Thursday, February 27, 2014

Needle Turn Applique Catch Up and Process

Getting caught up on my "Quilting the Garden" BOM by Blackbird Designs.  A good friend and mentor of mine, Debbie Wick, made the quilt years ago and small group of close friends meet at Debbie's house each month to work on our own versions of this beautiful quilt with Debbie's guidance.

Here is the latest block we're working on, Summer Cottage, this is an image of Debbie's finished block.  Awesome isn't it?  She does fantastic work...
And here is the same block from the "Quilting the Garden" book: (I don't remember if this is Alma's or Barb's block - sorry).
My Summer Cottage block currently looks like this - The roof is ready to stitch down.
 What do you think of those side windows ?  Don't they look like stained glass?  The fabric was a  special gift from Debbie.  Love them.
Love that background fabric too!  Another special gift - thank you my friend.
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In case you're interested in the process -- I've outlined some details:

*** NOTE:  If you're new to Needle Turn Applique and want to learn more, you can reference "Teardrops of Love - a needle turn applique tutorial" on my blog header tabs.  There is an in-depth 4 part tutorial documented there. ***

The grass has some areas that are needle turned and some that can be left raw because another applique piece will be placed on top of it.

To transition from one area to the next first snip the fabric at the transition mark, travel with a running stitch to the next transition, snip the fabric again, and continue with your needle turn.
When you prepare the piece for needle turn, don't mark the areas that can be left raw - this will be your clue to transition from turning to raw edge.  Be sure to give yourself a comfortable amount of leeway so you don't end up with raw edge where you need needle turn.  At the end of the turned area, snip or clip the fabric so it will lay flat and then travel with a running stitch to the next area that will be turned.  Here is another view:
Below is the completed view.  The raw edge area will have a flower pot positioned on top of it.
Another important tool for applique piece placement is an overlay.   There are several tools you can use including the Dritz overlay sheets or thin clear vinyl.  I use the Dritz flimsy clear sheets (it comes on a roll), trace the edges of the critical pieces on the sheet with a dry erase marker, and then use the marked overlay to position each applique piece.   When you're not using the overlay it has enough "cling" to hang on a clean painted wall. 
Using the overlay for the grass placement.
Using the overlay for the house placement.  It's hard to tell from this picture but the needle turn lines are drawn on the pink house and should line up exactly under the overlay lines of the same.
A view of placing the roof - I'm making progress.
Here are some of the other blocks I have going - Block1 - my poor little bird still needs to be stitched.
Detail view:
I love the star -- it's an old Blackbird Design fabric !!  Woohoo!
Block 2 -- remember I worked on this one when we went to San Diego in October -- great place to visit quilt shops !
 Details:

Oh - and the Herb Block -- it's a bit stalled but an easy one to work on in time:  I love the background on this one too!!
That's all for tonight - If you have any questions on the Overlay or the stitching for layering of applique pieces please leave me a comment - I would be happy to try to answer them.
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Have a good week all and stay tuned -- that 100 post giveaway is in the works - and some other exciting news to share with you!

Hugs,
Karen













54 comments:

  1. I so enjoy your blogs. Thanks for sharing.

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    1. Thank you Jacqueline -- I appreciate you stopping by and commenting. Makes it sew much fun! Take care and have a good weekend. Hugs, Karen

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  2. Your blocks are gorgeous. I am envious! Needle turn applique is a process I just never took to, yet love the finished product.

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    1. Karen if you ever decide to give it a try just let me know -- it's a great traveling companion ;) Check out the tutorial on my Blog Header "Teardrops of Love". I was blessed to learn from the best and I hope to share the enthusiasm with others. Thanks for your kind words and have a good weekend. Hugs, Karen

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  3. Lovely work and great tutorial on needle turn. I need to get back to my needle turn and away from so much freezer paper and starch appliqué.

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    1. Thanks Nancy -- needle turn is the first way I learned to applique and I just love it. Thanks for stopping by and for your kind words. Take care, Karen

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  4. Your needle turn applique is beautiful, I love the fabrics you are using .Thanks for the explanation on how you go about this process , I like the overlay idea .

