Monday, April 6, 2009

I've been shopping

We had to go get a few things at the mall today and I whipped over to the LQS to get a batting for the cot quilt. You can't go in without looking around at what's new now can you? I found some reproduction style fabrics with a bit of texture and also some blue and greens........ for this pattern which I will do sometime in the future. You can see it here
It's designed by Robyn Falloon, a very talented Australian designer.
I've been able to get a little prep time in today and thought you might be interested to know what pencil I use to prepare the s.a for applique. It is the Sanford Prismacolor white coloured pencil. It always washes out and unlike chalk pencils does not rub off easily. I used to buy it from a quilt stand at the Sydney quilt show but now can get it at an art shop. You need a good pencil sharpener or one that is just for coloured pencils.
I usually use a propelling lead pencil if the white one won't show up.
I've been using templates made out of plastic instead of freezer paper templates because I have multiples of the same shapes and also need to fussy cut. I like to label my pieces with those sticky dots so I can keep track of what goes where. The dots come in handy for numbering rows or blocks when piecing too.
I know that there are some quilters that do amazing applique out there but I know a lot of people also struggle.
One tip I have for smooth curves is to keep your seam allowance small. 3/16" is the normal s.a for applique but for needle turning tight curves, I will trim to 1/8" I don't clip into inner curves until I need to and find a dampened toothpick does the trick to help turn it under smoothly.
For outer curves, I turn under those tricky s.a's sometimes only one or two stitches ahead, you can get in a flap if you try to get too far ahead of yourself.
I also never ever clip outer curves, only inner ones.
P.S. I think the white pencils are the same as the Pat Campbell white pencils.

23 comments:

Lurline said...

Really wonderful advice for applique-ers (not a word, I'm sure!) - I agree with everything you say - must sus out that white pencil, though! Is that your quilt on the background of your header? I've seen it (or something very similar - on the cover of a magazine!) and I love that rabbit, too!
Hugs - Lurline♥

Stina Blomgren said...

Ohhh..thanks for the tips Janet...
This pencil I will keep an eye out for... I havent found the chalcpencils..but this maybe maybe can be found... have to write this up..:o)
ANd AHHH..I love that quilt you are going to make...its beautiful... and I wish I could go shopping for some lovely fabrics too... :o)

Unknown said...

Thank you for the tips! I don't do much needle turn, but tips always come in handy for that right moment. I love your fabrics you are working on in the prep photo. That quilt is going to be gorgeous.

Betsy said...

Janet thank you so much for sharing that.
Your applique always looks divine and I can see why.

Crispy said...

Thank you Janet for your review on the Prisma pencils. I love hearing what tools other quilters use.

WOW The Blessings quilt pattern is FABULOUS!!! I just kept staring and staring at it. How large are the blocks? Can you tell I'm contemplating buying this pattern? LOL

Crispy

ranette said...

Oh Janet....you've done it again...LOVE the new pattern and I have several of the fabrics that you purchased. Even used a couple in my DJ.

Thank you for always giving good advice/instructions...I really do appreciate it!

amy said...

You've got some beautiful fabrics for The Blessings quilt--what a gorgeous quilt! Love the idea of tagging the applique pieces. I do like the Pat Campbell pencils--I usually buy a multi-pack so I always have them around.

Janet said...

The Blessings quilt pattern is beautiful. I checked out your link and there are a number of lovely applique patterns to see there. Thanks!

tami said...

Oh my that is a gorgeous stack of reproduction fabrics. I can't wait to see the finishe product. Great applique tips. Thank you for sharing.

Meredith said...

I alos use them to mark quilts for hand quilting and they work very well. So do es Roxanne's white chalk pencil. Glad you did get a little bit of shopping done.

Kaaren said...

I love to see new fabric purchases and thanks so much for the applique tips. Every little bit helps, Janet.

Robyn has some wonderful patterns, doesn't she? Every time I visit your blog Janet, I come away so inspired. Your work is amazing and thanks again for sharing.

Browndirtcottage said...

Thanks so much for your tips. I always try to 'obsorbe' as much info about hand applique as I can!!

quiltfuchs said...

Hi Janet, I admire your applique, it looks great. Your new pattern is very nice, I wonder when you will do it.

Amelia said...

Oh wow look as all these comment you got over night. I am curious what is the pink flower shape for??? The pattern looks interesting - wonder what it would look like in a green and red colourway... or a brighter crisp colourway... you could do so much

Shari said...

I'll add my thanks for the applique tips. I find needleturn applique a bit tricky so I need all the help I can get!

Beautiful fabrics too. What are you making? Also love the reproduction fabrics.

Cheers - Shari

MJinMichigan said...

Thanks for explaining your marking technique. I've been wondering how you do it. How do you handle placement of the appliques? It looks like you use basting lines to do some marking but I'd love to know your technique since your finished applique looks so perfect.
I'm amazed by how much you accomplish!

Unknown said...

Love your new fabric purchase and the Quilt by Robyn is just Lovely...Eye Candy for sure...Thanks for the tip...always helpful...
cheers

Terry said...

I just love that quilt pattern! I think it's a bit beyond my abilities right now but I could always buy it for "someday"! :0)

Heidi said...

The quilt in your banner is absolutely beautiful. Would you ben willing to share where you got the pattern. Your quilting is stunning. I'm inspired each time I look at your blog.

Heidi

Carrie P. said...

I like to do that too, use the plastic when I have a lot of the same pattern to make.
Love those fabric and that pattern is simply lovely.

Karen said...

Love The Blessings quilt pattern and the reproduction fabric is beautiful. I have three quilt shops in my area and not a piece of reproduction fabric to be found. Very sad. Great applique tips. Finally, something I can use my sticky dots for. :)

May Britt said...

Your new pattern is of a wonderful quilt. I have never seen that pattern before, but I love it :)

Quilts And Pieces said...

MMMMM, love those fabrics!