Month 1, Part 2–The Applique Blocks

[Barbara B.]

This lengthy post has info on Applique—it won’t be repeated monthly. I hope you find it helpful.

https://bbquiltmaker.blogspot.com/2020/01/afternoon-delight-month1-part-2.html

[Sharon E.]

Barbara, after watching the show. Was the green thread for the appliqué a happy accident? It really looks nice.

Thanks for your lovely work, Sharon inColorado

[Barbara B.]

Sharon, that off-green just seems to work with lots of fabrics. It is hard to tell that it's the same thread when you look at the entire quilt. And SO MUCH easier than changing thread for each fabric.

Thanks!

[Beverly C.]

Barbara, I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed yesterday's show. I've sewn/smocked/quilted for about fifty years, and you still taught this old dog some new tricks! Thanks so much!

[Barbara B.]

Beverly--thank you! Even with the mis-calculation math error on how to cut 2.75" in half, it still came out pretty well over all. I don't think people realize it takes at least 4 hours to tape each show.

So glad you got a few tricks for your toolbox!

[Lenore G.]

Read your post and still learning, even though I have been quilting for many years. I have always had a problem cutting down oversized squares. Who would have thought about making a template? You did and now I will do just that. Thanks.

[Barbara B.]

I didn’t want to mis-cut any of those 40 blocks—making that template made the job so easy. I did think it was a brilliant idea and was eager to share it with everyone.

Thanks!

[Becci L.]

Can the print and fuse be printed on a laser printer?

[Barbara B.]

Becci, I don't think so. The website doesn't talk abou the printing process. Nor did I see that info on a couple You Tube videos about it. But laser printers use heat to print so it is likely this would be a problem with any fusible product, including freezer paper. I know copy shops like Staples and Kinkos won't let you use a fusible product in their machines. I saw on Facebook the other day a post from someone who caused an expensive repair for her laser printer when she tried to run a fusible product through it--don't know which product but I wouldn't even try a laser printer with any fusible.

If someone here has been successful using a laser printer, please let us all know.

[Jill B.]

Hellen, I am paying for mine as only started end of 2019 but you can pay by the month for US$9.95 and do it as a BOM this is how I am doing it and makes it more affordable as a monthly BOM also in Australian $$ it would cost me $140.00 upfront. It works out to my monthly is A$14.82.

Yes, I do raw edge, using double-sided fusible then a double blanket stitch, the stitch size depends on the size of the piece or if I want the blanket stitch to stand out, often use a variegated thread to lessen the number of thread changes. If you are interested in the Ester Alieu quilt I am happy to private send photos of the two months I have done so far to give you an idea.

[Jill B.]

Hi Regarding the freezer paper through a laser printer if you watch the video link below you can see how Irene does it, works well.

Barbra, I hope its okay to post this, if not let me know and I can delete.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ciBiWqrYeQQ&list=PLK16zaEuOxeLKX3xlAab-nnKkHDiqgcyH&index=3&t=0s

[Barbara B.]

This is fine, Jill, helpful info, thanks.

[Terri S.]

Your 6.75 template idea is sooo good, I am thinking about doing the same for the 2.75 inch blocks. Love your trim to perfection tip, too! Half of my January blocks done and it’s only January 3rd!

[Barbara B.]

Terri, I taught a class this morning and one of the students did that--created a 2.75" template square with lines in the middle--she said it helped her get the 4-patch on point trimmed quickly and accurately. Go for it!

I did think the 7.25" template with diagonals and vertical/horizontal lines was brilliant--I was so eager to show everyone. Sure makes that all important "trimming to size" as accurate as possible. You really don't want to mis-cut those applique blocks.

[Terri S.]

7.25 inch template! Thank you for the reminder. You are correct, I do not want to mis-cut!