APPLIQUE ON THE GO

Maybe Smaller is Better

2012-01-24T15:49:00.000-05:00

I thought 6-7 inches was OK.
But I think I'll try 4 inches--maybe.
What patterns should I try?

Ellen Heck -- Applique Artist and Her Masterpiece, "Baltimore in the Provence"

2012-01-20T11:02:00.001-05:00

It isn't often that we have the opportunity to see absolute perfection in applique work.
This one-of-a-kind quilt depicts scenes from Provence.
This loved and well-respected artist/teacher has brought me to tears with the intricate beauty of this quilt.
Thank you, Ellen, for this wonderful applique quilt inspiration!

"Road to California" Quilt Show
Masterpiece Prize

(Click on the photo to increase the size.)

(Photo used with Ellen's permission.)

Scrimshaw sewing box

2011-12-29T14:50:00.000-05:00

On display at the Maine Maritime Museum in Bath
handmade box with scrimshaw yarn swift.

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T22:21:00.000-05:00

I want to wish you all a wonderful Christmas!
Thank you for all your comments.
Sometimes I have problems leaving comments on your blogs,
but I always read them with enthusiasm!

This is my cat, Mandu, who helps me with my stitching.

Stitching in Maine

2011-12-11T12:55:00.000-05:00

My late Autumn getaway on Penobscot Bay in Maine has given me the opportunity to finish this block.

Variety

2011-12-08T11:05:00.000-05:00

Made by Nora.
Pieced and applique
I love the appliqued center medallion!

Four lovely ladies, holding four lovely flowers.

Made by Monica (left).

Bim's Flower Garden.

(How do you know when to stop when you make these Flower Gardens?)

Ruth's pieced beauty.

The pattern is the same, only the colors are different.

Consistent element -- the black diamond in the middle of each block.

(Yes, Kathie. I will post one of my blocks soon.)

The Lady Who Finishes Things

2011-12-03T13:58:00.000-05:00

Pat Cummings of Massachusetts is very focused.

We always know that when she starts a project, we will soon see it finished.

This is her Ladies of the Sea quilt.

(Designed by Sue Garman)

This is her Baltimore Halloween quilt.

(Designed by Pearl Pereira)

Looking forward to your next finished project, Pat!

Featuring a Sampling of Danielle's "Beyond the Cherry Trees" blocks

2011-11-23T12:30:00.000-05:00

Sentimental Stitches introduced us to "Beyond-the-Cherry-Trees Album Quilt" a few months ago.

Danielle has worked hard to keep up with the monthly patterns.

Here are just a few of the blocks she has completed.

How did Maxine get here!?!?

Featuring Sue Hart

2011-11-11T12:18:00.002-05:00

Sue's Baltimore Album quilt, "Chapters in My Life".

Two weeks later, Sue entered this quilt in the juried and judged "A Quilter's Gathering" quilt show in Nashua, New Hampshire. It won the "Publisher's Award" from Quilter's Magazine.

Fantastic, Sue!

(Sue is on the left.)

In Nashua!

A square in a square in a square.

Sue's "work in progress", using Kaffe Fassett fabrics.

Featuring Patti

2011-11-07T19:55:00.000-05:00

Patti has been part of our applique group for many years.
She is working on Sue Garman's "Ladies of the Sea" now.
These are some of the quilts she has finished this year.

Pieced and APPLIQUE.

Raw Edged Applique, using Heat and Bond Lite to attach the small pieces to the background.

For the Grandson--a T-Shirt quilt, using his favorite shirts.

Well done, Patti!

Lilac Project, The Beginning

2011-11-02T21:56:00.001-04:00

I've gotten this idea to fill a vase full of lilac blossoms.
It is a vase I discovered in Montserrat (very Baltimore-like).

I start out by drawing a 1 inch circle.
Then I do a running stitch just inside the circle mark, using cotton thread.

After doing a running stitch around the circle, plus an additional few stitches, it is time to cut away the excess fabric along the drawn line.

Pulling the threat taut, I check to make sure there is some semblance of a small circle.

Now I do the 1-2-3-4 design on the front, and a little lilac bloom is made.

There. Only 1,473 left to do!

