Ménage à Threads

Making and Using an Applique Template

2009-10-27T19:23:00.007-05:00

Many people out there in the quilting world look upon the word “hand” as a four letter word. The very idea of sewing anything by hand just seems to turn people off. People think that if they are doing it by machine that they are going to get it done that much faster. This is true sometimes, however for me I can get so much more done by hand because it goes where ever I go.

Ten years ago I held the same opinion that hand work was too much work. Then something life changing happened to me. I developed a chronic, illness that so restricted my activities that I couldn’t even sit at the sewing machine for even 30 minutes a day. Quilting even then was such a driving creative need of mine that I was left with no other option than to do hand work.

My first attempt at hand work was a fruit appliqué quilt that I saw in a magazine. I pulled all the fabrics from my stash and thanks to instruction from Simply Quilts I learned the basics of needle turn appliqué. Through many trials and errors I have found the techniques that work the best for me. Today I am going to tell you about one.

Freezer paper has become a staple in my quilting studio. I use it for just about every kind of template there is. I really like it for appliqué templates because with freezer paper you can get right up to the edge of the template and make a nice clean line. Here is how I make my templates and mark my appliqué pieces.

Begin by cutting two pieces of freezer paper to the appropriate size. Trace and label two exact copies of your pattern. One will be used as a reference and a transfer for your background. The other will be cut apart and used as templates for your appliqué pieces.

Before you cut the second pattern apart make small dash marks across the joining lines of the pattern to act as registration marks. This will allow you to join your pieces later with ease and greater accuracy. Once this is completed you are ready to place each piece on the right side of your fabric and iron down. Place the pieces on the bias of the fabric whenever possible. This will make the needle turning process much easier.

Now you are ready to take a fabric chalk pencil that is easily seen on your fabric and go around each template. Cut around each piece leaving a scant ¼ inch seam allowance. Don’t remove the template from the fabric until you are ready to appliqué that piece onto your background.

Over the last few years I have tried several different methods for marking my templates. I have found that this way I am more accurate, with less fuss and frustration. I hope that it works for you too.

Recovery

2009-10-14T10:46:00.003-05:00

This is going to be a short week for me. My youngest son is on Fall Break so I am going to spend some time with him. We at Menage a Threads are still working on putting inventory into our website.

As you know we all had the Swine flu. A week after the flu, Teresa began having some breathing problems and has been really sick this last week. She told me this morning that she is starting to feel better and is once again working on our inventory.

I am continuing to work on my designs. I am making progress with the quilt I am currently working on.

We look forward to you visiting our website. We have some really great things, so come check us out. Till next week. Starla

New Designs

2009-10-09T09:41:00.001-05:00

Hello every one. This last week was a much better week. Our demo day was a great success. We had a very good crowd and appreciate everyone who came and all the people who came and helped out. We were there from 10:00 to 2:00 and with a steady stream of people coming to see us and our guests.

Also this week I have been working on some new designs. I can't wait to finish them and get them onto our website. In fact my mind is so full of them that I am having a hard time blogging this morning so I think I will go quilt. Talk to you later.

Starla

Welcome To The Flu Season

2009-10-01T09:35:00.001-05:00

This week has felt like an uphill battle. All of us here at Menage a Threads have been fighting either the flu or in the case of my husband a general bacterial infection. After we started feeling a little better we continued to work on finishing up the website and preparing for our demo day.

We will be having our ribbon cutting on Friday October 2, 2009 at 4:00 at the Moore Chamber of Commerce building at 305 W. Main in Moore. Our demo day will be the following day Saturday October 3, 2009 at the Moore Chamber of Commerce building from 10:00 to 2:00. We are excited and look forward to seeing you there.

Well this is a little short this week. After spending this week with a sick husband and child as well as being sick myself I am not as long winded as usual. I am looking forward to a better week next week and will talk to you then.