It was a perfect weekend. I got in lots of sewing time, and completed the two Kim Diehl projects that were the focus of the two classes I took with her during my recent trip.
The first project was the easiest as far as machine applique is concerned. Only those easy little leaf shapes which came out pretty well. I was over zealous with the application of both glue stick and quilters basting glue, and had a difficult time removing the freezer paper, which was a nail biting experience. I was so afraid I was going to accidently rip something crucial and ruin the whole project. That didn't happen, fortunately.
The little half square triangles finish at 1 inch, isn't that crazy? Plus, they were made by just cutting out triangle shapes and sewing them together, instead of my preferred method of cutting out squares, drawing a diagonal line, sewing it, then trimming the half square triangles down to size. I did it Kim's way this time, and had no issues there either.
So far so good! This little table topper is called Idaho Lily, and will be a great addition to my holiday decor come Christmas.
The second project, Hopscotch, was more ambitious as far as the applique went. I have to make a confession. I am finding I don't really enjoy the process of turning the edges of applique pieces over before appliquing them on. The whole freezer paper thing--cutting out the paper, afixing it to the fabric, cutting out the tiny pieces, then trying to get those edges pressed under crisply with no puckers and without burning my finger tips right off--sigh, I wasn't loving the process. And Lordy, all that glue to hold the pieces down. Glue everywhere.
The whole entire point of this method is that with an invisible machine applique stitch, it really truly does look like hand applique. It is such a production though. I'd almost rather just do needle turn hand applique.
But machine applique is so much faster, and fun too. If you do it with fusible web and raw edge. I know this defeats the purpose of the amazing appearance one gets using the turned under edge and machine applique stitch, but I just couldn't hack it. I was not having fun. So I got out the fusible web, ironed those little pieces on the background and used Kim's invisible machine applique stitch. It definitely does not have the finesse of Kim's finished projects, but Done is better than pulling my hair out and putting the thing away in a drawer.
Please don't tell her.
Your secret is safe with me. ha! I have to admit that with the freezer paper needle turn applique (which is the only kind of needle turn applique that I seem to be able to do successfully), I'm nervous about cutting open the back to remove the freezer paper ... I'm worried that I'll snip something I don't want to and/or trim too much so that things all fall apart.
Posted by: Kathy ... aka Nana | September 08, 2014 at 05:03 AM
Both of your projects are very beautiful. And remember, you are the only person who has to be pleased with them. And besides that, quilters are always looking for different ways to do things. You were just being very creative.
Posted by: Margaret | September 08, 2014 at 05:23 AM
They look great, regardless if you used her method or not. I just love those little quilts!
I find that the prep process is so exhausting when all you want is to get started! But if that is the look you are going for, it does reduce your final overall time on the project significantly and it does look fantabulous when it's done!
One thing I didn't emulate when it came to Kim's method is using my fingers to turn the edges over. I used my stiletto and I got the same results without burning my fingers.
Posted by: Sandy M | September 08, 2014 at 05:39 AM
Ha! Quilting is for the quilter is what I always say.
Posted by: Diane Linford | September 08, 2014 at 06:09 AM
Your projects turned out lovely. I use a freezer paper method for appliqué, and love it. I do it slightly different though. I "paint" spray starch around the fabric allowance, then use a small travel iron to turn the edges over. I also use an orange stick (for manicures) to help turn the fabric. Thiis keeps my fingers out of the way of the iron. Once the fabric/template cooles, I just pop the freezer paper out. I can reuse it several times, and I don't have to cut out the back of my quilt to get it out.
Posted by: Lin McQ | September 08, 2014 at 06:12 AM
You have to do what works for you and if you're ok with it, that's all that matters! Good job! I've never done hand turned or the freezer paper method that you talked about. I don't love machine appliqué, so I can't imagine that I'd like this any better!! Can you tell me what the invisible machine appliqué stitch is? Would most sewing machines have it? You've intrigued me.
Posted by: Tracey Holzer | September 08, 2014 at 06:57 AM
Beautiful projects!! One day I want to take a class with Kim Diehl as well
Posted by: Susan B | September 08, 2014 at 07:13 AM
Shabby fabrics has an excellent video series on hand applique with starch and a stiletto.
It sounds like the technique described by Lin above. Excellent results, no removing of freezer paper after the appliqueing as it is removed prior to stitching.
Posted by: Donna M. | September 08, 2014 at 07:21 AM
Standing ovation on these two stellar projects!! Love them both, their sizes, the fabrics, and your determination to finish!
I wondered about using those bias pressing bars for the stems, There's no turning of the small stem "tubes", you sew with the fabric right side out, then trim the seam allowance and press it to the back side of the "tube". You have prefect edges to applique down either by hand or by machine.
These two little quilts will be a joy to see and use forever!
Hugs!
Posted by: Barbara Anne | September 08, 2014 at 07:35 AM
Both are so cute! I understand finding YOUR way to appliqué. I love to needle turn but I really don't like the back basting method. To each their own!
Mary
Posted by: Mary Kastner | September 08, 2014 at 07:42 AM
I too use the starch and freezer paper template method. I love Kim's projects, but for me I didn't like pulling out the freezer paper! Learning her method was very enlightening! She is a wonderful teacher. I am lucky enough to live about 30 miles from her and have taken several of her classes. Your two little quilts are beautiful!
Posted by: Julia | September 08, 2014 at 08:34 AM
Love your Quilts !
Idaho Lily has been on my to do list for sometime !
I also really like to invisible appliqué on my machine . My hands just can not handle doing it by hand
Posted by: Sue Babich | September 08, 2014 at 09:35 AM
We started our What Not's on Sat and I demo'ed for the morning. My LQS is doing the kits and a class for $25/month and the turnout was fabulous. I'm going to make the Lily next, but will use my fast FG method and the Easy Angler ruler for those 1/2 squares. When we get to applique, I will demo basting the edges down to the FP and hand stitching. These are pretty tiny pieces to teach Kim's method, especially for newbies. Love yours, going to start mine today!
ps. do I need to send you picks of my curved project or are you just going to link back to my blog post?
Posted by: Sharon | September 08, 2014 at 10:32 AM
Both look really great and hey, quilting should be fun and done the way we enjoy....go for it!
Thanks
Posted by: gailss1 | September 08, 2014 at 04:26 PM
Haha...I won't say a word! I'm a fusing, machine stitching kind of gal. I'm working on a Baltimore quilt that will take me years to finish even using the easy method.
Posted by: Jeanna | September 08, 2014 at 05:36 PM
Your projects turned out pretty! Way to go!!
This year I used Shabby Fabrics U tube directions to give appliqué a whirl. Was able to put together Bunny Hill's pattern of Henrietta Whiskers. As a beginner I was slow but enjoyed the outcome.
Posted by: Beverly | September 08, 2014 at 06:07 PM
I actually really enjoy hand needle turn appliqué. But sometimes I just want to be done so I use fusible web and machine appliqué - just like you did. Your project turned out great!
Posted by: Jackie | September 08, 2014 at 06:07 PM
Both projects look great. I wish I took Kim's class at Buggy Barn this year because they are closing.
Posted by: wendy | September 08, 2014 at 08:23 PM
How you did it isn't important. What matters is that you did it, that you enjoyed it, that you finished it, that it looks great and that you feel good about it. A whole lot of positives, and a good-looking finish!
Posted by: Debbie R. | September 09, 2014 at 09:05 AM
Both projects are beautiful!
Posted by: Jeanne Meddaugh | September 16, 2014 at 05:25 PM