Preparation, Determination, Goal Met -- Wolf-in-a-Day

2011-10-30T12:58:00.000-04:00

Jane pre-cut her Wolf pattern and had it ready to assemble at the Applique Retreat. In just a few short hours, look at the progress she made! Because Wolf fur consists of thousands of jagged points, Jane needed to stitch the final design element by machine. Everyone was amazed at how much can be accomplished when one properly prepares a project!

Applique Retreat, Variety is the Spice of Life

2011-10-23T09:13:00.001-04:00

Just a sampling of Work in Progress.
One of the pleasures of the Applique Retreat is seeing the many different projects going on all at once.

I want to thank all the wonderful ladies who were able to come this year!

Applique Retreat -- More Ornaments

2011-10-21T18:54:00.000-04:00

These are really my favorites.
They look so Colonial, do you think?
Nora is an expert with these.

A cute lion, by Monica

(One year, I had an entire tree decorated with wild animals.)

Applique Christmas Ornament

2011-10-18T11:44:00.000-04:00

Each year for our Applique Retreat, we have a "challenge". This year, it was Christmas Ornaments which have some element of applique. I was in A.C. Moore and found a piece of cut wood in the shape of a butterfly and thought that would make a nice design. Using wool for the background, I then applied Ultrasuede for the design, since it was easier to cut. I made two of these, so that the back is identical to the front. Then I added 4 dimensional flowers to each side, and topped them off with some beads.

This was supposed to be an ornament exchange, but everyone spent so much time making each ornament, the ladies decided to keep their own.

Time for Our Applique Retreat (Again)--October 13-16th

2011-10-11T10:01:00.000-04:00

Several local ladies like to get together each year and meet just to applique (no sewing machines allowed), swap applique ideas, and generally enjoy the rare opportunity of doing something special with ladies who are all of like mind. We meet at Camp Wightman in the beautiful Connecticut woods, spend 3 nights and 4 days in comfortable lodging, and (the best part) have all of our meals cooked for us and served buffet style.

Another Work in Progress

2011-09-30T01:53:00.000-04:00

It's time I finally finish this.
Maybe I can get General Rufus Putnam to help.

Applique Work in Progress

2011-09-25T21:37:00.000-04:00

Thursday Night Applique

Danielle
Wool Applique on Cotton

Nora

Civil War Bride

Civil War Weekend, Woodbury, CT Aug 13-14, 2011

2011-08-16T14:32:00.000-04:00

Early morning in the Union camp.

The Confederates

The Topographical Engineers

The youngest reenactor, Alexandretta Grant (daughter of Lt Gen and Mrs. Grant)--one month old.

Next Civil War Weekend -- Lincoln, RI -- Sep. 17-18, 2011

Applique in Progress

2011-08-07T20:43:00.001-04:00

On Thursday applique nights, it is fun to see the progress the ladies are making with their applique. Val has added a border to this wool/flannel quilt since last time we met.

Jean has nearly finished her wool table mat. (We forgot to warn her that this wool applique can become addictive!)

Arlene has a fantastic sense of colors. This exciting work is "in progress". We can't wait to see the finished product!

Val's lady bugs. She says she's seeing circles!

(Please leave comment if you cannot see images. Picasa would not allow me to add photos the normal way.)

Fort Adams, Newport, Rhode Island

2011-07-20T19:53:00.000-04:00

Fort Adams

Topographical Engineers' Display

(Click on photos for closer view.)

Brig. Gen. Ian McKay

Captain Raymond Germain

Mistress Mary Ann Germaine

Mary Anne, adjusting display

Union Encampment

The Confederates

What the S.E. Connecticut Applique Ladies Are Working On

2011-07-17T17:26:00.000-04:00

(Nancy is a gardener. The last time I had seen a HOLLYHOCK was when I was a child. Her 6-foot plant produced this amazing flower. I had to photograph it!

Nora has started her Civil War Bride quilt.

Monica does beautiful work. (Sorry, I misplaced the name of the quilt!)

Where does VAL get the time? This is her wool-on-flannel quilt. Great for our Connecticut winters!

(Sorry I haven't posted in awhile. I have trouble breathing in the hot, humid summertime.)

We Found It!

2011-06-27T07:36:00.000-04:00

We searched everywhere.

Then I told Mom it might be behind one of the bookcases.

