Hi-diddly-O! Quilting Friends! My recent injuries from tripping over the dog will not keep from sewing. I may not be able to cut fabric but I'm pretty sure I can still manage a few stitches on the sewing machine. So, I pulled my Bumpkin Baskets quilt out of the WIP's cart.
All that's left to do on the Bumpkin Baskets quilt is to stitch the border applique into place using the invisible machine applique method. The appliqued pieces were glue basted in place months ago using Elmers washable school glue in a Roxanne's basting glue bottle. The Elmers is cheaper and works just as well as Roxanne's glue. It was also easier to find locally when I ran out of Roxanne's Basting Glue.
Invisible machine applique can be stitched with any thread that matches your fabric or with invisible thread. I prefer Superior Threads Mono-poly. It's a clear monofilament thread that can hide in almost all fabric. They also sell a brown Mono-Poly to use with darker fabrics. Typically, a walking foot is my go-to for machine applique, but it's a no-go today. Attaching it requires a screwdriver twist, and my sprained wrist just gave me a big thumbs down!
The reading glasses are helpful when working with invisible thread. Especially if your machine is like mine and refuses to thread the needle with the automatic threader. Painting the end of the thread with a black sharpie marker helps when manually threading the needle. I sometimes use the camera on my phone to find the thread, I can zoom in on the thread. It shows up pretty good in the picture below, but I couldn't see it when taking the picture, it must be the angle of the light.
Making the smallest stitch possible is also what helps make the stich invisible. I prefer a very narrow blanket stitch. In the picture below, the left image shows the needle in the background fabric. On the right the needle is in the applique. TINY stitch!
This quilt is my own design, no pattern is available, but you can get an idea of how I made baskets and border at the following links.
The first link shows my inspiration for the basket block.
The second link is the basket block redesigned and used in a small quilt.
Well, I've rambled on long enough. It's time to get this quilt top finished and ready for the quilt frame. Oh, I won't be quilted anytime soon. That will need to wait until sometime next year.
I really like the MonoPoly thread from Superior but my eyes go crazy trying to use it. Lol
ReplyDeleteIt's frustrated to be injured. At least you found something that you can do to scratch the stitching itch.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you were able to do some machine applique. This quilt is so cute, happy stitching!
ReplyDeleteWell at least you can do a little stitching with that wrist, it's hard when we can't do what we want!!
ReplyDeleteHaving an injury and wanting/needing to sew is so hard. I hurt my leg and was told to prop it up and stay off my feet for 2 weeks. Ummm--what to do! I would go stir crazy sitting around doing nothing. Then I got an idea. I put a box under my machine and propped my foot up on it and it was GREAT! My leg didn't hurt and I could do what I love most. I hope you get better soon. I really love your quilt--very beautiful.
ReplyDelete