern up on horizontal and vertical folds you make on your background fabric.

Margo, when the center, applique pattern, is presented, will it come in sections that need to be printed out..... and then the paper pattern pieced back together to be traced....am I making sense?

Janice in Northern Minnesota

Sue's pattern calls for all the stems to be made from one piece of fabric with all of the edges turned under and her favorite method is needle-turn. I don't think separate stems would be the best way to tackle this one because of the tight curves on the smaller hearts, but you are welcome to give it a try if you think you can make it work.

Sue shows how she does separate stems in Episode 304.

I found that using the Stable Stuff as my foundation and gluing all the edges to the back before I started stitching gave me a perfectly shaped stem/heart to start the appliquéd design in the first month.

Margo,
Would Suzanne Marshall's method for making stems work in this quilt? I'm having a senior blonde moment here

I only do needle turn, so that is the method I will be using. It is difficult to teach an old dog new tricks, or as my departed husband use to say
...."I am a one trick Pony". Grin

Margo wrote:
Thanks, Margo! I'd forgotten about Sue's episode. I'll watch it again this afternoon. Merry Christmas!

That's a great gift and what an adorable little baby! I've tried so many different methods of applique and I'm planning on using several on our Ruffled Roses.

What a great gift, Sue! Your sister will love it!

I plan on doing my applique doing needle turn. I just learned this technique and since I was so kindly gifted a 6 months membership for the Quilt Show from a very generous member I decided I should practice. I also took advantage of the free lessons and watched the one on printing on fabric. My sister sent me a cell phone photo of her granddaughter Ay'men and here's my pillow I made her. I used the family history block from Elly Sienkiewicz "Baltimore Elegance" to practice on. I will admit that I traced the pattern onto my fabric in the middle of the night and was no where careful enough. I really enjoyed the practice and know my sister will love the results.
SueW
Upstate NY