Old Age and Stealth

Stella is a lovely snugly bugly.

Ooh! A chance for you to do some more eyelashes, methinks! . In message , Polly Esther writes

Now that is one cute bug, Polly! :-)

Mz Polly -- if you don't to raw edge applique (fusible?) -- then how do you do it? Surely not needleturn by hand? What magic trick(s) do you have for increasing washability of applique quilts?

And Stella is Stunning.... I mean simply DEEE....VINE!!

I put 2 pieces of fabric right sides together and stitch around the piece, cut a slit and turn it. This works for almost everything except tiny circles. Next I machine stitch around the appliqués with a variation on the stitch that's used for hems (3 straight stitches forward, one zig). Sometimes I load two threads on top and do a blanket stitch. If I'm having a serious attack of 'cute', I stuff little bits of batting under some pieces for puff. So far as I know, this method survives baby use and Daddy helping with the laundry. Don't know which is rougher. I do dearly love to see needleturn at the quilt shows; they're lovely. Polly

"Kate G." Mz Polly -- if you don't to raw edge applique (fusible?) -- then how do you

That's *so* cute, Polly!

It's got to be the funniest appliquéd crib quilt I've ever done. It was mighty slow-going but worth every minute. Glad you enjoyed it. Polly

So then -- freezer paper for patterns? is that right?

Well, Kate. This bug was a real pattern printed on paper. I just cut out the paper pieces, laid them on top of the fabric cut generally the right size (2 pieces, right sides facing) and stitched around. Wasn't going for total accuracy. If it's necessary to do the same piece multiple times, I cut it out of whatever grade of sandpaper is around. Plain old printer paper will usually do just fine - you don't do it any harm - just stitch around. Hey, this is supposed to be easy and fun, right? Polly

We had Amy Bradley do a workshop and program at our guild last year and I gotta tell you, I don't know when I've laughed as much as I did with her. She is funny and talented and just as cute as can be.

Our guild did new "personality" blocks using her Quilters Yearbook book. They were hysterical. I have the Peek a Boo book. I'd love to do a wallhanging.

Her quilts are not "my" quilts but I sure own a lot of her patterns!

Cindy

Polly, Sulky makes a 12 wt thread that does a beautiful buttonhole appliqué stitch. I even use an ordinary needle, not an embroidery needle or anything. I use a ton of the black for this appliqué.

Cindy

OH, I forgot to tell you that I do the fusible appliqué with the raw edge and then use the buttonhole appliqué stitch. I did it on a table topper that I've washed probably 30 times and it hasn't hurt it any.

Cindy

I like your method! I also found I like Buzz Nobel and Flora Flutter from that same series. I might have to do them someday. Debra

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