This is as far as I got over the past weekend. There are three apples down on and the one on the far right is glued on, ready to be stitched. Since Sunday, I have not had one single second to work on my applique. (The move to Angels Camp is becoming very REAL. More on that later).
This past weekend, after stitching for a half hour or so, I realized that I had sewn my entire applique project piece to the leg of my pants. (I told you that I wasn't very good at this craft yet). No, I meant to do that. Right. No more of that though. I am on the way to becoming far more skilled.
This week, I have learned a TON of fantastic information that is going to help me become a darn good appliquer. Or a darn better one anyway! A huge thanks to all of you who have commented and emailed me on the techniques that work for you. I hope the rest of you read the comments and learned as much as I did! Incredible amounts of information, and here are just some of the things I am going to start doing immediately:
Use two layers of freezer paper and remove them after the seam allowance is all pressed down. I am assured that I will not lose my crease and the seam allowance will stay put. The double layer of freezer paper is just to give you a sturdy base to iron the seam allowance down under. I feel like a dumb bell for thinking I had to leave it under the applique piece until I sewed almost all the way around it, then remove it with tweezers. I was making that step WAY to hard.
Use the Roxanne glue applicator or a toothpick to apply the Baste It glue. No more big blobs of glue on my pieces, only the teensiest dots. Dot, dot, dot, not a lot...One reader sent me that phrase and I can't get it out of my head. (Is that what they call an ear worm? Just asking..).
Use silk thread because it disappears into the applique piece. I actually have tried this and it is like sewing with an invisable hair. You cannot even see your stitches on the top piece of the fabric.
I tried using a glue stick (The Lapel Stick actually) instead of starch on one of my leaf shapes, and it worked great too. I don't know at this point which method I like best. I am leaning towards the starch method because I really like what happens when you use your iron to press the seam allowance down. That starch gives you such a nice crisp edge.
As far as the mini iron I ruined goes, I may purchase another one. Maybe a different brand. I am on the fence. That lousy stand has pretty much put me off the Clover mini iron for now. I may just use my Rowenta travel iron. That is going ok for now. And, to those of you who suggested various methods to remove the melted plastic----Once that plastic is melted onto the metal, there is nothing on this earth that will take it off again. It isn't like a bit of applique glue or fusible stuff that gets melted onto your iron. This iron is now permanently plastic coated.
I think I need to buy that Pearl Pereira DVD on her applique methods. So many of you recommended it.
Finally, you have persuaded me that cutting out some of the bulk behind my applique pieces will not affect the strength and durability of my final project. In fact, it makes a better finished look and is a boon if you are going to do any hand quilting.
A thousand hugs and kisses to all of you who took the time to leave comments this week! So many more people than just me have benefited from your experience and knowledge.
As for what is coming up for next week...Let the packing begin, is all I have to say about that! I will be buried in boxes, packing paper, bubble wrap and piles of household stuff to donate for the foreseeable future.
Your apple-a-day project looks wonderful! Applause for your accomplishment, for all you've learned, and for all I've learned! Good summary, too.
I did have to laugh at your stitching the apple to your clothes but it was just a little laugh!
Wishing you well as you pack, pack, ponder, and pack some more. Consider having a pile of "not sure" and don't move things from there to the "toss" or "donate" piles until you ARE sure. It is nigh onto impossible to get something back once it's gone. I know what I'm saying is true.
Stay cool!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | June 10, 2011 at 05:40 AM
WOW I have been away a few days and you are really making progress on this. Way to go. Your apples are looking really good..
Posted by: Sue Bennett | June 10, 2011 at 06:37 AM
When my daughter was about ten, I was teaching her to embroider. She worked so hard for about an hour on her pillowcase, then found she had stitched the whole thing to the leg of her jeans. I think that's the last time she's ever held a needle.
Your "apple-lique" is very nice.
Posted by: Susan Ramey Cleveland | June 10, 2011 at 06:42 AM
It has been fun watching your progress. I had to LOL when you mentioned you sewed your applique to your pants. Thanks goodness I'm not the only one to have done that! VBG
Posted by: LoriD | June 10, 2011 at 08:04 AM
You go girl!! I enjoyed reading "Nicole's Adventures in Appliquing!" ;0 Man, that iron thing is just WRONG.
Posted by: ina | June 10, 2011 at 08:13 AM
Nicole - you brightened my day! Have fun this weekend with your packing and maybe a bit of sewing thrown in for good measure. The "apple-lique" (like Susan called it), is so adorable! It will be great when finished.
