This one looks like it will be fun. Thanks Sue!

SusanH wrote:
Thanks Sue.

I am going to pick my fabric's today, then I will be half way there.

You all have guessed right -- the April block is column 1, row 3. There are a lot of circles on it - you all have those mylar (plastic) templates for making them, right? Using them sure makes making perfectly round berries easy! If you can't find them in your local quilt shop, they are available from the TQS Shoppe.

I have just finished taking a look at Margo's pages of webshots of all of your beautiful blocks (http://community.webshots.com/user/TennGram?vhost=community ) -- THANK Margo; you're a real champ for all of us! I continue to marvel at the creativity you each demonstrate in selecting fabrics and colors, in overcoming obstacles, and in trying new techniques. Bravo!!!

Hang in there... can you believe that we are starting into the second third of this quilt in just another day or two?!!!

Keep on stitching...
Sue Garman

It's very gratifying to have so many replies to my query. I think that what I need to do is soak my blocks in Synthropol...I just need to buy some! I did soak a small scrap of Stable Stuff and it became very soft, so I think the pack I bought is o.k. Thanks to everyone for your responses. I didn't see Margo's suggestion about trying the wash until my weekly wash was done. It is a great suggestion and I will do it. Thanks. And I'll let you know.

Nancy in NC

I'm also new to all of this but am aware Ricky's stable stuff was d/c'd by HIM for awhile b/c the formula was changed and he didn't like it enuf to continue carrying it.

Now they are carrying it again b/c they like the formular - so I'm supposing it's changed.

I wonder if his and Sharon's stuff is really one and the same with different 'marketing' jackets on it?

Anyway they are supposed to BOTH wash into softness.

Nancy in NC,

I used both the Elmer's Washable School Glue and Roxanne's Glue in my blocks with the applique foundation from Sharon Schamber. After they were finished, I soaked them for over two hours in very warm water with Syntrapol. Periodically, I swished them around quite a bit and then rinsed several times. Mine came out just fine. I can tell the applique has some thin padding in it but it is soft.

I'm going to guess that your glue just did not come completely out. Try soaking again and hopefully that will help.

Good luck.

Sandy in Phoenix

Nancy, let us know your results from the glue test. it'll be interesting if there is any differences. Thanks, WandaM

ntrquilter wrote:
Yes, I've also used the washable glue sticks, but I always wash my finished quilts in the washing machine as soon as I get the binding put on, so I don't worry about it.

If you are really concerned, why don't you make a little piece, maybe 12"x12", use HEAVY GLUE applications, stitch the applique pieces down quickly on the machine to hold them in place, then throw it into the wash with your laundry to see what it does? Just squares would work...not much trouble!

Thanks Margo. I watched that video before, but never did pay enough attention. I will give it a try...the pencil tip. Have you ever used Elmers washable glue stick? Goes on pink, dries clear. It does take a while to wash out, however, as I can still see it pink when I've soaked my blocks then ironed them. That must be what makes them so stiff. Someday, I'll get the hang of all of this.

Nancy in NC

Nancy, have you tried Sharon's technique for adapting a glue bottle for applique? I've used Roxanne's Glue Baste-It for years, but now like Elmer's WASHABLE School Glue better. By using Sharon's technique for changing the tip to get a tiny bit of glue, it's lots easier to loosen the fabric if you need to. Not to mention the price!!! Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfpRZHnRs54&feature=related

If you still want the Roxanne's, they have it in the Mini size in the TQS Shoppe.

Thanks for your encouragement. I re-read Sharon Schamber's article in American Quilter and she said she soaks her blocks for three hours in Synthropol and doesn't wash until the quilt is all finished. I think I will try the Synthropol, then wash and see what happens. Yes, mine are stiff as boards...I agree it must be the glue. I guess I'll keep trying. I think I need to try Roxanne's glue but my LQS is out of it.

Nancy in NC

Nancy, some of that stiffness you are feeling is that the glue has not come all the way out of the fabric yet. Mine did that also, I wash it is really warm , soapy water and it was better. I am going to just leave them until it is all done and then wash it. I think it will be fine then.

ntrquilter wrote:
Nancy, I haven't used the Stable Stuff for applique before now, but did use it last year for a quilt that I made with silk neckties that I pieced on a foundation of SS. It was stiff as a board when I finished quilting it, but I washed it (Orvis Paste in the washing machine) and it came out really soft! I was really pleased!

On page four of your March BOM instructions Sue says the next block will be roses, stars and something else.
peg