Applique -- The Center Block

[Judy S.]

Check my thinking here:

If you are using the back basting technique for applique -- you need a MIRROR image of the pattern.

If you are using a fusible web technique for applique -- you need a MIRROR image of the pattern.

If you are using a glue baste or starch baste for your applique pieces -- you need a MIRROR image of the pattern.

Are you sensing a trend here? One thing I hate to do is trace. I did a search of the TQS site and found one reference for mirror imaging an applique pattern (link posted below). Back in the day, my copy machine did mirror images but my ink jet printer doesn't do it. I also remember putting a PDF in Photoshop Elements and creating a mirror image -- but I would be hard pressed to remember how to do it. Any suggestions??

Using Overlay Sheets for Mirror Images and Appliqué by Susan Purney Mark & Daphne Greig
http://thequiltshow.com/learn/projects/18516-mirror-images-and-appliqu

I will write in to TQS to see if we can get a version of the Rajah center block as a MIRROR image.

[Lorna B.]

I've done needle-turn applique and just traced the piece onto freezer paper to cut my fabric. For other applique when I fuse and then machine stitch down I also just traced the pattern with the fusible and then fused it to the fabric and cut out (like Sue Nickels).

It seems this pattern could really be either way so if you didn't mind your center block being a mirror image then you could use whatever method you prefer. Otherwise isn't this where a lightbox (or window) comes in to trace the pattern from the back of the paper?

[Judy S.]

I heard back from TQS. They felt adding the pattern in reverse would lead to confusion but they will consider the suggestion for future BOMs.

[Gayle L.]

I have done a lot of raw edge appliqué but have never used Ricky Tim's Stable Poly. Can someone tell me how I might use it with the center block. I think this would be the area to try it.

[Judy S.]

Ricky Tims Stable Stuff is a polyester based stabilizer. You can leave it in your quilt or tear it away after use. "If you wet or wash your finished project, Stable Stuff® Poly becomes a fine,soft layer of unnoticeable polyester fibers inside your project." (Ricky Tims website).

One use for the center block, would be to put Stable Stuff behind your piece as you do machine applique. It will help the stitches to form correctly, prevent tunneling of your background fabric and provide support for your appliques.

In this video, Ricky demonstrates how he does blanket stitch applique showing putting the design on fusible, use of Ricky's Stable Stuff, and stitching. It is for a different project, but many helpful tips.

https://thequiltshow.com/learn/classrooms/video/latest/lady-of-shalott-lady-of-shalott-month-2

In addition, very helpful to do a small sample of the techniques you plan to use before doing them on your actual project. Using the shapes in the BOM -- a bird, flower, and several leaves -- try out your plan for stitching and stabilizing.

It will also go in your printer. For later months, you could use is as a foundation for paper piecing.

[Gayle L.]

Thank you. I will try it for the foundation paper piecing too.

[Judy S.]

So I have been working on solutions to creating a mirror image of the pattern without doing the odious task (my thinking :angry of tracing.

Here are some solutions I have come up with.

1) Use Transparency Film for Ink Jet Printers. The brand I’m familiar with is Apollo. The product costs about $0.50/sheet (US) and is available from Amazon and office supply stores. This solution provides an overlay for laying your pieces out and you can turn them over with a white sheet underneath it and make copies of the reverse image for the applique pieces.
2) Use Vellum to print out the pattern. It is transparent enough to see through and you have the mirror image on the back. You can rough cut out the mirror image shapes and apply them to back of the paper of your paper back fusible web with a glue stick (I use Scotch Acid-Free Restickable Glue Stick). Then I just cut out on the line once I have the fusible on my fabric. I have also used this method to make templates by gluing the shape onto my template material (card stock, file folder, or Templar).
3) If you only have a paper image of your pattern, you can scan and create a PDF so you have a printable file. Then using Photoshop Elements or other software create a mirror image.
4) Use Photoshop Elements to create a mirror image of the original PDF. Here’s the procedure: (note my version is PSE version 8.0).
Open PSE
Select EDIT
Select FILE, then OPEN, and then file bom_2016_1 (1) from where you saved it
On the thumbnail screen is all nine pages. Select page 6. Press OK.
On the top menu line, select IMAGE, then ROTATE, then FLIP HORIZONTAL.
Select FILE, then SAVE AS, the default name is BOM_2016_1(1)-6 (I add mirror image to the name).
A new screen comes up, click SAVE PDF.
Repeat for each pattern page.

[Judy S.]

I initially had planned to do needle-turn applique for the leaves, but tracing all of those tiny leaves seems undaunting. I am toying with the idea of painting the leaves and needle turning the rest. Anyone else having second thoughts about all of those tiny leaves?

[Gayle L.]

There are lots of leaves, some are very small. I traced mine yesterday to get them ready for doing raw edge appliqué. Painting might not be a bad idea!

[Gayle L.]

How about reverse applique?

[Judy S.]

Month 1 Applique Block: The Numbers.

Total applique pieces are 184.
If you embroider the yellow beaks and flower centers, the total is now 178.
If you do the birds as one piece (instead of doing wings as separate pieces), that is 8 pieces less: total is 170.

Each bird is unique.
The three coral center flowers (1 large, 2 medium) are unique
The pink flowers and their buds are in 2 sizes - 5 large, 6 medium
The coral/teal tulips are in 2 sizes - 5 large, 6 medium
There are 116 leaves hmy: -- in 15 different shapes. There are 3 leaf shapes where there is more than 10 in the project and might benefit by making templates of those shapes. In the Upper Left quadrant, the leaf closest to the bird beak - 34. In the Upper Left quadrant, there is a small pink flower with four leaves: the upper left leaf - 13 and the lower right leaf - 20.

[Gayle L.]

I have traced the entire block and have fused to my fabric!!!!!!! I have started cutting the leaves (ugh

[Gayle L.]

Now to do raw edge appliqué and the embroidery.

[Gayle L.]

Glacerda,
Looking good so far, can't wait to see it when you finish appliqueing it.
Judy

[Gayle L.]

Glacerda - I agree your center looks great!
Barb