MONTH 8 -- Show Your Progress Here

[Paola B.]

I can't believe I am caught up! This has been the hardest thing I have ever tried. It's my first try at need turn appliqué and sorry to say but I don't like doing this. I find the process frustrating as my work doesn't look neat. There are so many mistakes that I have made with this quilt but I am learning what not to do the next time I attempt something like this. For instance, I mistakenly used my grey marker for sewing placement, then had to move things around and now the grey line is visible. I don't know how to remove it. Should have used a chalk pencil. Oh well, I guess lesson learned. I also decided to do the large vine flowers using Karen Kay Buckley's method and heat resistant template plastic and I am so much happier with the results than my terrible needle turned appliquéd tulip flowers. I feel like I am cheating by doing it this way but it is less frustrating for me. . Only wish I had seen the cleaver way to do the petal flower ; I redid one 4 times and it still looks wonky!

[Barbara B.]

You are not cheating by using a method other than what the designer does. There are lots of ways to appliqué. Once you find the method you enjoy using you can do a world of new quilts. Learning new techniques gives you more tools in your tool belt.

[Carol G.]

Paola - I have been using the 'prepared edge' method of applique. Using the heat resistant template plastic, I paint starch on the edges & iron them under. I tried needle turned & was getting frustrated. You're not cheating at all! Plus I am machine sewing my vines down. Multiple methods in 1 quilt

You are further ahead than I am. But halfway thru the month, I have 2 borders done. I guess that means I'm on track

[Deb B.]

Appliqué pieces pinned in place and ready to stitch.

[JANET E.]

I have been doing more finished edge work. And I have made different leaves that are easier for me.

[Sandie T]

My progress. I have learned I manage prepared applique better than needle turn applique. But I keep trying. With that said I am not a fan of tulips, so I decided to use different flowers. I found my inspiration from a quilt my Granny made when she was pregnant with my Daddy in 1932. The quilt pattern came out in the local newspaper under the name of Nancy Page Quilt Club. The name of the quilt was, Garden Bouquet.
I have loved this learning adventure and I have enjoyed seeing all your quilts!

[jrgermain]

I’m enjoying another great block of the month quilt. I had to get this months finished between grandchildren visits and a new grandson! I decided to fussy cut my flowers putting in some animals found in tula’s fabric!

[Melanie H.]

Month 8 done! It is taking shape. I liked the rounded ends of the flower inserts, so I used them. Otherwise I felt like there where too many points on all the flowers.

[Carol G.]

Month 8 is done! My littlest leaves don't have points, but I don't care. This is a learning experience for me. I am loving this BOM

[lholzhu]

I have finished this years BOM with a few of my own variations.
I changed out the birds, and used slightly different leaves so I could continue border appliqué. I was also able to figure out the final border and increased size from 6.5 to 9.5. I will quilt some kind of trees under the houses on the border. I am very pleased with the final outcome.

I will do Big stitch quilting something that is new to me. So far it is going well.

This will be entered in next year’s county fair. I believe it will be another WOW.
Thanks for all the guidance and instructions from designer and Barbara!

[Barbara B.]

It looks good. I like your fabric choices.

[Angela F.]

Here is a glimpse of my month 8. I got frustrated with needle turn applique, just couldn't get the points to look good so I used Hugs n Kisses Applique paper to create prepared applique pieces. Hoping it will turn out okay.

[Helen W.]

I have finished this years BOM with a few of my own variations.
I changed out the birds, and used slightly different leaves so I could continue border appliqué. I was also able to figure out the final border and increased size from 6.5 to 9.5. I will quilt some kind of trees under the houses on the border. I am very pleased with the final outcome.

I will do Big stitch quilting something that is new to me. So far it is going well.

