Monday, August 27, 2007

As the Needle Turns

I've mentioned that I love applique, I always need to have a project to take to my Wednesday nite group (more of that maybe on Wednesday). My method of choice is needle turn. I admire those who use other methods, but haven't really tried any of them. I keep telling myself that I should but ... Someone told me that the starch method would be faster... the back basting method looks interesting... So many methods, so little time. My BGF Vicky http://laquilter.blogspot.com/encourged me to do needle turn, she can just plop down a piece and turn it and VOYLA!!! it's gorgeous. I had a little bit of a problem doing that. I'm not as free spirited (I think she got that from Robyn Pandolph). Another BGF, Cheryl also does beautiful needle turn, she showed me how to use the overlay method and taught me to finger press the turn marks. Once I learned those tricks, it was suddenly more controlled and easier for me to handle. I haven't stopped since and the list of quilts to make will keep me busy forever. (and yikes! it keeps growing!) The Piece o'Cake Bicentennial pattern was my first attempt. (I need to take a picture of it). Then I moved on to Anne Sutton's Rabbits Prefer Chocolate. Her patterns are so easy and fun, I love them all. I sent Anne a picture and she posted it on her blog! http://bunnyhill.blogspot.com/2007/01/its-not-all-about-me.html Of course neither are quilted (I have a problem with that too). My current project is Happy Hauntings by Verna Mosquera. This pattern is a joy! It's coming along pretty quickly, I can't stop. I've got about six blocks done so far. In fact, I'm gonna go sit and stitch while I still have a little time. Nite Nite ! (oh could someone lead me to any good tutorials on blogging? I'm havin a problem with that too)

14 comments:

Darlene said...

I wish I could do needleturn applique but I took a class 5+ years ago and failed miserably. I took a P3 class (freezer paper applique) three years ago and still felt a little intimidated until last summer when Vicky shoved me off the fence. I've done Rabbits Prefer Chocolate and Pumpkin Hill by Bunny Hill Designs and I'm almost ready to start prepping Snow Country. I love Verna Mosquera's designs, too and have Primavera in the wings. I love handwork and have truly enjoyed applique. I thank Vicky for the shove often. LOL

Nan said...

Hello there! Thanks for visiting my blog! I'm glad you did, because now I've found you!
I can't wait to see more of your quilt - your teaser picture looks adorable! I guess I'm lazy (or maybe just scared!), but the only kind of applique I like is the fusible kind. I've never really tried the needle-turn - it seems too much work! So, I am totally impressed with your love of it, and your talent at it.
As for the blogging tutorial, I can't tell you where to turn,but you seem to be doing really well, I think! I just sort of "wing it" myself!

Angie said...

Needleturn is my FAVORITE applique--I usually always have a needleturn project going. :> Like lots of other things in life, the more you do it, the better you become at it. :) That witch pattern is just wonderful! I may have to see if I can find that one. :D

Gail said...

I use whichever method works best at the moment, although I haven't done much applique at all recently.Love your witch flying past the moon.--Vicky sent me--

Carol said...

Hi Mar...welcome to Blogland...Vicky sent me by...love your applique...I'm looking forward to more pictures. I love doing applique and now that I retired I'll get to do more. YIPPEE!

Laurie Ann said...

Welcome to blogland! I am a plain jane quilter too. But I am a good copier when I see something I like! :)

What can I say about all those pincushions, but, WOW!

Teresa said...

I'm glad Vicky posted about your blog, so we could find you! Your work is gorgeous. I can't wait to see the finished Halloween quilt.

Yvonne said...

Hi Mar....Vicky sent me over. Your applique is gorgeous. I'll have to check out some of those Verna Mosquera designs. Looking forward to seeing more of your projects.

Bon said...

Hey there. Thanks for showing me the way to your blog. I think you've got it. I saw pics of you Rabbits applique at Cheryl's. Really fantastic. Keep up the good work and I'll check on you occasionally to see what you are up to. BTW, really good talking to you tonight.

MH said...

Marly,
I just love your pin cushions and applique ! I think your pretty unique ! Your work is beautiful ! I saw pics of your Rabbits prefer Chocolate . It sure didn't take you long to master this technique !
you know my first love is needle turn applique ! my seconed is looking at other people's work ! I can't wait to see more of yours !

Kim said...

Hey, Mar, Vicky sent me! Is that the secret password?! LOL! I hadn't seen the Happy Hauntings pattern so I had to go find it--gosh, is it CUTE or what?! My all time most favorite pattern of hers is Vintage Valentines--I still haven't started it though! On the other hand, I HAVE started Rabbits but I started getting creative and redesigning blocks and then other things got in the way--that's definitely one I want to get back to! Welcome to Blogland!

Saska said...

Glad you've joined us in blogland! I've always enjoyed seeing your quilts and what you're working on and have missed that the past year!

I've tried needleturn applique...I'll let you do it. It just doesn't enjoy me!

Texan said...

I have not done Needleturn or the Freezer Paper type applique, yet! I do blanketstitch :O)... The others are on my to learn list ...

I love Halloween and look forward to seeing your Happy Hauntings Blocks/Top

Welcome to Blogging its great!

Kathy in Seattle said...

Kathy DB, here

Love your Rabbits Quilt on the web site. It looks great. Finger pressing makes all the difference, doesn't it? And on a side note, woo hoo..you were the first post to my blog! Maybe we'll get the hang of it yet! Show's ya how much I know, I didn't even know you could get there from here! See you in November!