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i'm supposed to show Margaret how to hand applique. its only a practice block but just the same it is gonna be her first so she might want to do something with it one day. this is so when she gets the hang of applique stitches she can work on one like this.

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i think i have oatmeal between my ears. i cant figure out what simple practice design to use or what method to show her. i've no idea how much previous hand stitching of any kind she has. probly some but not applique per se.

what do i think i'm doing, argh. she is supposed to come round tomorrow about noon. i'm thinking as i'm totally unorganized i might put it off another week. she returned recently from her 6week holiday to europe/uk. was straight back to work, its been raining and her garden was in bad need while she was away so taht needs tending to. she also visits her dad every sunday afternoon in the resthome. her bro was supposed to do that while she was away but dont think he got round to it every week, only 2 in those weeks. so she really doesnt have time for much else what with keeping her housework done, laundry, garden, dad, grocery shopping etc. my sillyness is really the least necessary to get around to. all that said, what would i have ready by next weekend to do. argh. oatmeal and tapioca between my ears, j.

Reply to
J*
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Oatmeal between the ears? yes. I have that feeling. Why don't you start her on a baby bib? Or burp cloth? Hearts, balloons, a yellow duck? My thinking is this - if she's great at it just from the beginning, she'll have a ready baby gift. If she's a dud, there's not much lost. Hearts especially come to mind because you have: a little bit of a straight edge, curves and both kinds of points. For an absolute beginner level, you might start her off with a red heart, a white square and black thread. It's important that she learns how to make her stitches just under the fold so that the stitches don't show at all. ( A level that I sometimes reach and sometimes can not.) I love, love the blocks you showed us but Mercy! that's some serious big girl appliqué. Nothing there that I wouldn't love to have - but, also, nothing I would even consider attempting. Just thoughts from another oatmeal head. HTH Polly

Reply to
Polly Esther

it was my idea to do a small practice block. just a block is enough, no need to finish it into a project. just to get the hang of stitching. i'm thinking stick with all outside curves/points for now. yes that design looks difficult but if you can do the stitching then all you need worry about is getting the pattern drawn correctly on the fabric, then make your cuts in the right place. some of those lines have little to work with. we might adapt that pattern some other way. she really likes the roses tho and that effect grabbed her attention. hmmmm. tis tricky for me. what method? what simple design? freezer paper, top or bottom? interfacing? simply needleturn? i just cant work out how to proceed. sigh... j.

Reply to
J*

I'm with Polly. I used to teach quilting and if I had to do a quickie beginner appliqué class or a demonstration it was always the heart- with the straight sides, curves and inner and outer points. If she can manage that then she's ready for a Sunbonnet Sue or a simple-ish flower, stem and leaf- my second choice for a beginner class with a little more time. Good luck, Jeanne, you CAN do this.

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie& The Furbabies in MO.

Just wonder how one goes about learning to do appliqué. Is it something you can learn on your own, or should I try to get someone to teach me? I have been able to sew since I was a young girl, when I learned hand sewing in

4-H. I see lovely appliqué projects but am afraid to try them. Maybe I need to take a class, sometime when and if I ever retire. Linda
Reply to
M Enneking

Naaaah, Linda. You don't have to take a class or retire. There are just lots of really great books on appliqué. One of the very best beginner books is Appliqué Made Easy. I looked over at my favorite used book internet place - Abe Books - and they have it for $ 2.09. (It's a Rodale Successful Quilting Library Book - whatever that means). I think you could just get comfortable, look at the pictures and have a pretty good idea of how it goes and if you want to give it a try. I'm betting you'll try it. Polly

"M Enneking" Just wonder how one goes about learning to do appliqué. Is it something you

Reply to
Polly Esther

I taught myself from books and magazines 20+ years ago. The hardest part was forming the stitch correctly- the different preparations for the appliqué weren't hard at all. You can do it if you are able to learn that way. Also, there are videos on the internet that you can watch. Youtube has a ton if you search for quilting and/or quilt. Good luck!

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

Reply to
Leslie& The Furbabies in MO.

...and search for applique too. ask us questions. we all do things a wee bit differently so you'll get lots of good info here. try what you think you can manage. try different methods too. i use different methods for different designs. j.

"Leslie& The Furbabies in MO." wrote ... I taught myself from books and magazines 20+ years ago. The hardest part was forming the stitch correctly- the different preparations for the appliqué weren't hard at all. You can do it if you are able to learn that way. Also, there are videos on the internet that you can watch. Youtube has a ton if you search for quilting and/or quilt. Good luck!

Leslie & The Furbabies in MO.

"M Ennek> Just wonder how one goes about learning to do appliqué. Is it something

Reply to
J*

I like tapioca better than oatmeal for a treat, but oatmeal is more sustaining. Especially with brown sugar on top. That said, you've got enough good advice here to teach a horse to applique. I can't add a word except to tell you that tapioca is best served warm and with kindness.

Hugs, Sunny

Reply to
Sunny

Flower, freezer paper, top, light interfacing, simple needle-turn.

I learned to applique myself. Worked hard on learning the "right" way with needle-turn. My fingers are rocks. Approximately. Now I do mostly raw-edged machine applique. I like it, the "feel" suits my personality. :) Give her a taste and let her find what suits her. Settle on one way. Make sure she knows there are alternatives and how to find those if she wants. Then give her room.

More hugs, and soothing wishes, Sunny

Reply to
Sunny

ta everyone, i know what to do now. just took me longer to figure it out. ttfn, j.

Reply to
J*

I think freezer paper on the back is one of the easiest applique methods 'cos its difficult to lose the shape and is straightforward going round curves with just running stitches like doing a yoyo. Still the inside angles tho - I hate inside angles!!

Sally at the Seaside~~~~~~~~~~~~~uk

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J* wrote:

Reply to
Sally Swindells

And I like needle turn with freezer paper on the top. There's no problem with removing the paper. Some of the prep methods are more work than I'm willing to do; I think I could have the piece appliqued in the time it would take me to do the prep. But you have to do what works for you. Might be good to try several methods to see what works best.

Julia > I think freezer paper on the back is one of the easiest applique methods

Reply to
Julia in MN

And I really like back basting for hand applique. It is accurate and relatively quick and portable, once the design is drawn on the back of the fabric. Nice thing is that there are lots of methods so that everyone can find one that they like and can do.

Pati, > And I like needle turn with freezer paper on the top. There's no problem

Reply to
Pati, in Phx

i really have to read up on that again. everytime i've read it the process eludes my old weary brain for some stupid reason. ah ha, thats the reason, i am sometimes thick as a plank. oh well. eventually it might sink in...if i'm lucky. ta for the reminder on that one, Pati. j.

"Pati, in Phx" wrote ... And I really like back basting for hand applique. It is accurate and relatively quick and portable, once the design is drawn on the back of the fabric. Nice thing is that there are lots of methods so that everyone can find one that they like and can do. Pati, in Phx

Reply to
J*

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