Thursday, July 15, 2010

Just dropping by for a chat

I'm just popping my head in to have a natter about all sorts of things that have been going on. I just got these two books in the last couple of days. The Encyclopedia of applique by Barbara Brackman is one I've been meaning to get for awhile. It's a great rescource book full of sketches of applique blocks and will be usefull when deciding on blocks for a design.

The cookbook is self explanatory really, I need to have a go at the macarons now that I have a new oven. I'll let you know how that goes. Macarons are the new cupcake it seems. This one has the easy method, not that Italian, thermometer, meringue, bound to go wrong method.
I picked up this piece of fabric at the LQS which I thought could be very useful for broderie perse,. It's Broderie Perse by RJR, an older line. You don't need to see the few Kaffes I got, it's more of the same luscious stuff I've shown before.
OK, it's confession time, I've taken the process pledge as you can see from my side bar and I've been holding back, I'm ususally a die hard needle turner who uses a toothpick on the side when it comes to applique but I've been harbouring secrets from you my friends. Yes it's true, I've been feeling guilty and it's time I fessed up.

That's not freezer paper templates you see in the photo below, it's Floriani Stitch 'n Wash fusible tearaway. The glue used for the fusible coating is water soluble.
I've been speeding up my sewing on the Stars and Sprigs blocks by using this product
I iron the reverse template to the back of the fabric and use a glue pen to fold and stick the seam to the back. It's important to use lower heat with the iron. I'm going through those refills fast!
I can then just pin my pieces as I need them on the background and sew away to my hearts content. It really has sped up the process, works brilliantly for simple shapes and it's not messy. I feel like a traitor to needleturn but I think I'll get over that, I'm just open to using more than one method.
After I've finished the piece, I wash all the glue out and slit the backs of the shapes to remove the tearaway with my tweezers.
This border I'm doing should be finished in a couple of days, it's been great doing lots of leaves, I love them. I also love choosing those way out colours. I think this is my favourite leaf.
Cut from this fabric, it was placed so that the colour change occured inbetween two sections. It's Aurora by Brandon Mably.
I thought I'd show off my absolute favourites, these ones have so much pattern that you get more bang for your buck when cutting out pieces. This one is Coleous from Phillip Jacobs.
Shell Montage, again a Phillip Jacobs.
Varied leaves, Phllip Jacobs. I love that all these come in six different colourways.
I hang my head in shame because I've been remiss in showing you this giveaway I won from Elaine at Soggy Bottom Flats. So sorry Elaine. I love it because it's a wool pincushion kit and you know I love pincushions. The wool might stop the rusty pins in our sometimes humid weather. Elaine has some kits in her Etsy store if you'd like one.
I was really lucky and won this fob from Kaaren. Now my scissors look flash! I love the bird charm. Thanks Kaaren.
That's not all, I must be having a lucky streak, this RAK (random act of kindness) came from  Anna at Thimbleanna. I left a comment on her blog ages ago about how much I'd love to get my hands on one of these colour cards and she remembered. What a kind gesture, thanks so much Anna.
Haven't I been chatty today? Finally, Happy 125th Birthday to the fabulous Scandinavian designer Josef Frank.
This one looks so much like Kim McLean's leaves, how could I not be impressed.

45 comments:

Cardygirl said...

What a lovely natter! Lots of special goodies to share. I love your new way of applique....I will have to give it a try! Might speed me up.

Mimi said...

I can't stand it! Everytime I see your Stars and Sprigs ...I want it. I can see myself buying all these fabrics and giving this one a try. Now if I just didn't have Beyond the Cherry Trees, DJ and Hearts and Hands going all at once, I might just give it a try....and these aren't even my kind of fabrics. I sure admire your talent in picking fabrics. Love it!!!

Kim Brackett said...

That bottom photo does look like Kim McLean. Love the colors. I have a few pieces of Phillip Jacobs fabric and it is indeed interesting. So many colors and patterns in one piece of fabric.

Love your applique. The end result looks just as pretty as your needle turn, and it's faster. Just stitch and don't look back!

jean said...

Hi Janet, a lovely post as usual. You always have some useful snippet to report, don't think you are a traitor to needleturn, just think you are testing these systems for the good of the blogging world. lol we all need to know.
I have the macaroon book, I became addicted to then in France. How could I resist, their beautiful colours all lined up in the patissiere (sp) just waiting to be gobbled up. and of course the beautiful ganache that joins the two together.
I'll be looking to see your results.

Dorothy said...