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    1. Thanks Sheila -- I've been in love with those fabrics for years, ever since I saw Debbie's completed quilt -- maybe ? 2010 ? Anyhow -- Miss Rosie had a FQ Bundle for sale in one of her "Stash Sales" last summer and I was fortunate enough to jump on it before anyone else did (this after collecting bits and pieces of the fabric for years). Check out this post to read more -- Carrie (at Miss Rosie's Quilt Co.) is a Gem !! Thanks for your kind words!
      http://karensquiltscrowscardinals.blogspot.com/2013/05/unexpected-act-of-kindness-thanks-rosie.html

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  5. It's all just beautiful-I have not tried too much applique yet

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    1. Thank you Kathy - I appreciate your kind words and that you stopped by. Hugs, Karen

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  6. Wow,wow,my mouth is still open.FABULOUS!!

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    1. Thanks Rosa - you are too sweet. Needle turn is fun ! Appreciate you stopping by. Karen

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  7. You had me with the Cone Flowers!!!! But ALL ARE GORGEOUS!!!!! Great explanation of needle turn, BTW!!!! Hugs........................

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    1. Thanks Doreen -- Those cone flowers were loads of fun -- couldn't you see a big quilt from them ? And all sorts of glorious feathers surrounding them ;) Appreciate your kind words and that you stopped by. Hugs, Karen

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  8. What a lovely posting. Your applique is beautiful... and I love your blocks. The time and patience you take is amazing and i see you are very talented! So ;lovely to see what you are up to and how you do all the workings. The clear page for placement is such a great idea!

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    1. Awe thank you Joan - I really Love to Needle Turn applique - it's very relaxing and rewarding. I appreciate your kind words. Hugs, Karen

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  9. Such beautiful work! What is the name of the overlay product you use from Dritz?

    Karen

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    1. Karen -- this is what I purchased some time ago -- Dritz Longarm Quilter's View Film-20"X25'. I found mine at Joann Fabric and used a 40% off coupon to purchase. A great investment and it does come in handy for test driving Free Motion Quilting patterns as well. I use and re-use a sheet and it doesn't tear or wear out. Thanks for stopping by and for you nice comment. Karen

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  10. Love the fabric you are using!! I've learned about overlays from the Piece o Cake girls but never have used it myself.

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    1. Thanks Lori -- I got the best deal on that fabric from Miss Rosie's Quilt Co last summer -- she (Rosie's mom Carrie) is such a sweetie she even threw in more stuff !! It is Chelsae Boutique by Blackbird design. It's OLD and I'm thrilled to have it. Many of the BB Design blocks are really busy and stuffed full -- so the overlay helps you stay in check -- so you don't end up sewing your applique into your seam allowance later. Best of all you wipe it away when you finish a block and start another with the same sheet. Love it! Have a great weekend lady, xo, Karen

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  11. I love your applique process posts - they are so helpful. And such eye candy! Thanks for sharing, Karen!

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    1. Awe thank you Angie!! It's that process pledge and I don't even have it on my sidebar - prolly should huh ? Thanks for you nice comment and you a wonderful weekend. Hugs, Karen

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  12. Thanks so much for your in process and description, I learned a lot!

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  13. Lovely, Karen. I so enjoy watching the blocks progress and so appreciate your dedication to needle turn. I love applique. Thank you so much for sharing.

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    1. Thank you PS -- I LOVE needle turn applique and I'm glad I can share with others. Appreciate your stopping by and your nice comments.

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  14. Wow! Karen, you are sew talented. Your applique work is mind-blowing, to me. Absolutely beuitful and so much detail :)
    Have a lovely week.
    Your blogging sister, Connie :)

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    1. Hey Connie -- I haven't heard from you in a while! Thanks for stopping by and for your nice comment. You have a wonderful week as well! Hugs, Karen

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  15. Oh those houses are so cute and even better that they are being made with friends. Yes...the little windows look like stained glass. I always love seeing your applique work. Thanks for adding my Tuesday Archives linky button to your blog...next week is applique and applique tips...I'm sure you'll have a lot to link up!! :)With smiles! Val:)

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    1. Oh Val -- congrats on your new linky party -- what a wonderful idea and it will spark a world of sharing. Thanks for your fine feedback - I'm having such fun with these blocks. Can't wait until next weeks party! Hugs, Karen

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  16. I love those summer cottages. The colors are gorgeous! And what a great idea to use that fabric for your windows; it makes them look like stain glass for sure. I started a house quilt with appliqués some time ago and I work on it from time to time... Your post gave me the idea of posting my blocks too. Thanks!
    Oh! And the petals of your rudbeckias (or are they echinaceas?) are beautiful with that fabric. Using flowery fabric for petals is a good idea.