So she moved the bookcase (huffing and puffing), and I retrieved it for her.

I'm in Trouble.

2011-06-06T09:54:00.000-04:00

Could someone help me? I saw Mom's pre-prepped basket block. You know, where she drew on the fancy design, then hand-stitched from the back of the block? I thought I was helping her. I put it in a safe place, but now I can't find it. Mom crawled under the piano and looked in the stash I have there. She did find a block with a house and that birdie I like (the one on the black background), but we just can't find this new block. She had to make a whole new project, and she is really disappointed about the basket block, so I hope we can find it by the time she gets the fruit block done. Oh, dear........

Clamshell Quilt Guild Night with Pat Ferguson

2011-06-03T12:10:00.000-04:00

PAT FERGUSON, a machine quilting specialist, recently visited the ladies of Clamshell Quilt Guild (Waterford, CT) and gave a visual lecture on the art of machine quilting quilts of all sizes on a standard sewing machine.

The following day, Pat taught a class in machine quilting techniques. You might want to visit Pat's web page. There is a lot of helpful information in her "Tutorials".

These are some of the quilts Pat brought to show machine quilting examples.

Mary Simon BA Block 1 B

2011-05-21T17:01:00.000-04:00

I'm not sure why I wait so long to add the final 3 or 4 template pieces.

Perhaps I am enjoying the process, so don't want it to end.

But, here is Block 1B

If you want to review the flower construction on some of the flowers in this block, see Baltimore Album Construction, under LABELS (right sidebar).

Thursday Night Applique Projects

2011-05-14T12:12:00.000-04:00

Wool applique on cotton background -- Danielle.

I love her fabric choices.

Pat F just finished this quilt for her great-granddaughter. We especially liked the giraffe...and the rabbits.....and.... (Buttonhole applique)

Historical Reenactment, Lee House, Niantic, CT

2011-05-12T12:34:00.000-04:00

In May of each year, several re-enactors present scenes from times past for the local schoolchildren.

Thomas Lee House, (1660)

The stern "judge" is ready to assist with local problems.

Dogwoods in Bloom

2011-05-09T11:16:00.000-04:00

I always look forward to May, when the Dogwoods bloom.

Thames River Quilter's Guild (TRQ)-- Speaker, Maria Lage

2011-05-07T08:41:00.001-04:00

MARIA LAGE from Rhode Island (no web page) was a favorite repeat speaker at our last guild meeting. I was hoping Maria would bring her miniature quilts again. This is just a sampling of her award winning applique work. Maria frames a lot of her applique.(My apologies if I have sacrificed a frame in order to delete fingers.)

Close-up.

This is one of my favorites!

Close-up.

This was a real favorite among the ladies.
Fantastic shading!

Another Miniature

...and the birds all had teeny, tiny beaks!

Nice balance of applique and quilting.

The flowers are so beautiful in this miniature quilt.

This may be my absolute favorite! Simple, yet very effective!

Close-ups

Maria teaches classes in applique. Her classes in miniature landscapes are very popular. Below is a sample of the landscape technique.

Last, but not least, I want you to see a beautiful quilt incorporating Portuguese tiles in the background. The background fabric was not printed this way. It was all done in applique. This is not a miniature quilt.

Thanks for coming and inspiring us again, Maria!

Thames River Quilter's Guild (TRQ)-- Speaker, Muriel Funka

2011-04-29T12:46:00.001-04:00

MURIEL FUNKA (Millbury, Massachusetts) showed us some of her small quilts at the April meeting.

Miniature 5-inch quilt

This is my favorite. Another miniature 5-inch quilt.

Clamshell Quilt Guild Night with Bethany Reynolds

2011-04-24T13:10:00.000-04:00

Bethany Reynolds was our last visitor at Clamshell Quilt Guild (Waterford, CT) Her "Stack and Whack" technique has rather evolved over the years.

Who would have thought to make a flower out of hot peppers. (Click for closer view.)