This will be entered in next year’s county fair. I believe it will be another WOW.
Thanks for all the guidance and instructions from designer and Barbara!

lholzhu, Your quilt is beautiful. Love the idea of big stitch quilting by hand. I would love to see some pictures
and maybe a short summary of how you set it up and do it. If you have any resources that you have used
I would love for you to share them. I may follow in your steps and do big stitch if I can figure it out. Wish my
top was finished. I have been working on other projects because I always get burned out when it gets to the last few
months on a BOM. What is your first name. I am HelenW

[lholzhu]

https://thequiltshow.com/forum/block...212#post897212

Hi Helen,
I began with Aunt Em’s website- Big Stitch quilting and ordered her preferred supplies.
1. Dritz Gold-eye Big Stitch quilting needles, size 5 in glass case of 12.
2. Sulky 712-33 spring collection crossroads cotton petites 12 wt. 10 pack of colors that were same as in my quilt.
3. bees wax, but have not used it,

I have also watched Becky Goldsmith YouTube on big stitching.

I have stitched the center, one big flower and the smaller circle flowers. I love the tread. The needles are longer and so quilting it a bit different and I have used a thimble and not used one. I am stitching about 1/8 away from appliqué edge as the stitching and colors can been seen better.

I think I prefer more of a running stitch. I am using wool batting. So far I am liking it. I do like my thread colors as they are not too bold but softer. Will try to stay off appliqué unless larger pieces.

Hope that helps.

Linda

[Marilyn M.]

As far as I can go with the four sides. Unfortunately, I ran out of tangerine Fairy Frost for the vine flowers, was unable to source it here in Australia but, luckily, I found it in the U.S. As a consequence, I'm waiting, waiting, waiting......... Hope it arrives soon!

[Helen W.]

https://thequiltshow.com/forum/block...212#post897212

Hi Helen,
I began with Aunt Em’s website- Big Stitch quilting and ordered her preferred supplies.
1. Dritz Gold-eye Big Stitch quilting needles, size 5 in glass case of 12.
2. Sulky 712-33 spring collection crossroads cotton petites 12 wt. 10 pack of colors that were same as in my quilt.
3. bees wax, but have not used it,

I have also watched Becky Goldsmith YouTube on big stitching.

I have stitched the center, one big flower and the smaller circle flowers. I love the tread. The needles are longer and so quilting it a bit different and I have used a thimble and not used one. I am stitching about 1/8 away from appliqué edge as the stitching and colors can been seen better.

I think I prefer more of a running stitch. I am using wool batting. So far I am liking it. I do like my thread colors as they are not too bold but softer. Will try to stay off appliqué unless larger pieces.

Hope that helps.

Linda

Linda, Thank you so much for the quick response. I will definitely check out both Aunt Em and Becky Goldsmith. I have been using
Alison Glass Eleaganza size 8 pearl cotton and DMC 6 strand for my twisted thread edge stitching on the applique. I was thinking about just
using a black size 8 in the background area. There is so much going on already. I do have threads that match most of my
flannel fabrics. You did not mention using a hoop, so I assume you don't. Do you have a plan for how to stitch the background fabric.
You mentioned echo stitching the shapes. What about the other areas that are too big to just leave unquilted.
Since my quilt top still has a lot left to do, I will be learning about Big Stitch because it sounds like a fun thing to do.
Here is a picture of my Homeward Bound After Dark so far. HelenW

[lholzhu]

https://thequiltshow.com/forum/block...218#post897218

I do not use a hoop. I have spray basted and pinned in areas so it is pretty secure.
So far my center open areas are 1-2 inches so I am ok with that. I might do a meandering possibly with the treads or maybe free motion on a sit down. We will see when I get to the bird borders. I also have thought about just quilting in a shape (leaf, flower or such, Would probably make some templates for those. (I did the copy via light box for this BOM)

Your quilt is outstanding. I remember your different quilts from previous BOM. I have too much fabric to get into wools and others. My mom is trying to get me to rug hook, that also is wonderful but also going down the rabbit hole. I sure enjoy these BOM’s and the different designers. I am also going to do Alex’s tie class and washing some of my father-in-law ties a grabbed for a project.

Happy Quilting

[Carol G.]

Here is a glimpse of my month 8. I got frustrated with needle turn applique, just couldn't get the points to look good so I used Hugs n Kisses Applique paper to create prepared applique pieces. Hoping it will turn out okay.

Angela - I think your leaves look great. I've been doing prepared edge applique, & my tiny leaves have pretty blunt tips!