Yea!!! One convert!

I just bought a giant glue stick yesterday, and will actually use stable stuff and hand applique all of the pieces. When I first tried this method, I found the prepared applique piece looked so flat and stiff (from the ironing, to dry the glue). So, I did a practice piece where I hand appliqued them, then I washed it, and was pleasantly surprised at the softness, and the wonderful "puff" of my flowers. I love it! This is going to be fun!!!

Dawn
In beautiful Northwest Montana

Another TQS episode that you might want to review before starting your Ruffled Roses appliqué is 304 with our own Sue Garman! I just watched it again, and starting at about minute 28, Sue shows how she makes stems and berries and how she lines up her pattern on the background fabric, as well as some of her favorite appliqué products.

I will need to try the Soft Fuse. I use the method Sue Nichols showed when she was on The Quilt Show. As I cut out my fusible, I only use 1/4" around the edge. That way I don't have the stiffness from fusing the whole piece. The other advantage is it doesn't take as much fusible because I can cut the little pieces inside the big pieces. I have been doing Hugs and Kisses that way and it works well. I have then machine blanket stitched around the edges. I also love to do needle turn. I used that on the 2009 BOM.

Good idea, Deb! And for those of us like me who are woefully behind on the Hugs & Kisses BOM (I have 1/4 of January done ...), now is a good time! As soon as everything is done for the holidays, that's what I plan to do.

it is getting down to the wire for the first block to be posted just wondered if anyone has a practice block that they are working on for their applique. you may want to start with one of the BOM blocks Hugs and Kisses so that when you start your center block you are very sure of your stitches...I mean it is a centerpiece of the quilt.
Most of the blocks are reasonable easy to applique in Hugs and kisses (i would go for Oct block since it has a little of everything in it points, leaves flowers bias)and this way for those of us that have not appliqued for a while will remember our small stiches. what threads we are going to be happy to use with the fabrics you will be using. Batiks are so different than cottons for applique and then maybe someone will be doing this quilt in Wool that would be just awesome...just a suggestion since we need to get to know our 1/4in on our machine and also our paper piecing techinque...applique would be a good idea too..

MontanaGramma wrote: MG I also bought some of the Soft Fuse and have used it and love it. This is coming from someone that does not like machine applique, one reason being the stiffness of the fuse but this stuff is great. Another is I love the hand applique rather than be at the machine but there is patterns that really should be machine appliqued...especially those quilts going to babies...you will love it.

Margo, I agree that I don't like the stiffness of most fusibles. I bought some Soft Fuse when I was in Houston (that's what Annie Smith recommends in her book) and I'm anxious to try it. Also, I think I'd like to try your method using the Stable Stuff so may do that on the center of the 2011 BOM.

makesgeese wrote:
Nothing like incentive to keep the day going I always bring some handwork with me and sit in a special spot I am sure is reserved for me. It is a window alcove near our chapel and I will eat and do my applique when I am done. Working on your project and getting a couple of stitches done brings you closer to getting to a new block and picking new fabrics. I can't wait to see your new BOM and the fabrics you have been fondling

Makesgeese (love your nicname). I don't know what it is but the needle is so thin that it only grabs the actually 2 or three threads you need to applique each small stitch and you are right they are very sturdy for needle turning but also have alittle give in them (flexible). I will search out other straw needles the ones I have I picked up where just a fluke I am sure there are numerous makes of straw needles but in Toronto Ontario there are not to many stores that sell straw needles. I actually bought mine in Windsor which is close to the States so I can see them carrying the needles close to the boarder.
Would you be able to pm me which ones you think are a better needle??

Hi Betweens! I too use a straw needle when I applique. It feels great in your hand, is strong enough to help you turn the edges under and you still can make tiny stitches. Do you use a very small needle? Maybe a larger size would be easier to thread? But then,I guess you tried that already. Anyway...I just had to join you in a shout out for the straw needle! Enjoy your time sewing on "Ruffled Roses".

I have tried every method of applique going except for Backbasting (if you want to know more about this technique there is a site that has the instructions on her sidebar http://www.sentimentalstitches.net but I have a reserved project to try that technique.
I love applique and all the techniques used the advantange of learning many techniques is that it may be useful for that particular project. Ruffled Roses is calling the no melt templar method for me since there are repetitive shapes that I can use over and over. It is a famous technique that I have used many many years and love it cause it holds the shape for a very long time.
I only hand applique no matter what the technique involved. I love the process of the stitching when appliquing I do alot of piecing as well and find that I need time away from the machine so what better way than to applique.
I just used a new needle that I really really like they are straw needles and they are wonderful to use. The only issue is the eye is very small to thread. I usually use the Clover needle threader but it is just to small (lucky for new glasses).
When I first started appliquing I used the beween needle that is used for quilting then I found the Roxanne needles but now I really like these straw needles.
I also have tried different threads for applique but I still love the Gutterman's applique thread so since I have a huge collection of these threads I will continue with these. I have a wonderful thread holder I bought in one of Karen Kay Buckley's classes when she came to toronto..holds about 30 colors for me plus my other tools, threader scissors (very sharp) needles (variety) ear LED light for when the lighting is not perfect bought it from http://www.stitchinheaven.com
Just an idea it would be great when we start doing the baskets to maybe set up a swap with each other with the baskets so that we can have a varitey.
Well it is great to read all of the preferences that everyone has I will work on this BOM and try to keep up. I had joined really late with the other 2 BOM but will get started on those probably Jun 2011.
I can't wait to see what the fabric choices are that everyone has in store. I love to see the albums of BOM and the diversity of the groups ideas.. heres to 2011!!!

makesgeese wrote: Ooh, I love that idea! I think I'm going to try that some of those days I simply don't want to go to work at all.

Barbara, I don't think that's a problem at all! Anything that makes you that happy is worth it! I work out of my home, and my office and quilting space are the same. It's probably a good thing my back is to my design wall when I'm sitting at the computer working !