Finally finished this block this morning after working on it since January every morning.
I used the reverse needle turn method since I kept getting burned with my iron using the freeze paper method so yesterday I purchased one of those skinny pointed applique irons to try on the next block.
I am not totally happy with this block for several reasons:
1. My points could be better.
2. I need something a little sturdier to stitch under besides a pillow so I am going to add some kind of board on the pillow to make it sturdier.
3. I used Valdini threads to needle turn and when I went to wash the ink from the block, the thread leaked and left yellow stains by the leaves which I quickly tried to wash out with a stain remover. I did not know Valdini threads were not colorfast!
4. My elbow swelled up again from so much appliqueing so I had an unsteady hand.
5. This was by far the most complicated block I have ever made.
I am open to suggestions please.
If you are interested in this BOM, go here at One Piece at a Time.
.jpg)
.jpeg)
.jpg)
14 comments:
I don't do hand applique so I really don't have any suggestions. I just wanted to say that is a really gorgeous block. Your fabric selection is stunning.
I have problems with points as well so I can't help you there ,the block is beautiful and it looks very well done to me . Must check out this BOM not that I need another project ;-)Sheila
I think you're being a bit hard on yourself...it's beautiful!
If you can find a cure for the sore elbows and hands let me know! I've been having the same trouble. The doctor says no more than 20 minutes at a time for hand work, but that's hard to do sometimes!
The block is beautiful! I don't have an answer for you about your points either as I run from hand work. The BOM is so tempting.
Aren't we our own worst critic! I love it & it looks fabulous to me, my friend.
Have a beautiful week.
TTFN ~ Marydon
GIVEAWAY ends Fri.
Remember you are your worst critic and if you don't point out the things you think are flawed, no one else will probably notice them.
I think the block looks wonderful and even with you pointing things out, I don't see any problem with this piece! (I'm not good at hand applique, so I can't give suggestions, either.)
My first thought was WOW!
Then I read your commentary and enlarged the pic.
I still say WOW--it's a beautiful block!
I think the block is beautiful!
I only use the freezer paper method for applique so I can't help you with the points.
I use DMC cotton threads for my applique and they don't run at all.
I suggest you keep going. You may not think it is perfect, but it is pretty good (emphasis on the PRETTY) and certainly worth continuing.
I have considered doing that project, but just am not ready for it. Maybe she will do one again next year and we can do that one together. Hopefully I will be less crowded then.
I think it looks great! I was thinking about doing it by hand via backbasting but realized my back wasn't going to take the work. Then I thought I'd just fold the edges over and machine applique. What a mess that turned out to be!
I've just decided to use fusible webbing and somehow machine applique it..that's if I get my color scheme figured out.
As you do the other blocks, you'll get better and feel more confident.
I'm still a learner at applique, but I use the freezer paper and glue it down techniques. I still think your block is amazing - the color choices are great and keep in mind once you wash your quilt, the points will be rounded in the end :)
It's a very pretty block anyway, but your fabric selections really make it fantastic.
Sorry to hear you had so many problems but the block is stunning.
I always put my hand dyed thread in a cup of warm water and just let it sit for a while until I think the dye is out and then I place it on a paper towel to dry. I always do this with the Weeks brand of floss.
Post a Comment