Filaments

With fabrics and patterns strewn about,

leftover bits headed for the wastebasket,



trusty little iron heated up,

appliques ready to glue (a perky polka dot tray makes it much more fun),

and 32 hours of audiobooks from the library,

you just know there's some serious binge appliqueing scheduled!

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In anticipation of an upcoming "Applique Buffet" workshop that I am teaching in March I felt it was time to resume work on these blocks, last seen on my blog in Feb. 2011 (time sure flies, doesn't it?):

I have done invisible machine applique, using MonoPoly polyester invisible thread. And while I unequivocally love all the threads by Superior there have been times when the invisible has been just a tad annoying.

Although the clear version did have a matte finish, it was still visible at times with a bit of sheen:

Sometimes it didn't want to spool off nicely no matter how I positioned it (although the new Thread Holder should solve that problem!). However, it was convenient to use since I could applique over everything with just one thread. But still, not my top favourite thread.

 Thanks to Bob & Heather Purcell for improving MonoPoly ! I have now changed my tune, and there's a little spring to my step. This thread is  easier to use, with smooth even spooling off the side. No hiccups:

Better look to it with less sheen. These applique shapes have been stitched with the Clear version :

My latest 2 blocks finished, bringing me to the halfway mark:

Eventually this will look something like Lori Smith's pattern:

And if you have always considered applique the "A" word then have your guild or shop book the "Applique Buffet" workshop . A taste of various techniques, and an opportunity to use all the threads by Superior. (This is a technique workshop - no project = no UFO).

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Hello to you too, my new friend! I'm sure we'll be very happy together. Especially with all the beautiful stitches you have:

But, looking at a printed icon is not exactly the same as seeing that beautiful stitch in action.

So yesterday's project was a simple, but useful one. Make a stitch library! I cut plain fabric into 8½" x 11" pieces, and then backed them with Ricky Tims' Stable Stuff so that they wouldn't pucker. I chose a high sheen 40 wt. trilobal polyester to really show off the stitches ( Art Sudio Colors by Ricky Tims ). And then got down to stitching:

Each stitch sample was numbered, and the default setting was also noted. The latter will come in handy when I audition potential stitches - I'll be able to tell quickly whether or not to alter either the length or the width to get a suitable look. Remember, the default is just a place for the computer to go to. It does not necessarily indicate the optimal setting for your purposes. Just like the tension, you are allowed to adjust that dial!

Ten pages of stitches, in their page protectors, ready to pop into a binder for future reference.

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A little January treat is always in order. This flying bird has brought me something:

And quickly too, considering the distance:

I have a weak spot in my heart for fabric with text. More specifically - Japanese fabric with text. I was not disappointed:

"Made in Lithuania"? That's wonderful! I've been there a few times while over in Latvia.

And tucked in with my lovely fabrics was a little surprise. Thank you, Ayumi!

And if you too have that weak little spot then visit Ayumi at her blog and etsy shop !

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Once upon a time, I bought this pattern because I just knew it would be fun to make:

And it was. Lots of fun picking fabrics, fusing. Then I had a dozen blocks sitting around. For a very, very long time.

Do you have the Sept. 2008 issue of American Quilter magazine?

Great article by Ricky Tims on how he likes to applique, using a double blanket stitch with both length and width set at 2.0mm. Hmmm, maybe it was time to unearth those blocks and give it a go!



 A 40 wt. high sheen trilobal polyester is used in the top to accentuate the stitching, and of course I have just the thread - Nature Colors :

A note about needle size. A Topstitch 90 is usually the recommended size for a 40 wt. thread. However, because these stitches are so close together I thought I'd try a smaller size Topstitch 80 . No problems, works perfectly. Don't be afraid to experiment!

  Bottom Line 60 wt. poly went in the bobbin - because of it's very fine weight it will not build up even with the dense stitching. And I always stabilize my applique on the back, using Ricky Tims' Stable Stuff . This prevents any "tunnelling" of the fabric and ensures that the stitches are perfect.

I haven't finished tying-off all my threads, but this is what the back looks like before the stabilizer is removed:

By using a dense stitch at a small setting a very definite ridge of colour is added to the edge of the applique shapes:

Rather than use blending colours I have opted for a bit of contrast:

It looks like these blocks now have a future!

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