Starting in July as an applique sampler

[Betty J.]

I'm kind of excited. I was so inspired by Alex's classroom I decided to order the kit and join the fun. I got my kit about a week ago, but I won't be able to get to it until I finish my Hoffman Challenge (due July 23rd) and my brother-in-law's church banner. Sew, I plan to start sometime in July. I had the idea that it might be fun to make each block an applique method sampler. There are many ways to applique, and I'm thinking I could do some hand needle-turn, some raw edge applique, some turned-edge machine applique using various methods--giving me practice in all forms. I THINK I can still catch up on this, but I may be overly optimistic, but if not I can finish when I finish. In any event, it is a beautiful quilt and I'm glad I got the kit because I love the fabrics, it's saves so much time, and it's the perfect colors for my bedroom. Cheers, BJ

[Margo C.]

You can do this, BJ!! Sue's directions are great! I give different methods in my Webshots albums and Alex is doing her super video tutes!

Have fun with it!

http://community.webshots.com/user/t...host=community

[Eileen K.]

That is a very, very cool idea BJ! Good on ya! Have fun with it.

[Eileen K.]

How glad I was to see BJs idea as I am already doing that and quilting each block differently so it becomes an applique [and] quilting sampler. I'm having alot of fun so far. We'll see how the border goes though. I love a challenge
Pat

[Betty J.]

Pat, Great idea on adding the quilting sampler part, but I am SUCH a non-traditional quilter that I will be challenged just to get it quilted in some reasonably good way. My dear daughter-in-law (OriNebula) said I might borrow her long arm to quilt it when it's done. That would give me a chance to try out the long arm too. She has a nice big Gammill. I look forward to seeing your BOM. I'll show you mine someday in 2011 probably. Cheers. BJ

[Robin G.]

Hi Betty Jo, I'm just getting starting, too, though I'm doing mine all needleturn applique. And, like you, Hugs & Kisses is on hold until I complete my Hoffman challenge quilt -- I'm hoping I can make it in time for that deadline! It will be interesting to hear which form of applique you finally decide is best for you. Keep us posted! Best wishes, Robin

[Betty J.]

Robin,

Cool! I will be interested to see your Hoffman challenge and we can encourage each other and other late starters on the BOM. Cheers, BJ

[Robin G.]

Hi BJ, I just looked at the quilts in your profile -- they're lovely!! I especially like the two you've made for the Hoffman challenge. Did the 2009 one travel with their exhibits, too? It should have! This will be my first entry into the Hoffman challenge, but I saw one batch of last year's quilts at the Ogallala Quilt Show in Dimmit,Texas, in April -- wonderfully inspiring! I've got my design worked out and start sewing today! Oh boy!! Robin

[Betty J.]

Robin, Yes, my 2009 traveled also. It's so much fun when it happens. Good luck on yours!

[Maureen A.]

BJ, I have a friend who is also working on her entry for the Hoffman. I have seen it coming along so hope to attach more names to the other pieces. Valeta had her last wall hanging in the Paducah April AQS show and it is now in the quilt museum as it took Best of Show. I am so tickled to personally know someone who has a piece there. I quilt but do not do the challenges. You that do just 'rock' as we see such inspiration at the displays.

[Betty J.]

Would that be Valeta Hensley? I love her Fashionable Ladies of the 20s. My my, competition is always very tough. :shock: My dream is to win a ribbon or two or three or so some day---really hard to do with such wonderful quality quilters out there. I think you should convince Valeta to become a TQS member if she isn't already and share in the fun. :lol: :lol:

[Maureen A.]

Yes, that is Valeta. Isn't she great at hand applique. She is in my quilt guild as well as TAS(applique society) group. They live near the town where my FIL used to live and are also good Square Dance friends of my next door neighbors. She is so nice.

[Betty J.]

Well, I didn't get started in July, but I did get started today. I got my fabrics all washed, ironed, and month one printed out. I'm excited...talk about starting late! LOL Anyway, I'm looking forward to this project. Cheers, BJ

[Betty J.]

P.S. Since I am making this an applique techniques sampler, I thought I'd let you know that I will use Margo's techniques for block one.

[Betty J.]

Okay, I have made a good start...got the leaves and vines on the January block. I thought I'd finish today, but it's taken me all day to get this far. I made the vines using the bias strip maker (Margo demos it with her method for block one)--gee that is fun and quick and easy--and freezer paper turned edge leaves, from Alex's demo, and glued them down with washable children's glue. Looks good so far. My leaf points aren't as nice as I'd like. This is, afterall, my first ever traditional quilt. Waaay out of my comfort zone.