This is not a Bethany Reynolds jacket. I was sitting next to Pat Fraser who had made this attractive jacket, using the "stitch on a sweatshirt" technique. One buys a sweatshirt one or 2 sizes too large, then open at all the seams so the sweatshirt lies flat. Cut an opening in the center front. Start stitching the fabrics down with a machine. In this case, Pat stitches various favorite fabrics in a long 2-inch line, stitched that down, then added a line of black, then repeated the entire process. When fabric totally covers the sweatshirt, you put the seams back together and add bias around the edges. It always comes out looking great! I am sure many of you have done this. Caution: Use a sweatshirt a couple of sizes too large for you, or you will end up giving the jacket to a smaller person.
(Alternatively, one can apply the fabric in a Crazy Quilt style.)

Scenes From Civil War Reenactment, New Britain, CT April 16-17, 2011

2011-04-20T19:00:00.000-04:00

Early morning at the Union camp.

Brigadier General McKay (Topographical Engineers)

Video of the Event (YouTube -- AnthonyQuinnVisuals)

Northeast Topographical Engineers 2011

2011-04-19T08:20:00.002-04:00

Civil War Historical Reenactment

A few of the Northeast Topographical Engineers were present at the annual meeting.

From left to right: Heidi and Greg Webster, John Proctor, James Duarte, Maryanne and Raymond Germain, and James Mathews.

Lieutenant Greg Webster and his wife, Heidi.

Captain Raymond Germaine, and his wife, Maryanne

Major James Duarte

Sergeant John Proctor

Brigadier General Ian McKay

SCHEDULE FOR 2011

April 16-17, 2011 New Britain, CT
June 11-12, 2011 Blackstone, MA
July 09-10, 2011 Fort Adams, Newport, RI
August 13-14, 2011 Woodbury, CT
Sept. 03-04, 2011 Museum Village, Monroe, NY
Sept 10, 2011 Salem, CT
Sept. 17-18, 2011 Lincoln, RI
Oct. 1-2, 2011 Rutland, MA
Oct. 8-9, 2011 Jabez-Smith House, Groton, CT

Mostly Applique, the Final Episode

2011-04-14T01:05:00.000-04:00

This will be the final installment on the Red and White quilts. If you wish to look at what I have posted about the Red and White quilts to this blog, go to the bottom of the page and click on "Red and White" in the Labels section. It was my intention to concentrate on the applique quilts, rather than the pieced quilts to encourage those who love applique so much to pursue some new ideas in their stitching.

(Click on the photos for larger images.)

This was a fun trip. There was a lot of inspiration for new patterns to applique.

I was reminded of the excessive amounts of quilting on these quilts.

And, a lot of the applique had quilting stitches on the applique itself which gave it a unique look.

More Red and White Inspiration

2011-04-11T00:44:00.001-04:00

(Click for closer looks at the quilting.)

More Red and White Applique

2011-04-09T19:15:00.002-04:00

I am hoping you are not tiring of seeing these quilts.

More to follow.

Red houses, with center church.

More Red and White Variety, from the Armory (New York)

2011-04-08T15:34:00.001-04:00

I was thinking.....
These would be stunning in other colors, too!

Don't forget to click on these for a closer look.

See what fun you could have just making a quilt with "all your favorite things"!

The Scottish Thistle.

Quilting on the applique.

This one is really nice.

Red and White (continued)

2011-04-07T08:25:00.001-04:00

Most of us were quite surprised at the number of quilts which had a Hawaiian applique theme.

Full size one piece Hawaiian design.

Not all quilts were bed-size quilts.

Another Hawaiian pattern (stitched long before Hawaii was a state).

Geometric design.

"ALOHA" (The "L" is backwards)

Infinite Variety, New York

2011-04-07T01:07:00.002-04:00

I did not photograph all of the 651 red and white quilts at the show. I will show you some of my favorites, starting with my absolute favorite. (Don't forget to click on the photos--twice--for larger views.)

More tomorrow.

2011-04-04T22:57:00.004-04:00

Exhausted from trying to get the pictures to post.

(Can you see me now?)

The Applique Lady's Signature

2011-04-03T14:10:00.005-04:00

I am around a lot of ladies who do applique. This block was done by a lady who had decided to combine the Civil War Bride quilt with an emphasis on the horses within the quilt. If I hadn't seen this on her blog, I still would have known who did it. This is one type of signature. As I notice them, I will post others.

Jane from Wales is nearly finished with this quilt. Visit her fantastic work on her blog, "Jane's Threads and Treasures".

