Quilting with blinkers on

I've decided to knuckle down with just a few projects at a time in the hopes that I can work faster towards an elusive finish line. I have my blinkers on and I'm not going to listen to tempting thoughts on quilt alongs, blocks of the month or the myriad of projects in the sewing room that deafen me with their calls of pick me, pick me.

First thing I decided was which project was the one that I was going to love working on the very most and the Stars and Sprigs won in the applique section. Great choice because now I have the third row of nine done.

I've been trying to make use of my Kaffe scrap box for applique pieces, I love digging around in it and finding just the right piece. The only pieces I would throw out would have be tiny.

And I have to tell you about some exciting purchases that have come in the last week. I plan to make some more of the thimble rings I posted about last time so ordered these Japanese silk threads, love the box!

Love the colours!

Beautiful Ikats from Glorious Color

Stunning shot cottons also from Glorious Color, better than a box of crayons. Now you know why I'm on a silly budget. I do have plans for some additons to complement these fabrics but they'll have to wait.

I thought I'd just try and post an applique tip now and again for those who might be interested. It might provide a little insight in how I tackle things.

First up, invisible stitches.

I don't take my stitch in the background directly across from where the thread comes out., I think that the stitch would show. Instead, I insert the tip of needle into the background behind the thread just stitched and slightly under the seam allowance.

When I come up into the applique piece again, I aim to come up at the bottom of the seam allowance, not into the applique. So aim for the seam allowance and see if that makes a difference to the stitches. When I take that stitch, I'm only picking up two or three threads on the needle.

For the following photos, you can click on them to get an even closer look. Often with the Kaffe Fassett fabrics, thay have more than just one colour, I choose thread to match the dominant colour or go for a tan or grey thread. I love to use Mettler cotton, 60 weight embroidery thread.

For this one, I chose a gold.

This one was stitched with a tan thread.

I'll see you next time with an update on how I'm going. Until then, happy stitching!