Monday, June 11, 2007

Birds of a Feather


I'm so happy I've made some progress on my blocks. I'm using fusible applique for this quilt, I don't usually do fusible but I have so much hand work I couldn't bare thinking of doing another one at this time. I use Heat N' Bond light and before fusing to the fabric I cut out the centre's, leaving about a scant 1/4" around. This removes the stiffness of the fusible on the finished project. I also hand applique the stems with bias maker because I don't like the flat look of the vines and stems with fusible. All this is a little fussy but faster than all hand applique. The edges are done with matching thread and a very small zig zag. I carefully match the thread colour and get the embroidery weight so the thread on top is not too heavy. It all works for me and I like the outcome.

17 comments:

Knot Garden said...

Absolutely stunning, I would never have guessed from the photo that they were fused. I prefer the look of bias vines, it was a good idea to combine the two methods.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful quilt! Is that a Blackbird Designs pattern?

Unknown said...

Wendy those blocks are absolutely beautiful...love your colors.

Libby said...

It's gonna be gorgeous *s*

Diana said...

Wow! These are incredible, Wendy. I just love the colors.

Quilts And Pieces said...

Absolutely GORGEOUS! I do the same when I use fusible.

Unknown said...

Very pretty! I'm doing my BOAF applique on the machine too. I didn't use fusible, I turned the seam allowance under and button hole stitched the edges. I guess it's faster than by hand but I've only got two blocks done so far.

Rose Johnston said...

Beautiful blocks Wendy!! the colours r gorgeous!!!

Pat said...

I've made 2 quilts with needle turned applique - now Heat N'Bond is my friend!! I do the same as you and cut out the middle - perfect!
Gorgeous blocks!

Patti said...

This is coming along beautifully! Your colors are so very rich - I really like the warm, rich colors to use for their designs.

Do you have any trouble getting your heat n' bond lite to stick? I had lots of problems with Joseph's quilt. I did my best to follow the directions, reading them over and over when I had trouble. I wonder if the silk setting on my iron is too hot? Any tips?

Carole said...

Very nice! It is a quilt I wanted to do but couldn't handle another hand applique project. I like the way you combine the two methods. Thanks for sharing!

Jeanne said...

Your method is working just dandy! Beautiful applique blocks.

swooze said...

Nice work! Everything looks lovely!

Chookyblue...... said...

very nice lots of detail how many blocks do you have to make........

Nicole & Phil said...

great colouring on these block....looking forward to seeing more

Sunnie said...

Wendy, you are doing a beautiful job on this quilt! Thank you for the HeatNbond light idea. I just purchased the booklet pattern for it too.

I don't do a lot quilting any more...just for Santa robes and sometimes when I need a "quilting" fix! I have a small amish stars quilt that I've been hand-quilting for about 12 years! LOL
I am a Santa-maker and a rug hooker so am up to my eyeballs in wools!! But I can't stay away from all of those yummy quilting cottons and flannels!

Judy said...

I decided to go back through your archives to read and found your lovely BOAF blocks! They are so pretty! Mine is much lighter, but I always said if I did another it would be on a dark background! Very beautiful!