The instructions call for raw edge, fusible applique, but I don't much like raw edges, or fusibles either. My applique plan for the quilt has been to use Beth Ferrier's technique for turned applique by machine. I have a comprehensive review of that technique coming up!
The centre point on the Month 2 block is very sharp, though. I know I could do it by hand, because you would sew one side first, and then stuff all the seam allowances against it as you stitched the second side. But there are nine large blocks! I thought about machine sewing part of the point and hand sewing just the end, but it seemed very complicated.
I briefly considered converting the block to paper piecing, but I saw problems with that. However, one of the other TQS members, FLAero52, did it, so I was inspired to try too. It is NOT EASIER. There is a lot to figure out, and I did it a little differently than FLAero52. Here is my practice block:
There are a few problems with it, but they are fixable, so this is how I'm going to proceed. I am very happy with the points. Another benefit of paper piecing is that the dark blue background fabric won't show through the light appliques. I love that fabric - it's actually a blender from the Elvis on Tour collection! The white dots are spotlights. :)
I'll show you how I revised the template to accomodate paper piecing tomorrow. For now, though, here's some of the problems that I need to address:
- My white fabric applique at the base is fairly sheer, and the yellow and orange fabrics show through, so I need to trim the seam allowances from the points. Also, the "Template F" lettering on the template shows through, so I will have to mask that from future copies. The placement of that applique is also a little off, but that is easily corrected next time.
- You can see a dark shadow on the right side of the top point. That is the blue fabric showing through the light green, where it got caught in the centre seam. I will have to trim those blue seam allowances before I sew the two sub-units together.
- The yellow fabric from the centre point also goes too far up in the centre seam, which adds bulk and which will make it hard to applique the final dot. I just have to trim it before I stitch the seam.
- I used my Clover plastic pressing tool to press the seams, but for this block I think a hot iron will be better. The long background pieces are a little loose, and so are the long light green pieces. And what did I do today? I broke my iron!! Disaster!! So it will be a few days before you see any more of these.
That is what I get for not resting on my day of rest!
ReplyDeleteLooking gorgeous so far. Cant wait to see the next installment.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Katherine! I'm keen to move on to Month 3 too, which is more paper piecing. But there is a lot to finish up first!
ReplyDelete