I kept pushing Month 3 back as I had several super busy weekends with a Beginning Water Color class, an off-the-grid vacation, and other focus sewing projects for March. (Looking at you, Capsule Wardrobe Project!) It was a super simple section to sew, taking only a few evenings of active time.
What worked?
- I super love needle-turn applique so this month was quite fun. The leaves are totes ‘dorbs and add liveliness to the center medallion.
- I use Elmer’s Washable Clear Glue to glue baste applique instead of special applique glue. I know it’s not for everyone. For me, it’s easily available and inexpensive, washes out nicely, and can be ironed to dry. All are features I find important.
- PILOT FriXion Fineliner Erasable Pens are by far my favorite fabric marking pens. I love how they disappear when I iron.
- Remember in Month One when I cut the background a 1/2″ too short? This month is where I fixed it. I had enough fabric to add a 1/4″ on the borders so now the center medallion is measuring right one track for a 26 1/2″ measurement. Easy fix, just had to remember to do it before making the house borders and I did!
What didn’t?
I need to preface that I am making this quilt because I like the design, not because I specifically need skill-building. I already know these skills quite well, regularly use them during my 30-plus year quilting journey, and teach others to use them in formal and informal settings. Quilts like these make any practice good practice!
- I wish the chapter instructions had this little tidbit I found in the video. It was a simple 5-second clip saying ‘Cut a scant 1/4″ around the traced template outline.’ It says ‘ADD seam allowance’ on the template page, which I didn’t see until after I’d read the instructions multiple times and rewatched the video.
- The book was limited to tips and tricks to do needle-turn applique effectively. I think that is more of a reflection of this type of overview class vs it being technique specific. The video was MUCH better but I didn’t have internet where I was staying. Fortunately, I have loads of needle-turn applique experience under my belt. Many years ago, I took a class from the wonderful Nancy Lee Chong at Pacific Rim Quilts and if you can’t find one locally, the DVD from their website is quite a good substitute. So far, I’ve completed five 2-Fabric Applique quilts, improving my technique with every new one. I assume most people have access to the internet so it’s not a big deal but something to keep in mind if, like me, you have a lifestyle where you work on a lot of your projects in transit.
What did I learn?
I still love hand applique. It’s quite relaxing and oh-so portable.
I am quite enjoying this quilt as the fabrics are beautiful and the design hits all my buttons, I do sometimes bring my Product/Pattern Tester hat home from work with me.
