going seperate ways....

oh, it's not a bad thing!  My Lollypop Quilt is on it's way to MQX in New Hampshire.  Yeah! it was accepted into that show too, and Jeanne gets to showcase her work.

And me , I'm heading to Lancaster next weekend with some of the sisters....for some misbehavin'.  Ok, maybe it's for the Quilter Heritage Celebration, but we will certainly fit in some laughter and mischief too.  So I worked on picking out fabric for my class with Lisa DeBee Schiller this weekend and getting organized around the house.....a losing battle I'm afraid.

I also prepped the next Aunt Millie's block.  It took me some time, I had to break through that "should I stop at six?"barrier.  But finally, I have and now we are on to the newest block
I very often get questions about how I prep my applique....so here it is:

for this quilt I am using heat resistant mylar template.  I cut the templates the finished size of the pieces.
Then I cut the fabric 1/8" larger than the template.

I apply liquid starch to the seam allowance with a q-tip or paint brush and then I use by little clover iron to fold the seam allowance over the template and leave the iron on til the starch dries.  This leaves a nice crisp edge that does not come unfolded from handling.

I find if I use my regular iron for the seam allowance I need to turn the heat down a bit, the mylar can get a little wrinkly from the heat of the big iron.  I also find that my fancy french manicure does not always agree with the heat, so I sometimes use a bamboo skewer to hold the seam allowance in place when I'm working the piece.

I like this method cause when I lay the block out I can place everything exactly where it's going to go and not worry about fitting later on.

I use Roxanne's glue to glue most of the big pieces down but I don't like to use it on the bias stems.

When I finishing applique-ing a block , I rinse it gently to get the starch and glue out and block it to dry it.

So there you go....thats just me,  you do what works best for you....

Hugs and Stitches!

Megan

Comments

[Quilt Enthusiast]

Have a great time. You deserve it. Love your new block.

[Janet]

Isn't it interesting, all the different methods for applique, there's a way to do it to suit everyone I think.
Great news on your Lollypop quilt! I bet it generates a lot of comments.

[Jackie]

I wish I was going to MQX this year, then I would be able to see your lovely quilt up close and personal. I also usually go to QHC, but alas not this year either. I do love your explanation on the applique.

[Jennifer]

Love the block! I'll be at Lancaster too, working at the shop's booth!

[Jane]

Your blocks are beautiful. Thanks for sharing your technique with us.I use one that is very similar.I used to have trouble getting nice points, until I saw a pic of one of your prepped blocks with the leaf tips still sticking out. That is when I figured it out. Now my leaf points look so much better.

[Susan]

Beautiful as usual. Lancaster? Darn. We were there a week ago. Son's birthday you know. Have a great spring.

[Denise in PA]

Oh, goody - I'll be able to see your Lollipop Quilt twice!! I saw it at the NJ quilt show and I'll be at MQX. Fun! I sure am loving your Aunt Millie's (I LOVE your color choices!)

[Dionne]

MQX will be loads of fun, I'm sorry I won't be there to see your quilt hang in style!
Cheers,
Dionne

[Lori holt]

Your block is beautiful- I really love the brown background- it makes the applique pop!
I would love to see the finished quilt!

[clare bower]

Hi lovely block and helpful tips .
clares craftroom

[Sharon]

I love your block. It's wonderful. have a great time at the show.

[Deb]

megan.. your block looks great!! love your colors!! I too.. have used the same method of applique. I find with Piece of Cake patterns it is very suitable with the repeat patterns..

[Maggie]

Love this block. The browns look wonderful.