Tried my first attempt at quilting this past weekend. I'm not finished with the block yet, but here's the start, any pointers? A group of us are each making a quilt block about women, strength, community, healing, comfort, love, friendship, etc, to piece together and send out to another friend who is in the midst of breast cancer treatment. We're a country away from her, but hope that all of our love and energy can manifest itself each time she wraps herself in the quilt over the coming months. I based my block on an old print I'd created about 20 years ago.
I decided to try the freezer paper method of applique for the this block, something I have obviously never tried before. A real quilter would be able to stitch invisible little stitches along each piece. I probably should not have created a design with so many sharp points for my first attempt either, they are hard to tuck in!
I'll be embroidering a dark purple accent stitch on the bodies where there is currently pencil. Maybe some beads or buttons will be added, but right now, I like the simplicity of the shapes.I could use any pointers you want to give me MG and Scootah! You are the pros!
The idea behind the block image is the community of women, the support for one another. Also, the idea of the beautiful lotus bloom rising out of the murky pond, just as we all rise above our life obstacles; strong and beautiful.
7 comments:
You are truly mulit-talented! My mom is a quilt expert- does it all by hand too-she got me doing some Sunbonnet Sue blocks several years ago- we did the appliques by stitching inside out with that interfacing with the iron-on power. then flipped the piece right-side out, ironed it into place before doing a blanket stitch around the piece- makes nice points. I've never heard of the freezer paper - is it similar to what I just blabbed on and on about?
sort of. I ironed the wax side of freezer paper stencil pieces to the wrong side of the fabric, then cut the fabric about 1/4 inch around the paper stencil, then turned all the edges over the paper and sewed them all on the block. when it's done, you wet it all and cut little slits in the back and pull the wet freezer paper out through the holes you've cut. Then when the backing of the quilt is put on, it hides all those cut holes.
That's beautiful ! It's not the How, it's the Why, remember. I'm sure your friend will be very moved and grateful.
Nice work!
Your friend is going to love the quilt. That is an ambitious first block to take on! I have have yet to develop enough patience to do applique, unless it is fused (cheating). Turning under points and curves is no easy feat. Bring up the block, if it is still in your possession, on the 22nd. I'd love to see it!
I think it looks great!
I haven't completed a hand applique in a long time, but when I do them, I secure the seam allowance to the back of the design on the freezer paper with Elmer's All-Purpose Washable Glue Stick and fold the fabric it with a wooden skewer. The glue holds the fabric secure and helps with fraying, the skewer helps provide a crisp fold.
Your first is amazing - and you did challenge yourself with all those points.
There is also a product "Fray Stop" that helps prevent fraying. It smells toxic to me, so I've never used it. My friend swears by it.
Welcome to the quilting world! Happy Quilting.
Forgot to tell you that I LOVE your fabric choices and the design is amazing.
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