Wednesday, August 28, 2013

Work in Progress - Winter Apple Needle Turn Appliqué

By Blackbird Designs...  Was started more than two years ago and I'm thrilled to report that I'm nearly done with the 4th quadrant of this awesome Lap quilt!
I just LOVE the fabrics and the pattern of this piece.  I was lucky to have attended an appliqué class taught by a good friend, Debbie Wick.  You can see Debbie's finished Winter Apple here.

Isn't Debbie's piece beautiful?  She had her piece quilted by an amazing long arm quilter locally.  I only hope that mine will finish as beautifully as hers. On this piece I plan to outline stitch all of the appliqué and then have a hand at a little More McTavishing!  Woohoo I'm so excited.

Below is pomegranate #2 on the final quadrant just waiting to be stitched.
Here is quadrant #1 which was finished a LONG time ago and is therefore very wrinkled.
Here is quadrant #2... And there is another one just like it completed as well.
I'm thinking this weekend I'll stitch, stitch, stitch and get this flimsy done!

I am using Mettler #60 fine embroidery thread and some Auriful #50 as well.

I am also using Clover Gold Eye Appliqué Needles (No. 12) 

I mark my darker fabrics with soap stone and use Sew Line or Primsacolor Verithin pencils... Both are awesome!

Thanks for stopping by today! 
Karen

20 comments:

  1. I have only tried needle turn applique once, and although I enjoyed it the result was not as I had hoped. Yours look so perfect!

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    1. Hi Marelize, don't give up on trying... It's not really perfect ;). Honestly, i find that some days my stitching is right on and others it is not. I've been stitching for a few years and have tried many different methods (thanks to some awesome master appliqué teachers locally). It takes time to find your groove, and like everything else it is so worth it! If I can help at all please email me, send me pics, or whatever helps. Thanks for stopping by and for your very kind words.

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    2. I think the quality of the stitches is affected by the fabric we use. Some fabrics are fine weave and high thread count making hand stitching more difficult. Our ancestors used a lot of muslin and cottons that were not as processed as we have today.

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  2. Lovely, I too am working on an appliqué quilt. Appliqué has always been my favorite type of quilting. Yours is stunning! The edges are so smooth.

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    1. Kristin, I looked at your quilt! Oh my goodness it is beautiful! And you are hand quilting it too - wow ! You have more patience than me. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words...

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  3. What a beautiful quilt and your applique is awesome! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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    1. Thanks Connie! I just loved the patten and it looks so beautiful when it is completed.... Appreciate you stopping by and your kind words.

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  4. Karen...this is beautiful! Applique is my very favorite past time...just love it. Your quilt is coming along great...can't wait to see it finished! I'd love to come by and sit a spell with you...with fabric in my lap!

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    1. Hi Karen! Isn't it wonderful to have such a relaxing and rewarding pastime as appliqué ? I find an overall calming effect when I sit and stitch. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. Congratulations on your beautiful Pumpkin Spice pattern and your awesome long arm adventures! I hope to be there with you one day :). Now I just need Scotty to beam me to Oregon and we can share a sit and sew! Sounds fantastic! Hugs, Karen

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    1. Thanks Christa! I fell in love with the design and the fabric years ago. I am so excited to be nearly done with the flimsy - matter of fact tonight I stitched all but one leaf of the last pomegranate ! Yippee! Thanks again for stopping by. Love your blog and need to jump on one of your future quilt a longs... Great stuff!

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  6. Thats really lovely. You have great patience. Looks beautiful.

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    1. Thank you Ruth and welcome to the world of quilting! I just love your projects - you learn fast don't you? Beautiful work. Thanks again for stopping by.

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  7. beautiful applique!

    Thank you so much for sharing at Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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    1. Thank YOU Kelly for the awesome Linky Party and for sharing your inspirational projects. Have a wonderful day!

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  8. Karen,

    That is an absolutely gorgeous block. I just love the colors!

    Thanks for stopping by to visit. Might be a while before I can share the official news -- but I am definitely working toward making it happen. :o)

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    1. Thanks Wendy! I'm very excited to be so near completion with it... Then I get to practice some more McTavishing! Woohoo! Can't wait to hear your news - so very exciting. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words! Hugs, Karen

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  9. Hello Karen,
    ...this is so beautiful!
    Your quilt is coming along great...can't wait to see it finished!

    Hugs Klaudia (Germnay)

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    1. Hello Klaudia ! Thanks so much for stopping by and commenting! I just love doing appliqué and was fortunate that my friend Debbie had the quilt fabric kitted for her students... Thanks again for your kind words !

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  10. This looks so perfect Karen! Great pics for showing how to do it too. I haven't tried this technique yet, but you sure do make it look easy when it looks this nice:)

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