If it's wash soluble fusible -Why cut it out? Just dip in water.
It's looking good. I tried the 'glue & fold under' way and found I was quicker just needleturning but it's good to try something different.

Shirley said...

I think you have to keep an open mind on techniques because sometimes it pays to try a new idea. I have used that glue pen for the first time this week and I am impressed with it. Your applique leaves certainly look very neat and tidy. Have enjoyed the natter.
Love Shirley.

antique quilter said...

That is really interesting, sure looks like freezer paper!
Love the X's on the top of the leaf, great tip!
I LOVe the way this is coming out, so pretty. The border of that quilt is amazing I can't wait to make it either!
great fabrics! I can see why you had to have the Kim flowers fabric
congrats on all those blog giveaway wins, isn't it fun to get surprises in the mail?
Kathie

Deb said...

I love you Janet. That's all I need to say for now. I've got happy colourness overload.

Barb said...

I just loved your post today, your applique is to die for.....and I love your new way of doing things....

Abby and Stephanie said...

I was sorry to come to the end of your post. I could sit and stare at your gorgeous leaves for ages. I love your process!

Rachaeldaisy said...

What a great post! It was like sitting with a cup of tea catching up. Macaroons are the best! I think it's great that you try new methods. I'm a huge fan of Philip Jacobs, his fabrics and colours are so luscious!

alobsiger said...

I confess that your confession has me wanting to try the Floriani again. I bought a roll for the Joseph's Coat quilt. It seemed to bend when I was trying to stick my seam allowances so I put it aside...try, try again cuz it looks like it works wonders for you. Thanks for sharing the "possibilities" fabrics -- I often ponder what will happen when I cut a wee applique shape from those wild and wonderful fabrics.

Anonymous said...

WOW!!! Lots of GREAT info you're sharing here. : ) Thanks, Janet. I particularly appreciate how you've shown a variety of beautiful fabrics and how you use them for applique. Excellent!

Nat Palaskas said...

The end result is beautiful and that's all that matters - thanks Janet for sharing your secret - Hugs Nat

ranette said...

Janet...I like that you are flexible and open to new methods. I've been wondering about the Floriani Stitch 'n Fuse...I'll have to try it.

The Stars and Sprigs border is so beautiful and I love all of the lovely fabrics. I've never had a macaroon before...sounds yummy!

Sandy said...

I love when you post!! Today was extra special- your work is beautiful, (and there are no police looking to see what method you use-) I think we need to be flexible and approach the design with that which will produce the best outcome- I don't care for fusible, but could never do a Mckenna Ryan design without it!LOL Sandy

Thimbleanna said...

Oh Yay! You've finally come to your senses and left that nasty needle turn behind LOL! I've also tried a method that is the reverse of what you do -- use a dab of the gluestick on the non-stick side of the template and stick that side to the fabric -- then you can just iron the leaf edges to the sticky part of the template. Saves having to glue around all the edges -- did that make sense?

Your applique work is sooo beautiful and colorful -- a feast for the eyes. And I'm so happy that the color card made it with only a few bendies!

Lori said...

Ah, Janet, you've been holding out on us!!? LOL It's nice for us to find a new way of doing something.
What a fantastic book and wonderful fabrics to be working with.

Terry said...

I always love seeing your applique! Nothing wrong with doing something new that saves you time! Love all the fabrics you shared too! :0)

Barb said...

wow, what a post!
how interesting that new applique method is - I'm a die hard needle turner, but this is very interesting!
Love the pillar fabric - I'm jealous!
I tried to order a moda card but it didn't seem available - how wonderful that you have one - I love the feel of their fabric,so much softer and friendlier than Kona for applique' work.
I love the coleus fabric and just bought some myself in a different color way -
what a fun post thanks!

Janet said...

Your "confession" made me smile - your applique is beautiful whatever method you use. I can't wait to see your finished border. That book has so many ideas in it it makes my head spin.

Crispy said...

What an interesting post Janet. I love it when bloggers get chatty :0) Hey, you can do applique any way you want. I know that your applique is always beautiful. I gotta get me some of that leaf fabric :0)

Crispy

Jan said...

Oh, my goodness, what a neat trick with the fusible. Never, never would have thought of that - thanks!

Kaaren said...

I'm breathless after reading your newsy post, Janet. I loved every word of it.

With respect to applique...needleturn vs any other method...I have to share with you what one of my art teachers used to say to us on an almost daily basis...

"There are many ways of right". Which ever way works best for you at the time, then that's the ;right way'. And this has become my mantra in life.