Posted by: sillysally | June 10, 2011 at 08:14 AM
I love reading about your applique journey!
Laura T
Posted by: Laura Tawney | June 10, 2011 at 08:34 AM
Yes, you had wonderful suggestions!! I learned a few things too. Your project looks fabulous already. You are really moving right along. Sewing to the pants...totally something I've done. LOL!
Posted by: Linda | June 10, 2011 at 08:46 AM
I have sewn my applique piece to my clothing too. You might try placing a small pillow in your lap, that helped me to have something to rest on and to not sew my clothing to the block....and no, I didn't sew it to the pillow.
Good luck,
Gloria
gyates625@bellsouth.net
Posted by: Gloria | June 10, 2011 at 09:08 AM
Apples are adorable! What a great contrast you gave them with your bands of fabric. Sorry about your pants, hope they weren't ruined, but thanks for the chuckle!
Glad you're getting plenty of terrific tips and passing them along :)
Good luck with the packing. Hold your stomach in while you are doing all that bending and you'll be toned up in no time, lol!
Posted by: AnnieO | June 10, 2011 at 09:17 AM
Love your apple piece! Looks fab.
Posted by: Luned | June 10, 2011 at 09:20 AM
I used to do a lot of applique but I haven't lately. Seeing your posts has got me thinking about tackling it again. I like a slower pace in my sewing lately and I find applique relaxing. Good luck with your move. You are going to love being near your grandaughter. My 2 yo grandson is asleep at my house with me as I write this. Pure Joy.
Posted by: Chris | June 10, 2011 at 09:57 AM
I'm laughing with you, Nicole - I can't tell you how many times I've sewn something to what I was wearing at the time! I really loved reading all your comments this week - and learned a few things that I will try for sure! I'm glad with everyone's help that you're well on your way to being a master appliquer! Having packed and moved to another city recently I have only one piece of advice - takes lots of breaks and keep in mind the wonderful place you're going to when the going gets tough!
Take Care!
Posted by: Candace | June 10, 2011 at 10:41 AM
Good luck with your move! Thanks for being so real and honest about your learning progress :-)
Posted by: Michele | June 10, 2011 at 11:19 AM
Love your blog and feel your growing pains learning a new technique. It is absolutely worth it! "Applique" used to be the "A" word to me until I took several classes, each teaching a different technique. I found my favorite method combining techniques from each class. What works for me: doubled freezer paper ironed on the wrong side with the starch method using the tip of my Rowenta travel iron and a sturdy awl to hold down the starched seam allowance as I work around the piece; removing the freezer paper after the piece has cooled; either machine basting or using small applique pins to keep my pieces in place (for me, the glue creates an extra step with having to wash it out at some point and if it gets near the edge, the needle doesn't easily go through the fabric); and hand stitching using the ladder stitch. Great tip from the best hand stitcher I know: as you pull out your needle with each stitch, pull the needle across your body (in the direction of the stitching) rather than pulling up which tends to be more natural. This will help secure your piece to the background fabric and help hide your stitches.
Choose the methods that work best for you. Enjoy the process. It's addictive! :) I'd love to send you an "oiler" I use to help apply the starch. I'll email you.
Mona
Posted by: Mona | June 10, 2011 at 03:48 PM
Hi, Nicole - Do you know about Sandra Leichner? She has a fabulous blog and she has beyond-belief applique skills! The site below discusses her feels about the "old fashioned" methods of applique vs what some are doing today.
http://sandraleichner.com/wordpress/2009/03/09/have-i-become-a-dinosaur/
Karen L.
Posted by: Karen L. | June 11, 2011 at 06:56 AM
I've enjoyed following your applique journey. Sounds like you've worked out a lot of issues.
I wish you could just skip the packing and moving part, and just be there already. Just keep telling yourself it will all be over soon! ?-)
Posted by: Kim | June 11, 2011 at 06:18 PM
Pearl Pereria also glue bottles with applicator tips. I got mine and love them.
I recently had a class from Pearl at Asilomar. Was fabulous.
Posted by: Liz | June 12, 2011 at 04:17 AM
Clover does make a large tip you can use to replace the tip ruined by the plastic stand at a cost of about $10. So your mini iron can be salvaged if you are willing to put more money in to it.
Posted by: shelly j | June 12, 2011 at 06:24 PM
The apples are looking great. You absolutely did an awesome job in making/stitching all of them. I'm sure you'll do a great job with your project. Good luck!
Posted by: Beginning Quilting Now | June 12, 2011 at 11:18 PM