April Block

[Annette R.]

Any ideas what the block will be for April? From the list of fabric, I think it must be the first row, third one down. Looks kind of complicated!! Pretty basket, though. I think I'll start hunting for the right fabric now! TTYL NA

[Denise L.]

Why not, at least you have it ready for when the time comes!

denise

[Denise L.]

I agree, Nancy Ann, that your guess is correct for the April block...and I think May is the one under it. Both of them are very pretty.

Now I have a question and a concern that someone hopefully will answer for me. I am doing machine applique using Ricky's Stable Stuff in each of the appliques. I am using Sharon Schamber's technique for glueing the seam allowance onto the foundation then stitching it on. My problem is that the Stable Stuff does not soften up when wet. Does it need a complete wash cycle in order to soften? My blocks are quite stiff, in fact, now that I have soaked them and let them dry, they seem to be stiffer than ever!! Almost as if I had starched them heavily, which I haven't. Please, someone tell me what to do.

Nancy in NC

[Denise L.]

I was hoping for the tulips because it looks easy. I didn't think of looking at the material list. My goodness, you gals are smart!

[Denise L.]

Lulabelle, I think June will be the tulips...actually it's name is Windy Tulips! :lol:

Nancy in NC

[Denise L.]

I'm with Lulubelle, I was hoping for the tulips! I'm sure watching for them in my backyard! :wink:

Maggie, in very rainy E. Central Illinois

[Denise L.]

I think I remember reading somewhere Sue said the next block was going to be roses also. peg in mo

[Denise L.]

On page four of your March BOM instructions Sue says the next block will be roses, stars and something else.
peg

[Margo C.]

I agree, Nancy Ann, that your guess is correct for the April block...and I think May is the one under it. Both of them are very pretty.

Now I have a question and a concern that someone hopefully will answer for me. I am doing machine applique using Ricky's Stable Stuff in each of the appliques. I am using Sharon Schamber's technique for glueing the seam allowance onto the foundation then stitching it on. My problem is that the Stable Stuff does not soften up when wet. Does it need a complete wash cycle in order to soften? My blocks are quite stiff, in fact, now that I have soaked them and let them dry, they seem to be stiffer than ever!! Almost as if I had starched them heavily, which I haven't. Please, someone tell me what to do.
Nancy in NC

Nancy, I haven't used the Stable Stuff for applique before now, but did use it last year for a quilt that I made with silk neckties that I pieced on a foundation of SS. It was stiff as a board when I finished quilting it, but I washed it (Orvis Paste in the washing machine) and it came out really soft! I was really pleased!

[Margo C.]

Nancy, some of that stiffness you are feeling is that the glue has not come all the way out of the fabric yet. Mine did that also, I wash it is really warm , soapy water and it was better. I am going to just leave them until it is all done and then wash it. I think it will be fine then.

[Margo C.]

Thanks for your encouragement. I re-read Sharon Schamber's article in American Quilter and she said she soaks her blocks for three hours in Synthropol and doesn't wash until the quilt is all finished. I think I will try the Synthropol, then wash and see what happens. Yes, mine are stiff as boards...I agree it must be the glue. I guess I'll keep trying. I think I need to try Roxanne's glue but my LQS is out of it.

Nancy in NC

[Margo C.]

Nancy, have you tried Sharon's technique for adapting a glue bottle for applique? I've used Roxanne's Glue Baste-It for years, but now like Elmer's WASHABLE School Glue better. By using Sharon's technique for changing the tip to get a tiny bit of glue, it's lots easier to loosen the fabric if you need to. Not to mention the price!!! Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qfpRZ...eature=related

If you still want the Roxanne's, they have it in the Mini size in the TQS Shoppe.

[Margo C.]

Thanks Margo. I watched that video before, but never did pay enough attention. I will give it a try...the pencil tip. Have you ever used Elmers washable glue stick? Goes on pink, dries clear. It does take a while to wash out, however, as I can still see it pink when I've soaked my blocks then ironed them. That must be what makes them so stiff. Someday, I'll get the hang of all of this.

Nancy in NC

[Margo C.]

Thanks Margo. I watched that video before, but never did pay enough attention. I will give it a try...the pencil tip. Have you ever used Elmers washable glue stick? Goes on pink, dries clear. It does take a while to wash out, however, as I can still see it pink when I've soaked my blocks then ironed them. That must be what makes them so stiff. Someday, I'll get the hang of all of this.

Nancy in NC

Yes, I've also used the washable glue sticks, but I always wash my finished quilts in the washing machine as soon as I get the binding put on, so I don't worry about it.

If you are really concerned, why don't you make a little piece, maybe 12"x12", use HEAVY GLUE applications, stitch the applique pieces down quickly on the machine to hold them in place, then throw it into the wash with your laundry to see what it does? Just squares would work...not much trouble!

[Wanda M.]

Nancy, let us know your results from the glue test. it'll be interesting if there is any differences. Thanks, WandaM