Ending the Year with a New Project
In the hustle and bustle of Christmas what am I doing? Starting a new quilting project. Heck, why not? For several months I've been doodling my project idea around some original artwork that my friend Maureen drew for our potential fabric line. It's sweet, it's cute, it's challenging. I just had to get started! The quilt has already been given a name--Lollipop Parade. Although the only thing with lollipops is the main fabric. The name might change as the quilt develops, but for now the name just makes me smile.
There are so many steps to making a quilt. Picking the pattern, selecting the fabrics, cutting, piecing or appliqueing, assembling, finishing, and enjoying. There's something about each step along the way that is so exciting too me. As I've been the one designing the pattern, I've found this process very personal. What do I like best about quilt designs? What quilts really grab my attention and why? Do I prefer piecing or applique? Or a combination? Several of the quilts I have been designing are pieced. What is my style? Exploring all of these things has really been exciting. Lollipop parade is going to combine piecing and applique. I'll give you updates along the way. As I explore what form of applique I'm going to use, tell me what your favorite applique techique is. Do you do traditional needle turn? Do you only use fusible web? Are you a fan of any particular designer's method? What's been your best luck for getting great applique shapes?
On to the fabric selection. This step I love. I know I inherit this from my grandmother. She was so good at selecting fabrics and putting together colors. My mother is equally talented in selected wools for her hooked rugs. Visualizing how a big hunk o'fabric will cut done into a little square is a fun challenge. I love lots of variety in my quilts. If the quilt needs yellow, doesn't everyone use 6 different yellow prints in that one spot? Here's my starting spot for Lollipop parade.
There are so many steps to making a quilt. Picking the pattern, selecting the fabrics, cutting, piecing or appliqueing, assembling, finishing, and enjoying. There's something about each step along the way that is so exciting too me. As I've been the one designing the pattern, I've found this process very personal. What do I like best about quilt designs? What quilts really grab my attention and why? Do I prefer piecing or applique? Or a combination? Several of the quilts I have been designing are pieced. What is my style? Exploring all of these things has really been exciting. Lollipop parade is going to combine piecing and applique. I'll give you updates along the way. As I explore what form of applique I'm going to use, tell me what your favorite applique techique is. Do you do traditional needle turn? Do you only use fusible web? Are you a fan of any particular designer's method? What's been your best luck for getting great applique shapes?
On to the fabric selection. This step I love. I know I inherit this from my grandmother. She was so good at selecting fabrics and putting together colors. My mother is equally talented in selected wools for her hooked rugs. Visualizing how a big hunk o'fabric will cut done into a little square is a fun challenge. I love lots of variety in my quilts. If the quilt needs yellow, doesn't everyone use 6 different yellow prints in that one spot? Here's my starting spot for Lollipop parade.
I use the Heat and Bond lite. After I iron the appliques on I use my sewing machine to sew it on with a blanket stitch or other decorative stitch. I try not to overlap when possible as the appliques get quite stiff if you add layers. However I think with washing the item becomes less stiff.
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Since I'm not very proficient in needle turn applique, I use a small amt. of fusible to hold in place and then do a hand buttonhole/blanket stitch. I enjoy doing the hand work while listening to TV
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I only do fusible, I'm too much of a duffer when handsewing to do needleturn-it looks like a five year old did it. My favorite part of quilting is playing with fabric, maybe that's why I have so much.
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