Off to New York

2011-04-02T10:30:00.011-04:00

New York

Infinite Variety Red and White Quilt Show at the Armory (now ended).

Decorating a Baltimore Album Vase

2011-03-25T09:55:00.005-04:00

After I got the top of the vase stitched down, I didn't like the position, so I removed all the silk stitches and repositioned it where it was more pleasing to me. Then I re-basted it. The 2nd stitching went much faster, since the edges had already been turned under for the first attempt.

The design on the vase was not to my liking, so I re-drew it slightly. Now I had to decide how I wanted to get the design on the front. Nadine recently asked if I ever did the designs (flowers) off-block, so I thought now would be a great time to do that. By the way, if you haven't met Nadine, perhaps you would like to visit her blog, "Somewhere in Time".

I positioned the design on the front of the vase. The more I thought about it, it made sense to try off-the-block stitching. I normally don't do this, since I find I generally have trouble hanging on to a smaller design and end up dropping it all the time.

The first decision was -- should I walk all the way to the back of the house to get some pellon where my sewing room is located, or should I just grab a lightweight piece of fabric next to my sewing chair...
I grabbed the nearby fabric and basted the design on it. (Actually, I later found a piece of lightweight pellon right next to my chair in another storage bag, but the fabric worked nicely.)

Working from the back layers to the front, I added each pedal.

When I was done with the design, I trimmed around the lightweight backing fabric to within 1/8 inch of the design, then turned it under and stitched it to the vase.

It didn't look too bad.

Very Easy Typical Baltimore Album Flower

2011-03-20T10:09:00.003-04:00

One common BA flower has a larger scalloped layer in the back (usually red), with a smaller scalloped layer on top of the red (usually pink), followed by a yellow/gold circle on top.

I was bothered by the unevenness of the rounded edges of both lower layers, so I re-designed them before appliqueing them to the background fabric.

This is an easy flower. The lower layer, red, is stitched down first. The second layer (pink) can be eye-balled into place. (You don't want to do the basting stitch from the back, because that was the original pattern, and you have prettied it up.)

Finally, on goes the final layer, (affectionately known as a "circle"), and the flower is done.

Wasn't that easy?

Building a Popular Baltimore Album Flower

2011-03-17T14:48:00.006-04:00

Start working from the back. The patterns are generally never numbered for your convenience, so figuring out which petals are under other petals will be your task.
G = Green Y = Yellow/Gold R = Red P = Pink

First, I added the dark green leaf (upper left). Then the lower red petals were added. I went to the back side of the block and stitched a contrasting thread on the sew line, so I know exactly where to place the next petal.

Then I added pink. (The fabric pattern is actually red and white, which gives an illusion of pink. I just happen to like this better than straight pink.)

Next, the yellow/gold.

Next, the red center of the flower is added.

Lastly, the last bit of green on the bottom.

I know that this is super simple for a lot of you, but I get requests from ladies who need help with the flower construction, so that is why I have included this tutorial. And, please, do not ask me what the actual name of the flower is. If you know, please leave that info in your comment.

Clamshell Quilt Guild Night with Karen Eckmeier

2011-03-12T10:13:00.007-05:00

Karen Eckmeier was our guest quilter/teacher this week. She brought several of her quilts to show us her raw edge machine applique technique.

The first 3 photos are from her Village collection.

From her Mandala collection

This larger, Paducah Quilt Show winner, was quite stunning.

Karen also showed us some of her mini-quilts, Accidental Landscapes. She taught a class in this technique.

To visit Karen Eckmeier's web page, visit "Favorite Sites" on my right sidebar, which highlights a list of wonderful applique artists.

Moving Right Along!

2011-03-10T13:49:00.002-05:00

Arlene, who is one of our Thursday Night applique ladies, is making great progress on her Ladies of the Sea border. Sometimes borders can be as challenging as the blocks.

Never Say "Never".

2011-03-06T14:19:00.002-05:00

Liz from the Thames River Quilters began working on this applique quilt in 1981. Liz loves machine quilting, but returned to this applique project recently. It is nearly finished after 30 years!

Similar Flower (Right Side of Block)

2011-03-05T17:04:00.001-05:00

Even though this flower looks identical to the one on the left side of the block, it was actually easier to make. The pedal on the right was appliqued, followed by additional pedals to the left.

