Friday, August 8, 2014

A Bit of Hand Applique

I was fortunate to luck into a last minute cancellation for a class with Becky Goldsmith yesterday
It was on her methods and tips for hand applique and included the pattern for the lower right bird block.  The full quilt pattern is here if you are interested.

It was a good class, I use fusible applique much more often than needle turn but was happy to learn some new tricks on how to make pointy points and she had a very interesting technique for making templates involving laminate.  She also talked up finger pressing rather than ironing and starch which I will admit worked well in class and is a much less involved prep.  She has many of her lessons posted to her blog here if you would like to check out the techniques.

She also told us that we should definitely absolutely prewash all our fabrics...which I have never done...not sure I have it in me to wash the "stash"...hmmmmm...

On an extra happy note, my friend Liz also got a last minute spot in the class and it was great to get a visit in with her :)

6 comments:

Carol Swift said...

How fun! I've never done a needle turn applique, but I'd still love to see it done. I don't prewash my fabric for my quilts and don't think I'll be throwing my stash in the machine anytime soon. I always prewashed fabric when I sewed clothes just in case they shrunk to a size too small.

Siouxzq64@gmail.com said...

I know I definitely don't have it in me to prewash my stash. I just got it all folded!

BillieBee (billiemick) said...

Sounds like a fun class.....yikes I don't prewash either.

Sparky said...

there is nothing like learning new techniques...you are such a good student too
ohhh I seldom prewash..unless I get fabric from a smoker..it has happened lol

StitchinByTheLake said...

I used to do a lot of hand applique and loved it but I do more machine applique these days - I love it too but the primary motivator is time of course. :) blessings, marlene

Linda said...

How fortunate for you!! That quilt is beautiful. I'm sure you will enjoy trying out your new found skills!