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    1. Hi France -- Oh I can't wait till you post your Summer Cottages - I bet they are darling. Thanks for the fine comments on the ? coneflowers ? The fabric I had to choose from was marvelous - making the journey so much more fun. Appreciate your feedback. Hugs, Karen

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  17. I am just so impressed with all of the hand work involved in this process. you know i don't love hand work, but the finished product is absolutely stunning!

    Thanks so much for sharing at Needle and Thread Thursday!

    :) Kelly @ My Quilt Infatuation

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    1. HI Kelly - thanks so much for hosting the party every week -- your blog and your finished (pieced) projects are always so inspiring. Maybe if I keep posting this "A" word it will rub off on others ? Ya think ? Just picking -- as always I appreciate your feedback. Hugs, Karen

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    1. Deb -- thank you ! It's been my dream to quilt this pattern and slowly it's coming together. I meant to tell you, I just LOVE all the bird pics you post on your blog - I see your posts in the morning and they always bring a smile. Keep up the good work. Karen

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  19. Karen all your blocks are amazing and the windows do look like stained glass
    Cheers Pauline

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    1. Aw thanks Pauline -- having a blast making it! Appreciate you stopping by. Karen

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  20. You do beautiful work. I sure wish I enjoyed applique work more because the results are tremendous. I'll look forward to seeing how your blocks progress.

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    1. Aw thanks Melinda -- I have a blast with Needle Turn Applique - it really is fun to make. When you change your mind and want to give it a try please let me know how I can help. Hand work is so very relaxing... Thanks for your kind words. Karen

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  21. What beautiful work and thanks for the tips. I will never practice enough to become skilled at needleturn but every tip helps.
    Valspierssews

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    1. Thank you so much Val -- I really enjoy working on Needle Turn Applique. Practice, practice, practice... never give up!! Cheers, Karen

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  22. Wow, Karen! This is an absolutely beautiful BOM you're working on. I love needle-turn applique. It's so relaxing and gorgeous. Nothing else quite compares. Thanks for sharing this at BOMs Away! I'm slow visiting because I'm deeply embedded in an archive series in my research, but this made a really great resting break for me. :D

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    1. Hi Lyn - I'm glad you got a break today and really appreciate you stopping by. I just love this pattern by Blackbird Designs -- it's been on my bucket list for years. I really appreciate your kind words. Thanks again for the linky party! Hugs, Karen

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  23. Do you have the pattern for the houses that you could share? I am an old fashion appliquer...I started using coloring books for patterns and the good ol zigzag stitch! I'd love to do something with these houses tho!
    Cheri, the quilting nanny
    www.fabricandmemories.blogspot.com

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    1. Hi Cheri -- The pattern I'm using is from a Copyrighted book but I have seen some other fabulous house blocks for free on the blogs recently. I'll do some digging for you and see what I can come up with. I've sent you an email as well as you're showing as a "no reply" blogger. Thanks for stopping by. Karen

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  24. What beautiful work Karen and the fabric for the windows does look like stained glass! Thanks for sharing.
    Freemotion by the River Linky Party Tuesday

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  25. Thanks Connie -- it's such fun to make. As always -- thanks for the great party and for sharing your beautiful creations with us. Hugs, Karen

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  26. Great tutorial, Karen. I've never used "Needle Turn Applique" method.
    Hugs,
    Gosia

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    1. Oh Gosia you'll have to give it a try one day -- it's so much fun and very relaxing. Thanks for stopping by and for your nice comment. Karen

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  27. Hi!!!! Wow!!!! I followed over from What A Hoot!!!! I am really glad I did!!!! All of your art is just beautiful!!!! Love it all!!!! Thank You

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    1. Aw thank you Carla - I appreciate you stopping by. I hope you stop by again. Karen

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  28. I follow Redbird Quilt Co.on Facebook, thank you!

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  29. I also follow Aurifil on Facebook, thank you so much for the giveaway!

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