Adding a Flower (Left Flower on Block)

2011-03-05T08:20:00.002-05:00

Working from the back of the flower to the front, number each flower in the order the template pieces will be added.

Add the flower pieces in the order marked in first illustration. In order to know the lay down line of the pink pieces which will go on the top, stitch a basting stitch in contrasting thread from the back of the block.

Add the pink pieces to the top of the flower.

Then add the green piece to the bottom. Turn block over, and with seam ripper and hemostat, remove all primary basting stitches. The block has not been pressed. Keep in mind that when the block has been pressed, this flower will look much more refined. Using a blunt end of the toothpick, now would be a good time to check for little imperfections that you would want to push into place. Check for leftover basting threads which need to be removed.

Block Construction, Part 2

2011-02-28T15:19:00.007-05:00

Fact of Life--When you are stitching a flower arrangement, the leaves are generally always behind the flower, so they must (should) go down first. If they are added later, you will be removing a few flower stitches in order to stuff the lower part of the leaf under the flower.

First, I locate all of the dark leaves on the pattern front and number them. Then, using some more of that freezer paper, I trace all of the dark green leaves from the front side (dull side) of the pattern onto the dull side of the clean sheet of freezer paper. The areas which will be under another flower or leaf can be designated with a dotted line. Number these new patterns (freezer paper templates), using the same numbering system you used on the original pattern. Most common mistake--copying the templates from the back side of the pattern. This creates templates which are backwards! After you have drawn the templates, using paper scissors, cut along the marking line. Lay your templates on the material (dark green in this example) placing the freezer paper shiny side down, allowing for a 1/8 inch cutting line around the templates. Do not place them too close to each other. Press with a hot, dry iron. Templates will cling to the material. (In the event you have placed the templates shiny side up, you will find that you will have an unusual pattern of templates decorating the underside of your iron!) After pressing the templates with a hot iron, I mark around each one with a Clover white marking pen. This pen has a delayed reaction, but after a short time appears clearly on the dark material. Then cut around each template, leaving 1/8 inch turning line. I like to place my templates in a template storage case, placing them in numerical sequence for easy identification. (These are now ready to be placed on the front of the block in their special designated areas, remove the freezer paper, do a simple basting stitch to hold down each leaf, and using a toothpick, I turn under the fabric 1/8 inch and stitch, using as many small stitches per inch as possible.)See example below for more on pattern transfer information.

Since the back of the block has been marked with a number 4 pencil, working from the back of the block, I stitch a quick, informal running stitch, using one solid color that I can identify as my pattern basting thread. In this case I chose a blue that I was not going to use elsewhere in the block. Doing this mindless stitch is very therapeutic. You can see the design forming on the front of the block, and, almost as fast as you stitch, the number 4 lead falls off the back. This basting will come in handy for determining exact template placement on the front, as well as flower construction right on the background fabric.
Helpful hint--Do not use purple as a basting thread. It may leave a residue!
In this example the leaves on the outside have been stitched down. The leaves in the center have been basted down, using a simple basting technique and are ready for the applique process.

Flowers will be added next. For that reason, I went once again to the back of the block and re-basted the flower applique line on the leaves.

In addition to needle and thread, my favorite tools are shown here. I use the flat side of the toothpick to help turn under the applique line. It is also used to press against the finished leaf to help create a smoother line. After I finish each leaf, I go to the back, and using the blue seam ripper, I gently break the blue basting thread around the leaf and also remove any basting stitch still left on top of the leaf. During the applique process, some of the basting stitches have become imbedded by the applique stitch, and by using the hemostat it is easy to pull the blue basting thread out from the back of the block.

I hope I have made this clear. If you have any questions, please leave them in the "Comments".

Next: Building a Flower

Starting Another Block

2011-02-26T09:47:00.003-05:00

A lot of ladies ask me how I go about preparing a block for stitching. This is the way I have found works for me. There are many different ways of doing things. A lot of the patterns are very expensive, so I make copies of them. I can carry the copies around with me, and if I lose the copy I can simply make another. (I haven't lost one so far.) I use freezer paper to make my copies. Why freezer paper? Well, about 20+ years ago there was a rampant rumor that the freezer paper makers were going to discontinue the product, so most of the applique ladies I know ran to the grocers and bought at least 10 rolls. "Waste not, want not." (Oddly enough, this sent a message to the manufacturer that their product was very much in demand. They are still making it.)

