Tuesday, February 23, 2010

A Start

Hello Everyone!!
I was finally able to start Block 1 :)
I am finding that working with the wool and crazy patch layout is far more fun than I expected!
And then there is the applique, that has always has been a love of mine.
As I mentioned in a previous post I will be making my quilt into a stitched journal of my life, block 1 being my first 20 years....so we have a baby carriage and a birth date so far.

I also wanted to share a little tip...instead of using pins or basting to hold down the edges of the wool pieces and keep them in place. I used a fusible tape (sewable weight) underneath the edge of the wool. I did use steam in order to get the fusing agent to melt, being careful not to scorch the wool...you may want to use a pressing cloth over the wool when pressing if you use the fusible tape.

So far I haven't had any problems sewing through the fused edge and believe it will work just fine for my quilt.

Happy Stitching everyone!!
Tammy, in it's snowing again PA

8 comments:

kathy said...

I love your baby carriage! I haven't joined the group yet because I don't have a proper blog, but I've started the block and it's very addicting. I hope my family doesn't starve to death while I'm doing this project! That's a good tip about the tape - I just basted my wool down, but I'm not sure it's going to stay basted while I'm doing all the appliques. I may have to get some tape tomorrow. Keep posting your pictures - it's so much fun seeing everyone's work.

Unknown said...

Great idea with the tape. But mine is already basted down, I'm about ready to applique my first piece.
Great idea with the baby carriage.
Look forward to seeing more of your work.

Kelli said...

Great Layout! I love the baby carriage - you are so clever. Looking forward to watching the block grow and thanks for the tip about the tape!

Kathleen said...

Love your block so far!! The baby carriage is so cute. Can't wait to see your block (& life) progress!

Penne said...

That is the cutest buggy.....so cute!

Karen said...

adorable carriage applique! I had wondered about using the fusible tape (I have some) and am glad you gave it a "good review". I'm hoping to get block #1 underway this weekend.
Will enjoy seeing yours grow.
Karen

Jeanne said...

OH GOOD IDEA, the tape, I think I might do that too, pinning seems to make it harder to work around, I basted my 1st block and pinned my 2nd block and wasn't thrilled with either one so I think the tape sounds awesome. Thanks for sharing.

Brenda said...

Are you saying that you didn't stitch the "crazy" background pieces together, you just pasted them with the tape??? HMMM. I need a visual, LOL!