Machine Applique Experience

I attended the annual meeting of the Canadian Guernsey Breeders yesterday and had to have some hand work to work on. So, I finally cut out the 100 plus corner buds and leaves for the Ben Biggs BOM. Good thing I took along 2 different pair of scissors.  I  used the larger pair to cut out the buds with their smooth lines. I used the smaller ones to cut the fussy leaves. I noticed more than a few pair of farmer's eyes watching my hands. Too bad I did not bring along several extra pairs of scissors and ask for help. I had a dent in my right thumb by the time I was done.

Corner buds fuseable

A year ago, I photocopies several pages of buds and leaves onto wash-away fuseable. I had planned to blitz this step and get ahead on the corner buds. I stacked 4 sheets together and pinned some and stapled others. There are 4 corner buds in each block for a total of 100. And, there are more in the border, about 40 and now I see that a couple of the blocks have this same motif in them. I hope I have enough prepped.

master copy

I decide to do this BOM by machine applique using the wash-away fuseable. I initially thought I could do a raw edge machine applique, but the first block was a disaster so started over and am doing a turned under edge. Needless to say, this is taking some a lot more time than I had planned on. I could not make up my mind just what colour to do those buds. Will they all be the same colour? Will they be scrappy? I do not do scrappy very well. I like order and symmetry which is why I like sampler quilts so much. There will be buds since, in my mind, this is what makes the Ben Biggs wedding quilt so special.
 

prepping the leaves

This week I finally got block # 11 prepped and ready for machine applique. I had initially used a different red with a blue print floral print but this is one of only 2 blocks that has yellow so I changed it.

Ben Biggs #11

Also, I got started on the Bed of Blue Roses. I quickly considered all the UFOs in my quilt cupboard, so neatly organized in labeled boxes and decided that I would complete this one for a wedding later this summer. Did I just write the word "summer"? Spring has finally arrived with warmer weather and rain and purple crocuses.

Lancaster Rose

As I was sorting through the box,  found that I had 4 blocks already glued under. I still have to adjust some of the elements. I am using 4 blues and 4 greens on a very crisp tone in tone white background with a nap. I can be ingenious with my impulsiveness. It will be interesting how I do the final block arrangement with this in mind.
 

Democrat Rose

The pattern is Rosemary Makhan's Rose Sampler Supreme. The first time I saw this pattern was at a quilt show more than 21 years ago. I bought it while it was still in the full layout on newsprint sheets before it was published in book form. This has made it more convenient for lay out. I started one in pinks. The plan was to do each block in different pinks and greens. Did I say I don't do scrappy very well? I was just learning how to do machine applique. Why oh why, did instructors back then insist that the "proper" way to do machine applique was with monofilament thread on top and lingerie thread in the bobbin?? That is one of the things that has slowed me down. It just was not working in my Bernina machine. 
 

Tudor Rose

I had started this quilt 6 years ago thinking I could easily do a block a day and get it done in 20 days plus the double swag border. Huh. I decided to blitz the preparations and made clear over-lays for each of the blocks. Don't really like doing applique that way now that I have given it a try. I cut out all the freezer paper shapes and ironed them onto the back of the fabric AND cut out all the fabric shapes. The memory of this reminds me why I invested in the GO applique dies.
Anyway, school and life got in the way and I started Dear Jane and now fast forward 6 years and here I am.

Wild Rose

It looks like I even tried some fussy cutting thinking it might almost look like broderie perse. I have learned a lot in the past few years. I still have to place those small leaves correctly. I am now considering what stitches I will use. I have some Bottom Line thread in light and dark blue. 

Indiana Rose

So this is what I am thinking about my applique experience. I started doing applique with freezer paper on the back with edges glues under. I stitched it by hand, pushing the needle through with a thimble. This did not make my arthritic hands happy. Machine applique was complicated the way I was taught. I learned needle turned hand applique a few years ago in a Baltimore class with Kathy Dunigan, but did not progress very far on that project.  I will revisit it when life slows down a bit. It is when I started the CCCQ and made the switch to needle turn, that I have finally got it. What I love about the BTCT quilt is that the placement of the leaves and flowers is so relaxed and forgiving. The Rose Sampler blocks above are all set in perfectly and symmetrically and all the flowers and leaves have to be exactly the same all around. I am so glad I have learned to relax. And I cannot believe how much applique I have accomplished in the past 18 months.

Easter Blessings,
Chris