Tuesday, July 21, 2009

Block one and loose ends

Mary Mannakee block one. Kathie and I are really enjoying exchanging ideas and talking fabrics and techniques with this project. We happened to love each others choice of fabrics so ended up doing pretty much the same. The order of appliqueing the flowers with the yellow centers is a bit different and if I strike this again, I think I'll try her method. These blocks will finish at 16 inches. I haven't mentioned what I do with my threads when I start and finish so I'm tying up loose ends here. I don't want the knot when I start to be in the seam allowance, it could pop through or create a little lump.
On the top of the piece, I turn my work around and start under the applique and bring it up in the seam allowance. No knots on the back then.
When I finish off, I take two small stitches near the seam allowance.
Before pulling the needle all the way through, I take the needle through the loop that's formed,
and then take it through the second loop formed and then pull the needle through. Essentially, I'm going up through the first loop and down through the second. It makes no difference if you go down for the first and up through the second.
The last step is to take the needle through the layers to hide the loose end and cut the thread.This is a good way of not having loose threads on the back which may show through the background.
After showing my applique methods, I learned another tip from Cathie, no blog. Thanks for this Cathie. Remember me mentioning using a tiny bit of fray stop on the inner points as a last resort? Cathie told me that she uses basting glue here and there, it does the same thing and washes out. I like that so much better! Away with the fray stop!

I tried it out on these tight inner curves where I don't have much seam allowance and put it on while my freezer template was still attached. Then I smeared it around with the end of this manicure stick. It works a treat. If you click on my photos to get close ups, the white you sometimes see is just my marking pencil which will wash completely out.

Cathy over at Cabbage quilts is blogging on her applique methods. Jan from Bemused and Juliann from lining up my stitches are having fun with red and green too. Go visit if you haven't already.

27 comments:

Carrie P. said...

I start and end my threads the same way you do. I read about using some glue stick on the toothpick and you swoosh it under the fabric and it will help with the fraying.

Karen said...

Beautiful block Janet! That's how I start and end my thread too.

Lea said...

It is very beautiful! Love those colors!!!
Also Thank you for sharing your applique method. It's very interesting. I never done your way before, I'll try it. :-)

BTW, I LOooove your new header!
I'm saving all my strips to make this Susan's vine in future. :-)

soggybottomflats said...

I just asked Kathie and now I will ask you...how do you go about choosing your applique colors? The reds, yellows, etc. Do you stock pile fabs or do you just use a specific line of fabs? You have an amazing eye for color and I love your method. Thanks so much for sharing, Elaine

Janet said...

Your block looks perfectly wonderful!! Thanks for sharing all you applique tips. I'll have to try that finishing the thread trick too.

Lurline said...

Love your tip about the basting glue - will have to find some! Gorgeous applique - a wonderful start - must visit Kathie and all the other girls!
Hugs - Lurline!
PS - I miss your Bunny! The new Header is gorgeous, though!

Miriam said...

Thanks for the hints!!! Great photos too.

AdyQuilts said...

Lovely block! I start the thread the way you do, but to finish I use a technique I learned when I was doing embroidery, BQ (Before Quilting). I make the loop through the last stitch, so that the knot is flat against the fabric. I then "weave" the thread through the last 6-7 stitches on the back. This secures the end beautifully.
Ady

Unknown said...

Beautiful Block...
cheers

antique quilter said...

Great tips again! the tying off is great idea I am going to try that. Yes I have rubbed my tooth pick over the top of the glue stick when those pesky little threads are not going where I want them to!
I do start my appliqué the same way but I try and get in between the seam tucked under and the top so the knot lays inside the s/a, again no loose threads peaking thru the background later on.
Love the block and oh the sneak peak of the second block!!!!!
Kathie

Anonymous said...

we must be twins from a past life, I do my applique the same way as you and that is how I teach it too.

cheers
Christine

love your block, still have to order the pattern

PatchworkRose said...

I just love your new header :-)
These blocks are going to look
fantastic. I am amazed at how quickly you manage to finish a block.

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Hey Janet the new header is gorgeous. Thanks so much for the tip of starting and ending without a knot showing...fabulous I will do that. Thanks for the plug too!! What camera do you use your up close photo's are awesome? xo

The Rabbit Factory said...

Great tip with the manicure stick and glue...so much better than fray check...thanks for sharing.

Crispy said...

I see I will have to find some basting glue, didn't want to try fray check...to stiff but this will definitely work!! Your block is wonderful, the colors are so rich looking.

Crispy

Carrie P. said...

Love your new header!!!!

Janet said...

Back from "moving day". Still waiting on my pattern to arrive. I see you changed your header. Now you'll be plagued with questions on how to do this fabulous piece. Thanks for the great hints on applique.

Judy said...

You know now that you mention it, I've used the Roxanne's on my finger tip to lightly tuck those straggly thread from tight curves under so they stay put and it works great. Especially on simple prim blocks that have been glue basted in place before sewing down.

Your blocks are so lovely. I am getting really itchy for a red and green project watch all of you sew!

Sherri said...

I have just loved reading all of the applique tips...thanks to you and other applique' experts in the blogging world my needle turn skills are improving to the point where I finally feel confident enough to make some of the quilts on my list! Thanks so much!

Barb said...

Thanks for the tips.....I love your applique....

Terrie Sandelin said...

Your new header is beautiful. And the block is gorgeous. Your applique is so perfect!

wishes, true and kind said...

Your work is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your techniques =)

Darlene said...

This is exactly how I start and stop my stitching as well. Another great tutorial - it's wonderful that you're sharing your skills & talent, Janet. Thank you.

Darlene said...

Oops - I forgot to mention how much I love your block - lovely!

And,the new header is fabulous.

MARCIE said...

Your work makes me weep. But alas, I am back to look again! Beautiful!

Lucy said...

Thank you so much for your tips. I love the quilt you are making and your blocks inspire me to pick up my four block applique again.

Joan said...

Love your heaer...its georgeous! Your bolcks are beautiful.