Wednesday 18 February 2015

Every which way is slow

The day had to come, I guess, when I wanted to do something for which applique, rather than piecing, seemed like the best way forward, and that day is today.  I've gone all around the houses thinking it over, but no other answer seems right.  So applique it is.  

This means that right now I am not machining at all, which in turn means that my production has gone from slow to slooooooow.  

This is what it looks like right now.


I'm hoping I'll get the hang of the applique okay (and please don't look too closely at my stitches, or tell me it will take years to get it right; I need it to work now, or at least now-ish) but any helpful tips more than welcome!



6 comments:

Lorna McMahon said...

Slow and steady.... But looking lovely! Nice progress shots, Kaja!

Turid said...

I follow you sloooowly, and I just love what I see.

Lara B. said...

I think you have it right all along Kaja - speed is not to be made a priority over the enjoyment of the process. You are like no other quilter on the internet and I love to watch your steps as you work!

Lara B. said...

PS - I use my old Singers for raw edge applique and I remember that you have a lovely old sewing machine yourself.
for some reason I get much better control than on my new sewing machine.

Stephie said...

I love appliqué. I'm planning on doing more this year, so maybe we can find some tips together!

LA Paylor said...

Free form applique is fabulous. There are so many ways to do it, and I suspect you'll develop one of your own!! The big thing is choosing how to turn the edges if you do. Lots of ways to do it. I find applique is portable and easy to pick up and put down. The right needles are very important. Very. I have large fingers so I like a longer needle. I want it very sharp.
If you are appliqueing with thick thread it's going to need a bigger eye and be harder to pull through. If I want the applique stitch to disappear into the applique I like DMC broder 2ply 50 wt as it's thin and smooth and strong. Try some silk thread too, as it melts into the background.
Your denim is so textured and interesting. I wish I was there to see how you make decisions because abstract design doesn't come easily to me. LeeAnna