MARCH BOM

[Lynn K.]

Hmmmm. I washed my January block. Since this is my very FIRST machine appliqué class...........I have to acknowledge that I knew up front it would be a learning curve. And guess what. It is!

Some of my stitching didn't hold. Now the problem is not the technique, but the sewer. ME. One place, I completely 'missed' the fabric.....well, what do you know, when the glue washes out it doesn't hold - kind of like Drew's dissolving thread. One of the places, I can tell that my stitches were too far apart. My Janome 6600 has a length setting in which I used length of 1 and width of 1 for the stitch, which is a buttonhole stitch (mode 2, #36).

If anyone out there can give more advice, I'll take it. I think it's more constructive than a temper tantrum right now.

[Lynn K.]

Lin and Duffy, great blocks. I am looking forward to tomorrow and the new block.

[Lynn K.]

Ritzy, I love the woven basked. How did you do that??? 1/2 inch strips? I would definately leave the star off so we can seel that pretty little basket.

Lynn, how much didn't hold? I have that happen a few times and went back and hand appliqued the gaps.

Duffy, Love the Pink!

Everyone has done such a great job. Momma Sue should be so proud of all her little grandbabys!

[Carla G.]

Don't despair Lynn.... I did the same thing when I was learning machine applique.... just go on back over it.... each one u do u will get better at. Despite ur challenges the block turned out lovely

Carla

[Carla G.]

Finally finished the March BOM. It is in my profile for anyone interested. This one was the hardest so far. I found that I had to do part of a section, then wait until some of the next section was completed. I used needle turn. I''ve already begun April which looks quite easy.

Jan

[Carla G.]

Nice block, Jan! I agree, the March BOM was pretty difficult. I did needle-turn, as well, and did the start & stop method you describe. It was rewarding once it was completed, tho! I need to back-track and do the Feb. block. I was going to wait until I get home, where my bias bars are stored, but now I think I'll use Suzanne Marshall's method of simply turning & pressing on a piece of bias-cut fabric. I think it will work out fine. After all, she's an award-winner! :lol:

[Carla G.]

Just posted my March block in my blog:
community/my-profile/Stinki

I'd have to agree with you all, it has certainly been the most challenging so far!

Suzanne's bias strip method is soooo easy..... I used it on my February block and it worked like a charm. I intend to use it on April's block too.

Carla

[Carla G.]

Love your block! The basket is great!

Maggie

[Judy M.]

Carla, I love your block--your basket fabric is wonderful! I'm still working on my March block. Hopefully, I'll get it finished this week.
Life has just been getting in the way--at least it was HAPPY life that's been keeping me from my quilting! :lol: Judy in Torrance

[Lynn K.]

Great basket fabric! almost looks woven. Good choice.

[Lorna B.]

I posted my March block just before the Forum went down. I loved the needle turn applique. I am on to April's BOM next.

[Lorna B.]

Very nice, Lorna. Your blocks look great together. Marge

[Lorna B.]

I am still plugging away at the March block - the ladies at my girl's dance class have had a good time watching me work on this one over the last few weeks. Dance is where I do most of my hand work anymore because it is the only 2 hour block of time I have a week where I don't have anything else to do, lol. Anyway, They have seen all stages - I was trying to lay out the peices at their first class of the month (and grumbling up a storm while I tried to figure out the tangled mess :lol: ), the next week I had the basket down and was working between the handle and the left most stems (and continuing to grumble, lol :lol: :lol: ) Last week I was a little further along then realized I had messed up and had to unstitch a bunch :x . The other ladies there are just amazed with this process though, and the first question I get anymore when I go in is "So where are you now on that flower quilt??" I only two more stems to go now, plus the star on the basket and I am done, so maybe I will get it this week. I can't wait to move on to the April block and be back on schedule.

Mandy

[Judy M.]

Lorna, your blocks are beautiful! I love the way you are using blue in each block--my favorite color!!! Judy in Torrance

[Judy M.]

Lorna,

I love the blue also. Very striking.