preparing small circles for applique

[Robin G.]

On one of Alex's Simply Quilts programs, she demonstrated how she made wonderful-looking circles of any size. Basically, she used a plastic template, cut out fabric circles a little larger, then used a running stitch around the circumference and gathered the circle around the template and pressed. A great method that works.
However, for the April BOM, I decided to try something a little bit different that helped me with the small (5/8") circles that I needed. Instead of cutting out my circles firsts, I traced all of my larger circles on my fabric in light pencil. Then I sewed my running stitch around the circle, maybe an 1/8" in from the edge. I left a long tail of thread and went on to the next one. Only after all the circles had their running stitches in place did I cut out the circles (being careful not to cut the dangling threads). It was much easier to hold onto the larger piece of fabric and sew than it would have been to handle the small circles.

[Denise L.]

Since I am fusing my BOM I needed to find the perfect circle to cut out my fusible material. I could not find my template circles that I had purchased,oh their SOMEWHERE in my sewing room but not where I can find them.

I have some lovely yellow fabric with cherries. I knew I could fit my circles on those cherries.

Went down to the cellar in DH's tools and found the perfect size socket to draw my circles with. Did a few, fused them on - centered on the cherries first and Voila - perfect little circles with cherries on them.

Make do, until you find the item in the piles of stuff in the sewing room. Believe it or not my sewing room is clean - I had bee in there the other night!

denise

[Denise L.]

Robin--great idea!

[Lynn K.]

When we get to all the other circles on the BOM, we're GONNA BE READY! :lol: :lol:

[Lynn K.]

yeah, if you're a bit behind on the BOM's you can learn from others' trials & errors-- and successes! I like Robin's idea... too bad I AM done w/ my circles! Plan to finish tomorrow while on the bus w/ George's class field trip
Florence

[Lynn K.]

I use the Olfa Circle Cutter

http://www.joann.com/joann/catalog.j...RODID=prd17154

Works great as long as I remember not to push down too hard on it :lol:

[Lynn K.]

I hate doing little circles. That said, I am cutting mine out and fusing them on then sewing around with my invisible thread stitch. They are definitely less than perfect. I'm going for the "casual look" LOL.

[Lynn K.]

i first tried doing circles by putting my fabric right sides together

then marking a circle,sewing by hand the circle, triming , then

turning ride side out. it works pretty good. i did 600 for a quilt im

working on. then i have just tried alexs way with the plastic and

that works very well, even better and takes less time. wish i

new that before. sherren novice quilter.,

[Lynn K.]

Sherren if you've made 600 circles I don't think you're a novice!! You've proven your fortitude at the very least!

Florence
whose task tonight is to do the ironing, I used this process & stitched & cut all my circles the other day.

[Angelia U.]

Robin, does Alex spray hers w/star before she pops the template circle out? Kristen Steiner does that.

Thanks!

On one of Alex's Simply Quilts programs, she demonstrated how she made wonderful-looking circles of any size. Basically, she used a plastic template, cut out fabric circles a little larger, then used a running stitch around the circumference and gathered the circle around the template and pressed. A great method that works.
However, for the April BOM, I decided to try something a little bit different that helped me with the small (5/8") circles that I needed. Instead of cutting out my circles firsts, I traced all of my larger circles on my fabric in light pencil. Then I sewed my running stitch around the circle, maybe an 1/8" in from the edge. I left a long tail of thread and went on to the next one. Only after all the circles had their running stitches in place did I cut out the circles (being careful not to cut the dangling threads). It was much easier to hold onto the larger piece of fabric and sew than it would have been to handle the small circles.

[Judy M.]

Alex showed us a new technique she's using for circles on a fairly recent show, but I can't remember which one. (Maybe Alex will remember! :lol: ) It was a technique using freezer paper--I think two layers--and a scrapbooking circle cutter. I think she applied starch around the edges with a small paintbrush/makeup brush. Judy in Torrance

[Judy M.]

Alex showed us a new technique she's using for circles on a fairly recent show, but I can't remember which one. (Maybe Alex will remember! :lol: ) It was a technique using freezer paper--I think two layers--and a scrapbooking circle cutter. I think she applied starch around the edges with a small paintbrush/makeup brush. Judy in Torrance

It was the analie belden dresden plate show. ajw622

[Angelia U.]

Thanks for all your responses. I, too, am going to try Robin's idea. I watched the show you recommended, Judy.

Presently, I put some scrapbooking circle stickers (hard to find 1/2"!) on my fabric, cut them out, & will start appliqueing them tonight.

We always have to keep searching to see which works the best for each of us. On this project, I don't want to wash it afterwards so that's why I'd prefer not to use starch. Of course, I don't have 600 circles on it!

Angeliasue in wet Georgia, about 100 miles south of ATL. We've only had about 8" this last week.

[Angelia U.]

Well, I think I've found the method for me! I did 5 1/2" circles tonight using the scrapbook stickers I told you about this a.m. They were really cheap stickers in the clearance aisle. I finally found some at Office Dept that were 1/2", but these were much less expensive & stuck on well. I am very pleased w/my circles.

Now I'll be collecting dots of all sizes! Happy Quilting!

Angeliasue

[Judy M.]

I took an applique class years ago and the teacher taught us to use those sticky oval and circle labels made by Avery to make circles, etc. They used to be found in the office supply stores. The teacher's first name is Barbara, but I'm having a brain freeze with the last name tonight! Judy in Torrance