Anonymous said...

Try as I might to use other methods, I always come back to freezer paper!!

Chookyblue...... said...

we got the cupcakes mag the other day........fairy girl wanted it to do some decorating........
loving my scissor fobs at the moment too.......

Munaiba said...

That's certainly great fabric. Where is it available? And haven't you been lucky! That's three or four give aways you've won recently now, by my count. I wish some of your luck would rub off on me. lol

Anonymous said...

Love your post and we won't tell anyone you secret......
Have a great weekend
Christine

*karendianne. said...

Man, this was a great post. I'm glad I had some time to sit down and really read and study this. I'm so in love with your work and I have this dream... you know about that dream. Anyway, thanks for sharing. I'm trying not to peek at the sweets, k? I don't really see those. :>

Janet said...

Oh Janet
It is all wonderful. I especially like the flower,kinda green with pink,it looks like a fan design in the fabric, next to the blue one.
Again, you have given wonderful ideas and inspiration.
Janet

Anonymous said...

Hi Janet, really enjoyed your post.
I've been thinking about buying the Encyclopedia of Applique - are you pleased with it? Thanks for "fessing up" about your techniques - all informataion is valuable.
Best regards, Kate

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

Wow Janet, fabulous colourful post. I don't think it matters how you get your applique done, it is still incredible. Gorgeous giveaway, stunning fabrics, ahhh! xo

imquilternity said...

Life is good isn't it? Thanks for sharing all of your wonderful goodies and your gorgeous, gorgeous, quilt.

Dixie Howard said...

Looks like a perfect applique method to make all those leaves, and the edges are so nice and smooth. Love all your fabric choices. This quilt is going to be an heirloom for sure!

Miriam said...

What a wonderful post. :) I love allll those fabrics!
The books both look great!
I think learning any new techniques is great. The more knowledge you have the better. I am using the same product with my Joseph's Coat blocks, however I am leaving the fusible in.
You have soo much variety in your fabrics. I love it!!!
Congratulations on your wins.

Marieke said...

Thanks for the update and how you make your beautoful quilts! Great to read your blog!

kim mclean said...

Hi Janet,
The sprigs are looking great!! you'll be finished soon & that was fast! Is that fusible method faster than the needle turn? Love the black fabric with the colouful leaves.
The more I watch Masterchef, the less cooking I do and the more cooking magazines I buy. Tell us how you go with the macaroons, love the eating but not the the baking. I think I'll go to the bakery!! Cheers, Kim McLean

Shari said...

Thanks for the info on the Floriani stitch-n-wash. I tried talking to the rep at the quilt show in May but she just didn't seem to get my questions - she was all about machine embroidery products! This clarifies some of my info - and it doesn't matter that you do it this way! Your leaves look brilliant! This is such a great pattern!!

Ann Champion said...

You've made such great progress on that border! It looks like the wash away technique works great for you. I wondered why you slit the back and remove it too? Your quilt is stunning!
Congrats on all of your wins lately.
:)

Carrie P. said...

thanks for sharing the process. pretty cool.
I have the old applique encyclopedia. Pretty fun to look through.

Minka said...

That Broderie Perse fabric is so beautiful. I just saw a great Broderie Perse quilt exhibit this weekend...read about it here: http://minkasstudio.blogspot.com/2010/07/new-fabric-and-new-quilt-exhibit.html I know it's far from Oz but if you find yourself in the states in the coming months, it's worth a try.

Marjorie said...

I too have tried new approaches and used glue stick for English Paper Piecing for the first time (won't be the last). But I'm still convinced that the back basting method makes needle turn faster than other methods.

Cheryl said...

You do beautiful work ! I love applicade work too.
I really like that little star block that your sisscors are laying on ,I like to work small but I've never attemped one like this!

Donna~~ said...

I am so amazed by the beautiful work you are doing (and all the things you get accomplished!) Thanks so much for the detailed blogging--so enjoyable to see and read and learn and dream!

I am not an accomplished applique person and have a question. How does this Floriani Stick n'Wash compare to doing the same with freezer paper? What is the advantage as you see it? Is it more flexible or does it adhere better? (I have done a similar method with the gluestick and freezer paper several years ago, so I am curious how the two compare.) I am also trying to get up the courage to commit to making one of the Kim McLean quilts, so I'm trying to learn about newer techniques, and would appreciate your opinion/advice.

Also, I just received a fabric order that included some of the Shell Montage fabric you mentioned above--it is wonderful--wish I'd ordered MORE! Thanks for the suggestion!

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