One of the challenges with the applique was that Cheri posted the patterns as an image and didn't give a size gauge. I printed the photo but the appliques were too small. I cropped the image and printed it again and decided it was close enough.
The other challenge with the appliques was trying to decide how to stitch them. I turned the edges of the pieces to do my normal method of applique (so they weren't raw edges) and then looked at a close up of Cheri's stitching. It looked to me like hers are raw-edge applique stitched with an overcast stitch perpendicular to the applique. I couldn't decide whether she used a single thread or a double. (Click on the photo below and it will enlarge in a new tab to show details.)
I left my edges turned under and began with two strands of thread, then looked at the photo again and decided she used a single strand of thread. I used both on different pieces. (And it looks like Cheri may have done the same. I still can't decide.)
In the end, I don't know how this method of applique will hold up through washings and dryings since there's no stabilizer on the backs of the pieces. I don't know whether I'll be happy to have used it or wish I'd used the less visible stitches I usually use for applique. I will say stitching these went faster.
This is my finished quilt top. If you compare it to Cheri's you'll notice that I added two more rows of blocks to make a quilt that covers a body for a nap with enough length to tuck in under one's feet. (What's a nap without having your feet tucked in?)
At right are several of my favorite blocks. The first is a very scrappy Maple Star. I'm not sure the names of the others.Getting this top to completion was my One Monthly Goal for July. I'm thrilled to have it finished so early in the month. Linking to One Monthly Goal July Finish Link-up at Elm Street Quilts.
I'm also linking this post to
> Put Your Foot Down at For the love of geese
> Finished or Not Friday at Alycia Quilts
> Peacock Party at Wendy's Quilts and More
> TGIFF at Quilting Gail
> Can I Get a Whoop Whoop at Confessions of a Fabric Addict
> Off the Wall Friday at Nina Marie's blog
Thanks for hosting, ladies.
--Nancy.
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Congratulations on finishing such a pretty top! I have used raw edged appliqué a lot - it's fun to do and I like the texture. I hope you will be happy with yours!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Cynthia. I actually didn't do raw-edge applique. I turned the edges under before I appliqued them because I didn't want the fraying. I'm hoping the stitches I did hold the edges in place so they don't fray!
DeleteIt is a beautiful finish in rich colors. I think the applique looks great, but I am no expert on how stable it may be in the wash.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you on the quilt needing to tuck under the feet, but hubby likes his feet hanging out. Go figure. :)
Thank you, Janet. I'm not sure anyone is sure about how the appliques will hold up. Everyone who left comments thinks they are raw edge which I'm sure would fray. But I turned the edges under. It's anyone's guess and I'll just have to wash and dry after it's quilted and bound and hope it comes through okay.
DeleteI assumed everyone liked to have their feet tucked in for a nap or under the mattress but my son-in-law doesn't even like the sheets tucked in on the bed. He doesn't sleep very well. ;-)
Lovely work on this--the edges should hold up --when I do raw edge applique I use Jude Hill's (Spiritcloth) stab stitch holding method...then do machine applique over that...
ReplyDeletehugs from afar
Julierose
Thank you, Julierose. I actually didn't do raw-edge applique. I turned the edges before appliqueing. Hoping the stitches keep the edges stay turned under after washing and drying.
DeleteGreat finish! There's so much work that went into all these blocks and the applique is a sweet addition--love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Karen. I think the applique adds a bit of interest, too.
DeleteBeautiful! Thanks for the close up pics and analysis of the applique. I usually do needle turn but I'd like to try this more primitive method. Your projects is wonderful and the applique really brings it all to life. PS I have done leaves with a running stitch; when washed the edges lift and fray just a bit; I like the texture and dimension. However I do not wash my quilts a LOT, who knows what 100 years might bring.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lizzy. I appreciate the "beautiful" especially because I know you don't like green.
DeleteI think the stitching on the applique looks primitive but I turned the edges of my applique pieces before stitching them. I'm not a fan of frayed edges on quilts I make which is why I'm hoping the applique stitches hold the edges in place. I won't know till the quilt is finished, washed, and dried. And then I may have some repairs to do, but I hope not.
Nice finish. Yes, Cheri did not give much in the line of instructions for her patterns. She used different applique methods. I suppose it depended on her mood at the time she did the project. I probably would have done a fusible on the back of the applique before stitching if I planned to wash the quilt. I have done some small wall hangings where the designer did not use fusible. The edges fray when you wash but was okay for the display pieces. If I were to do those over, I would have fused or done needle turn.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen. I think Cheri used fusible on the backs of her applique pieces in this particular quilt but I turned the edges of mine which is why I'm wondering if the stitches will hold those edges in place. I'm not a fan of frayed edges on quilts. I probably won't know till the quilt is bound, washed, and dried!
DeleteOh! It turned out delightfully well. I think it's just perfect. I had a hard time figuring out why there was just applique on the top but after seeing your version and the little corner appliques on the bottom corners - it makes complete sense. Your color sense is right on. Doesn't it feel good to get it on to the next stage. How far along on Blue and Gray are you. I don't have a quilt on the frames right now. But, I just finished the binding on one.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Robin. I think the wide border on top and the placement of the applique across the top and at the lower corners is unusual but now that it's finished I think it works.
DeleteDid you just finish quilting Solace -- is that what you call the white/light one? I saw your photo of it on your side bar and think it's gorgeous. Such a calm quilt. That will make several finishes for you this year, won't it? I think you must be a speedy quilter.
Blue and Gray has a long way to go. I'm making slow progress.
Congrats on your finish. I concur, one must raise the legs to tuck a quilt before dozing off. Thank you for linking up to Put your foot down.
ReplyDeleteThank you! And thank you for hosting Put your foot down!
DeleteWhat a nice finish. Love it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Jennie!
DeleteCongrats on the finish! I like the addition of cornerstones for a sampler.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Vicki.
DeleteBeautiful! Congrats on your finish and thanks for being part of One Monthly Goal.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Patty! And thanks for hosting One Monthly Goal every month.
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