Wednesday, August 21, 2013

Wool Appliqué - Making Progress

Making progress on my wool applique "Penny Garland" table topper - a Kim Diehl pattern with modifications!

"Really?" 

My friends and sisters would say?  

"You modified it? -- No way!"

teehee...

Here is a picture of the original Kim Diehl quilt as it hung in our classroom:
I decided to NOT use the fusible applique method that Kim taught... I try to avoid glue and fuse if I can... You work a little harder at getting your pieces to stay in place but because this is a primitive topper...who minds if things are skewed a bit?

I also switched up the center penny design -- instead of a 9 patch I decided on "pennies in the round"... I really love the way it came out.

Here are some close up shots:
The wool applique shapes were traced to freezer paper, ironed on the wool, cut out by hand and stitched on with Pearl Cotton and an overhand stitch.

The vine was made with a Clover Bias Tape Maker and appliqued on with a Metler applique thread.
The berry above is one of my favorite wools in the bunch -- given to me by my friend Debbie... isn't that blue and burgundy awesome ?
These two (above and below) are also my favorites !!  Love those reds...
A neat thing about going to a wool applique class with your friends AND an Instructor that LOVE wool is you share small pieces of wool amongst the group -- it is really fun and your piece is very unique when completed!!

Only a few more berries and leaves to stitch and I'll be ready to trim, layer, baste and quilt.   Kim quilted hers with her big stitch method - but I think I'll practice my Free Motion Quilting on this one -- can't keep me away from that !

Thanks for stopping by everyone!

Linking up to my favorite blogs - check them out on my sidebar and stop by and see some WONDERFUL projects !!

Have a wonderful day!
Karen

16 comments:

  1. I like your version better although they are both very striking.

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    1. Thanks Billie - Kim Diehl has some neat patterns and I was thrilled to just be in the classroom with her. A very creative and dedicated quilter. Thanks for stopping by.

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  2. I like your version better because it is lighter - Kim's is too dark for me. The center is fun with the different size circles. Have fun FMQ-ing.

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    1. Gosh Angie - I struggled with choosing the background fabric - showed up at class with 3 different ones to choose from and was really happy I went lighter color. Kim chooses some funky wool colors too that don't work for me -- but they sure are her style ! Love her work. Thanks for stopping by.

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    1. Thank you Wendy -- that means so much to me ! I really appreciate your taking the time to stop by for a peek. Looking forward to the FMQ on this one -- but as always I'm not good at deciding what to do. I think I'll browse through some Thread Talks ;) I did finish your Annie's class last night (loved it!) -- maybe some pebbles in the works around those pennies huh ? Hugs, Karen

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  4. Well that was fun. Yes I also like the way you placed your pennies in a circle. Cheers Glenda Australia.

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    1. Glenda you are sweet -- thanks so much for stopping by and glad you liked the center pennies. I think it was Doreen that mentioned they were "softer". I like that - I think they are. Hugs, Karen

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  5. I love all of Kim's projects...and love what you have done too!
    Your freemotion pillows are beautiful! Nice work!!

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    1. Thanks for the kind words Karen ! Aren't Kim Diehls projects just amazing -- once you see her trunk show you'll be hooked (I was). There are several on my To Do list -- never enough time in a day. Thanks for the sweet comment about my pillows - I had such fun with them and my sister is really thrilled to have them -- it makes it all worth it.

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  6. I, too, prefer your 'tweaked' pattern. It is softer (center in the round rather than a 'stilted' feeling 9 patch center). I don't use pins or glue to hold the pieces in place but rather a single needle-felting needle applied to each holds well enough to get it sewn down (even on a cotton base). I agree that it's much more fun to work in such a group. Penny rugs use tiny pieces and those are so easy to share. Great/inspirational post!! Hugs.......

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    1. Hi Doreen -- I'll have to learn more about a "needle-felting needle" - I've never used one. Thanks for the comment on that. And I like your word "Softer"... I think that is what I was after -- also round signifies a group or a team or a collection -- so maybe I relate to that more than a 9 patch ? Interesting thoughts...

      Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words.
      Hugs,
      Karen

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  7. We won't tell Kim you changed her pattern. Love your work and talent! When are you going to teach??

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    1. Ah my friend... aren't you sweet ? Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. You know I love this stuff don't you ? I hope to see you soon - I promise I'll be back home before the snow arrives. Hugs, Karen

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  8. Looks great, I like your adjustments!

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    1. Thanks Corina -- I appreciate you stopping by. It was fun to shake things up a bit -- and my sister Michele helped too! Have a wonderful day.

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