Tuesday, January 15, 2008

Confessions of An Appliqué Rookie


  1. Never decide to learn to appliqué when you have already packed your appliqué instruction books.
  2. Remember that with your 2006 Christmas money you bought appliqué pins.
  3. Remember that on your shop hop eight months ago you bought silk thread for appliqué.
  4. How do you tie a knot in silk thread?
  5. Remember to trace the templates backwards.
  6. Freezer paper is fun to use. Remember to remove it before you stitch the pieces down, otherwise your block makes crinkly noises.
  7. Make sure the appliqué piece is cut with a large enough seam allowance so all of it can be stitched under easily.
  8. Use 50% off JoAnn coupon to buy mini iron.
  9. Test mini iron before leaving store to make sure it works.
  10. Try fabric glue on next applique block.
  11. Remember to enjoy the whole process and do it again.
Block shown: Big Daisy block from Butterfly Garden, pattern calls for 15 more of these.

20 comments:

Libby said...

Looks great from here . . .

don't forget your team must get passed the Chargers before they can even begin to think about the Packers *s*

Lindah said...

Oh, I liiiike your Big Daisy block!
Yes, do it again! Your list of confessions is a riot. I can imagine all kinds of interesting stories to go with each one. And I can identify with several of them. :-) Beautiful block!

dot said...

What a cute block. I really like your color choices.

Judith said...

But the block looks beautifull in the end.

Anne Heidi said...

Oh your list is sooo funny- and I can totally relate LOL. Your block looks perfect, now by the 15th you'll do them blindfolded...

Unknown said...

The block still looks beautiful!! Although, you have some great tips for all of the rest of us who are appliqué rookies!!

Unknown said...

Good list, and add to the list, Use two layers of freezer paper per applique. Makes for a sturdier template. Great block.

swooze said...

It is very pretty. Applique is fun once you get the hang of it!

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

Love your pattern.The embroidery looks great.Love the colors.I am so missing football here. We do get to watch the superbowl....at 3 o'clock in the morning...with no commercials.I did get up to watch...but its just not the same!Can't wait to see it back in the US. Will be marvelous. Colleen in South Africa

Colleen formerly of South Africa said...

Love your pattern.The embroidery looks great.Love the colors.I am so missing football here. We do get to watch the superbowl....at 3 o'clock in the morning...with no commercials.I did get up to watch...but its just not the same!Can't wait to see it back in the US. Will be marvelous. Colleen in South Africa

Quilter Kathy said...

You had me laughing today Paula!
Do keep at it...you're doing great!
And just think how much easier it will be when you locate your supplies and equipment :)

Wendy said...

It will get easier with practice, especially since you have 14 more to make. It's looking good to me.

~Bren~ said...

It looks wonderful Paula! I don't know how it could look any better. After 15 of these, it will be "Confessions of an applique professional".

Marla said...

Oh you make me laugh because I always forget at least two rules before beginning any project. By the time you finish the last block you'll have it down pat!

Darlene said...

Lots of wonderful stuff going on, Paula.

Enjoy!

Leanne said...

Your daisy looks great by the 15th one you will be able to do them with your eyes closed.

Fabricmom said...

It sounds like you had quite an adventure. Your block is beautiful. I can't wait to see more.

sewprimitive karen said...

Great post, love your list!

Cher said...

very nice! love those reminders LOL

Solstitches said...

LOL, it sounds as though you had a few teething troubles with block #1 but you'll be an expert by the time you finish the other 14