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I promise.
I've spent couple of days getting my tutorial ready for the Quilting Gallery Celebrate Christmas Quilt-Along. (You can see little clues in the photo below.)
But at night, I work on Baltimore Christmas.
This block has more than 70 applique pieces!
Thanks to everyone who sent their suggestions, especially Lynette.
The bottom line is that everything was just too big: my basting stitches, my seam allowances and, most importantly, my applique stitches.
Before
After
Not perfect yet, but I can live with this result. (Yes, I did have to redo 12 leaves!)
Another thing I learned was that not all fabric is created equal when it comes to applique. If the weave is too loose, there's a lot of fraying. If the weave is too tight, it gets doubly hard to get those curves smooth.
Remember to come back on Wednesday for my block tutorial.
I hate applique. Actually I don't hate it, I just hate doing it. I have no patience.
ReplyDeleteYour work is really looking good. I applaud your tenacity. It will be a work of art when you are finished!
glen
It's so pretty! I'm jealous of this project. ;D Hey - I forgot to mention one thing that really helps - it is immensely easier to stitch under pieces that I let "marinate" at least overnight after basting them. For that reason, I have two different applique projects going at once, so I can baste one and then stitch on the other each evening.
ReplyDeleteI forgot about that last night and was wondering why it was so much harder to get that durned Baby Jane piece to turn under than usual for that fabric - until I realized I had only just basted those pieces on.
Looking really good! I love applique!
ReplyDeleteWay to go on those curves-- they are looking lovely! You've gotten me all inspired again, and I've been catching up on my applique now. So thank you! :)
ReplyDelete