Over the last little while I've been slightly obsessed with needle-turn appliqué. I've always used a freezer paper template of some form or another in the past, but was very keen to learn how to needle-turn. Last year I tried traditional needle-turn with less than perfect results...
Then in this post I talked about trying freezer paper as a possible leave-in template when needle-turning to give me an edge to turn to. Although it did work, the paper was easily bent, particularly in the inside points, and made it less accurate.
In probably a fit of madness (I am known to have them from time to time) I redid the Dear Jane block a third time using Sharon Schamber's method of needle turn using the Floriani Stitch N Wash fusible. Although there isn't a huge difference between these blocks, I like the inside points better on the last one.
Of course in the grand scheme of things..is any one really going to notice when it is next to 160 odd blocks!! LOL
Until next time...
Then in this post I talked about trying freezer paper as a possible leave-in template when needle-turning to give me an edge to turn to. Although it did work, the paper was easily bent, particularly in the inside points, and made it less accurate.
In probably a fit of madness (I am known to have them from time to time) I redid the Dear Jane block a third time using Sharon Schamber's method of needle turn using the Floriani Stitch N Wash fusible. Although there isn't a huge difference between these blocks, I like the inside points better on the last one.
Of course in the grand scheme of things..is any one really going to notice when it is next to 160 odd blocks!! LOL
Until next time...
19 Lovely Comments:
This made me laugh! We are trying to put on an applique workshop for new guild members and the "expert" appliquers can't come to any agreement on what and how to teach!
I have a friend who's favourite saying is 'will it be seen by a man riding past on a horse?', in the large scheme of things do we notice the tiny things we think are wrong? No, I don't think we do but we are all our own worst critics! All three of the blocks are lovely and I'm sure the 'whole' will be wonderful.
Lizzie
xxx
I think it's more about mastering a technique that will make you enjony your craft more. Now that you have well and truly mastered it, you can enjoy it!!
Welcome to applique world! I have tried many different methods and use different techniques for different projects. Practice, practice, practice. enJOY!
I think it's about what works best for each of us! For that reason I like to learn all the methods of doing things so I can figure out what is best for me. Great job on working through what is best for you. Who knows, it might be more than one method!
Definite improvement from 1 to 3 Jane. Congratulations on taming the beast!
I think I'll learn from your experiment and just skip the traditional needle turn method. Is it worth using the stitch and wash?
Like you, Jane, I'm a thorough fan of the Floriani for applique. Love it!
I love the floriani method, too! I little more time in the beginning of the project saves so much time and frustration in the end. Looks great!
To be honest they all looked pretty good, I think its a personal thing, what you feel more comfortable with that matters.
I do a lot of applique and when its all said and done, once the quilt is quilted, you really don't notice any small imperfections. The more applique you do, the better you will become. I loved the comment about the expert appliquers not being able to decide on a method! There are so many different ways that you just have to keep trying till you find one that suits you. I think your block looks fine.
ah...another one bitten by the applique bug...I love needleturn
I must, must, must try the Floriani method. I'm not fond of the freezer paper method at all :D toni xxx
Only you will notice, and you must be sure not to point it out!
Jane I applaud you for working to get it right. Sometimes I do that, and sometimes I don't but wish I had. I would also like to master applique; I think I will have to take a class someday.
Karen
This is really lovely, Jane. My mum is nearing the end of her Dear Jane blocks now - she has made the entire thing in calico and liberty - it's gorgeous! x
Lovely blocks. I think it is great that you are taking the time to try out different methods to see what works for you. Myself, on the blocks I'm not happy with, I put them in the finished pile. I will revisit which blocks need to be redone when I am looking at all the blocks together. I have a feeling they will be going in as is, and I'll hopefully do better in my next project.
So which would you recommend? I don't do much applique and what I do is done poorly. I would love to find a method that looks great and is easy to do (and uses materials at hand.) I'll check out your Floriani method.
I recently discovered back basting needle turn applique. Google it, it is soooo easy and even works for me on tiny pieces!!
Cheers!
Rachel
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