Who doesn't love the quick and easy quilt pattern that gives us the instant gratification of a finished project? I know I do. I've several go to quilt patterns that will stitch up in an day and be ready for use in within 48 hrs. But my all time favorite quilts are appliqued. Just the tiniest of applique gives a quilt an extra kick and WOW factor. Some say they are out of style and way to much work but I think every quilter needs to make at least one FABULOUS quilt in their lifetime. Even though it may take a lifetime to make it!...LOL!
So far my determination for finishing this quilt UFO hasn't diminished. Stealing a few minutes here and there to make a few more applique pieces.
Many quilters say it's too time consuming to make applique. True, it does take a bit of time. So this week I decided to time how long it took to make one orange flower below. From plain fabric to one finished flower it took 30 minutes. Now you need understand that is three applique pieces for one flower. This process could be sped up by using a Go Cutter or fusible applique. You can even find some kits out there that the applique pieces are already cut for you. All you have to do is stitch them in place.
Applique is also very messy. I cleaned up a little bit in the picture below so you wouldn't know just how messy I really can be. The picture below was taken to show you my tip of the day. See the rug under my table? That's a bath mat. It's one of those really soft one's that has foam inside. It also has a rubber backing that stops it from sliding across my tile floor. The fluffiness of this mat keeps my sewing machine foot petal from sliding when in use. And the number one reason for using this mat is...It keeps my bare feet off the cold tile floors.
If you're interested in the quilt pattern I'm making you can find it in the previous blog post.
~ Lea Anne ~
Your applique project is very pretty, and certainly worth all the effort.
ReplyDeleteThis is going to be a wonderful runner. I so agree when I go to quilt shows it is the applique ones that stand out for me, one day I will master the art but feel I want to do needle turned not fusible. I use a bit of drawer liner on the floor for my foot pedal which works well on the tiles but a bath mat woud be better especially a big one as my feet could be on it too and they would be a lot warmer than the tiled floor, if I ever move again I will not go for tiling far too cold!
ReplyDeleteI love applique also and this is going to be a beautiful and special quilt when finished Lea Anne. I also downloaded this pattern from Erin......in 2011 and still haven't made it. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIf all we want is fast... there is always the Bed and Bath Store or Walmart for a bed cover... Or the dollar store for a wall hanging.
ReplyDeleteAnd haven knows McDonalds can make a burger and fries faster then I can!
There u are, I have missed you, hugs sweetie
ReplyDeleteYour applique' pieces are inspiring, as is your encouragement and enthusiasm for the art of applique' !
ReplyDeleteI have only appliqued a little, but do love it so much when the quilt is all finished! I try to enjoy the preparation journey, too. Your photos of the applique' pieces are so pretty!!
Susie
You have been busy making leaves! The border is going to be gorgeous. Great idea about using the bathmat to keep the pedal from sliding. Thanks!
ReplyDeleteLots of pretty flowers in your future...and thank you for the wonderful tip about the bathmat.....my toes are cold and having to search for where that darn pedal went...I will be finding me a soft fluffy one for my sewing room...
ReplyDeleteI love applique - but I tend to use it to cover up my mistakes on my quilts (I am still learning).
ReplyDeleteBeautiful colors in your planned applique. I love to look at applique, but am not patient enough to want to make one. Enjoy your stitching time.
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you have a very efficient production line going there.
ReplyDeleteI love appliqué but have only done a tiny bit of it. I love all your pretty work; you use the best fabric and pattern combo's! One day I will take an appliqué class and get more comfortable with the technique!
ReplyDeleteHum, a cushy mat to hold your presser foot? I sew on carpet so I'm not sure it would work for me. Your appliqué looks great. I should finish one of the ones I've started but not finished!
ReplyDeleteYour applique work is so pretty! Yes, it is time consuming, but oh so worth it! At this point, I have only admired appliqued quilts, but one is definitely in my future! Thank you for your inspiring post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful applique project! Time consuming...but I'm sure it's also stress relieving. ;)
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