When I applique I usually turn the edges under and pin them but this time I tried something different. I used a running stitch to hold the folded edges in place. It worked well except where I turned the edge in too much or too little. But it was easy to adjust and I didn't miss trying to keep the thread from tangling in the pins.
I left the top of the basket and both sides of the handle unstitched because I'll be adding stems behind the handle.
The background for this basket is about 21" x 25". It's much bigger than any applique I've ever done. I hope it's still lays flat after I've appliqued all the pieces. (I feel so brave even attempting this challenge.)
This basket is the center for my Gwen-inspired basket medallion quilt. I don't suppose this looks like it was inspired by Gwen which is because it really wasn't. I had this in mind before the medallion quilt-along was announced. I anticipate the subsequent borders will give me plenty of opportunities to hone some new improv and liberated quilt-making skills.
I'm linking this post to Slow Sunday Stitching at Kathy's Quilts.
--Nancy.
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What a great idea ... having to untangle the thread from the pins is one is the reasons why I am reluctant to appliqué. Did you baste the edges under on the basket alone or in place on the background fabric? I love the fabric you chose for your basket.,
ReplyDeleteWhen I was working on the stars, with all the pins around the edges, the first 6 or 8 stitches were a little complicated because the thread always caught on the pins. I had to be so careful. It was much easier to stitch this basket without the pins.
DeleteI thread-basted the edges on the basket fabric, then used 3 or 4 pins to hold it in place on the background fabric. If I'd needed more pins I might have basted it to the background fabric.
I like the basket fabric, too, Kathy. I hope it turns out to be a good choice when I learn what the next border suggestions are.
Nice basket fabric!! I have read that some people fingerpress their edges under and since cotton has a memory, it makes it simpler to turn your edges under. I think you are brave to take this on. I am no good at improv.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jennie. The basket fabric was sort of a last-minute thought.
DeleteI haven't had much success with finger-pressing unless I press hard and long. I think, for me, doing the running stitch around the edges is easier and quicker.
As I work on this applique I'm trying to feel brave but my self-doubt seems to get in the way. We'll see if I can succeed at improve, at medallions (with all the borders), with liberated quilting. Ha! We'll see.
Thanks for visiting and leaving a comment. I appreciate it.
Way to be brave and try something new! It looks great from here!
ReplyDeleteI finger press the edge and that seems to help. I also use very tiny 1/4" applique pins that rarely catch the thread. Hope you enjoy it!
Thanks, Kathy. As I so often do, I'm having second thoughts. I'll just keep going...
DeleteTiny applique pins are a great idea. Maybe I'll give them a try.
I'm always excited when I find an easier way to applique that gives me the look I want - great thinking!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Teresa. It's probably not something I would have tried except I noticed that people who paper-piece sometimes thread-baste. I didn't use paper on the back but the thread-basting worked without it.
DeleteIt really looks good to me. I like your basket fabric.
ReplyDeleteI am impressed with your bravery. I continue to be a coward where applique is concerned.
Thanks, Janet. I like the basket fabric -- a last-minute guess that it might work -- but I hope it doesn't make subsequent borders more difficult.
DeleteI'm not feeling very brave just now. I basted the stems today after looking at them for a few days. Now that I've cut the fabric, basted it, and laid it on the background fabric with the flowers at the end I'm wondering if the stems are too skinny. I don't think I've ever followed a pattern but this creating my own as I go along my be the biggest challenge so far. We'll see if I can muster enough bravery to keep going (and whether it's a success or a failure)!
I think some people just aren't interested in applique (as opposed to being a coward). I probably wouldn't be appliqueing except I needed something to do when I had to just sit and couldn't sew at the machine.
Hello, I was inspired by your basket and used one in a mug rug I made recently for a friend who loves baskets! I didn't applique any flowers because they were in the background fabric!
ReplyDeletehttp://culturepatch.canalblog.com/archives/2016/08/27/34238592.html
Good luck with the rest of the Gwennie Inspired Medallion quilt. Seeing your more recent posts, I think you're doing great!
Hi, Beatrice. I went to your blog post and tried to leave a message but I don't think it published.
DeleteThanks you so much for your comment, for letting me know that you created a basket like mine, and for linking back to my post. I really appreciate that.
Your mug rug is beautiful. I think you reproduced the shape of the basket on my blog perfectly! And I like how you used the flowered background, too.
I've been wanting to begin another applique project but didn't have any great ideas. Seeing this basket in a smaller version has given me a gentle nudge to give it some thought. Maybe my basket will go from me to you and back to me again!
Thanks again.