Month 4 question

[Joann H.]

I also would like to thank Margo for her wonderful video lesson. I have been using this method for awhile (3 quilts) and love it. I am/was a hand quilter and love this method because it looks so much like hand quilting. I have one thing to add. I have tried using my silk thread instead of the mono poly. I do not have the matte finish mono poly so I did not like the shine on the mono poly. This is probably better with the new matte finish. Because I hand quilt with silk thread (100 wt) I have a lot of colors and can match to my applique pieces. It works really well and to my surprise, the silk runs very well in the machine.

I presently am using Ricky Tims Stable Stuff but sometimes it is hard to get. I am glad to know that Sharon Schamber's is the same. Question: I noticed the on the Superior website, on the By Annie section, she is also selling something which may be very close or the same. Does anyone know about this? Always good to have options of where to buy!

Again, thanks to Margo.

[Margo C.]

I also would like to thank Margo for her wonderful video lesson. I have been using this method for awhile (3 quilts) and love it. I am/was a hand quilter and love this method because it looks so much like hand quilting. I have one thing to add. I have tried using my silk thread instead of the mono poly. I do not have the matte finish mono poly so I did not like the shine on the mono poly. This is probably better with the new matte finish. Because I hand quilt with silk thread (100 wt) I have a lot of colors and can match to my applique pieces. It works really well and to my surprise, the silk runs very well in the machine.

I presently am using Ricky Tims Stable Stuff but sometimes it is hard to get. I am glad to know that Sharon Schamber's is the same. Question: I noticed the on the Superior website, on the By Annie section, she is also selling something which may be very close or the same. Does anyone know about this? Always good to have options of where to buy!

Again, thanks to Margo.

Thanks for the kudos quiltbuilder! Glad you liked the video! And I love your tip about using silk thread. I am "of a certain age" and can't see the MonoPoly sheen so it's not an issue with me! :lol: :roll:

I haven't tried Superior's foundation. If you try it, please let us know how you think it compares to Stable Stuff and Sharon's foundation.

[Susan B.]

Superior's site says that Soft and Stable has a foam core with fabric on either side.

I've asked for a sample of RipStitch TW 2.0 Tear/Wash Away - 2 oz. Stabilizer from Allstitch.com They also carry a 1.5 oz in the same line. I remember a pro quilter somewhere saying that all the stabilizers are made by one company and marketed under different names. We'll see. Allstitch has great prices for buying in quantity, but Ricky's is cut the the right size for the printers.

[Rita C.]

I have been trying to come up with an alternative design to the appliqued flower pots for two reasons. 1) I am doing all red and white and this is more difficult to do in just those two colours and 2) because I wanted something that would fill the space more. So I have these two ideas that I am quite pleased with but not sure if they will work. My concern is that they might be too big for the space and/or making a spiky design seem even more spiky. Any opinions?

[Margo C.]

I luv the idea that you are changing up the design, but think that these two motifs are a little too delicate (?) for the chunky look of the sashing and the arc units. Maybe you could use the bottom design, but replace the light color in the centers of the tulip shapes with other reds? A variety might look better than all one color.

[Norma H.]

I think if you shrink the bottom one a bit and try what Margo suggest, it will be fine.

[Rita C.]

Thanks ladies, I will give that a try.

[Rita C.]

I'll second both Margo & Norma's suggestions.

[Rita C.]

Margo, that looks great. I agree with you about using different fabrics, thanks for the idea.

[Carol R.]

You are correct, Soft and Stable from Superior is not for quilting. It is a fabulous product, but is used in purses or bags rather than a batting of some kind. Am going to the International quilt show in Cincinnati this week and Superior will be there, I will look to see if they have the other stabilizer mentioned and compare. Carol

[Constance G.]

Rita, I love your alternative tulip design, in the darker reds that Margo suggested.

[Nancy H.]

Rita, love your two color combination. I agree with Margo on your center designs. I just finished Month 1 (in southwest colors) and it will be a wall hanging. I too am doing a different center motif, don't have the templates cut yet but will start experimenting with my colors in a few days. Keep us posted with your progress. Great job.

[Nancy H.]

Loved Video on a new technique to do applique work. After experimenting with both pattern instructions and Margo's instructions I chose Margo's. I just finished my first flower pot and am not impressed with it at all!
My major issue is that it actually has caused a pucker with the back ground fabric. I am using the invisible filament as I have used this before with good results for quilting. I have also tried cotton with same results. puckers! I can not loosen my tension any further.
Should I be using a tear away Stabalizer? or stabalize the whole piece of fabric?
Is anyone else having this problem???
I am new at applique. Only done a few.

[Constance G.]

My experience with most appliqué methods is that some form of stabilization is needed for the base fabric. Sue and Pat use several coats of spray starch to stiffen the base fabric. Tear-away stabilizer will do the same thing if you don't like to use starch. I have even been known to use plain old copier paper in a pinch, although it can be a pain to pull out all the paper bits. Hope this helps!

[Margo C.]

Hi DHRQuilts! And welcome to the forum!
At minute 3:04 I talk about preparing the background fabric. My fabric is starched so that it is reallystiff and I don't need to use a stabilizer, but Connie is right that you can also use an additional stabilizer if you still get puckers. My choice is Ricky Tim's Stable Stuff under the entire background as well as under the applique pieces. It can be removed by trimming or tearing away after you are finished stitching.
You just need to find what works for you!