Pattern already copied onto dull side of freezer paper.
I place the original pattern right side up on the light box and copy the pattern on the dull side of the freezer paper. This is the first opportunity to adjust the pattern if you wish (flower size is askew and not to your liking, you don't like the placement of a leaf, the vase is uneven, or the bird is too skinny).
Lightbox--I have used several methods, and the one I like best is a glass topped computer table (approximately 20 by 30 inches) which I bought for about $75 from Staples (and which sadly go on sale for half that now). I slip a folding Ott lite on the sliding rack under the glass, and it makes a perfect light box. I draw the pattern with a medium point Sharpie pen which will be equally visible on the shiny side of the freezer paper. Work quickly. There will be 2 more opportunities to adjust the pattern.

Turn the pattern upside down so that the shiny side is up, and anchor it to the glass with blue painter's tape from the hardware store. You can see that the pattern is quite visible on the wrong side. The reason the pattern is upside down is because you will be tracing the design onto the back side of the block.

The fabric you use for the block background has a right and wrong side. As you remove it from the bolt mark both the top of the block and the correct side of the block with a double loop of thread so that you know which is the front/top. This will go upside down, so that the backside of the block is facing you. You will be drawing on the back. Secure the fabric in place with more blue painter's tape. We have found that this type of tape is very easy to work with. It sticks just enough to do the job without causing problems and is easy to remove.

With the Ott lite under the glass, mark the design onto the back of the fabric using a soft lead. I prefer number 4 pencils. You will not need to press hard, since the lead is softer than a number 2 pencil. Tracing the pattern to the back of the block will give you opportunity #2 to adjust imperfections in the pattern (unless you are making an exact replica of an imperfect block--Yes. There are those who do!)
By pressing softly with the pencil, you will find that this will leave a visible mark which will disappear when you are working the applique. No erasing is necessary.
Copy time: 20 minutes

Next: How to place an accurate stitching line on the front of the block for painless applique.

Mary Simon 3 B

2011-02-20T22:34:00.002-05:00

I added a few personal touches to this block. One of 25 blocks in the Mary Simon quilt.

Patti's Work in Progress

2011-02-19T13:54:00.003-05:00

Several of us are working on Sue Garman's "Ladies of the Sea" quilt. Patti, one of our applique ladies, decided to make dimensional flowers on this Viking ship pattern. The original called for a flat dimension. The dimensional flowers really have made this block "come alive". (Using the Ellen Heck "Lily-of-the-Valley" technique.)

Busy Harbor Traffic, New London, Connecticut

2011-02-17T10:26:00.003-05:00

Several ferries a day make the crossing from New London, Connecticut, to the eastern end of Long Island, New York. The crossing to Orient Point, NY, takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Driving the busy Interstate 95 corridor, crossing the Throgs Neck Bridge in New York, and driving the Long Island Expressway to Orient Point or Montauk Point would take at least 4 and one-half hours (providing you drove during off hours).

Smaller ferries operate between New London and Fisher's Island, New York. Fisher's Island is in New York but has a Connecticut zip code.

New London Harbor Lighthouse.

Photos were taken from Eastern Point in Groton after a quilter's get-together.

Clamshell Quilt Guild Night

2011-02-14T17:06:00.002-05:00

Some of the ladies were demonstrating different techniques at the last guild meeting.

Liz, one of our applique ladies, was showing her technique for raw-edge, buttonhole embroidery applique. (Pearl Pereira's Baltimore Christmas)

Tara shared some of her thoughts on hand quilting techniques with some of the other hand quilters. (It's obvious that they are all having fun.)

UFO's Best Forgotten

2011-02-13T14:25:00.003-05:00

I stumbled on this a couple of days ago. (Actually, my cat, Mandu, found it and drug it under the piano.) At the time, it seemed like a good project. After reading so much about Aphtae epizooticae in the UK, I decided it would make a nice wall hanging. I have since changed my mind. I'm not sure I will ever finish this germ.

The first applique lady who identifies this germ in the "Comments" will win a fat quarter.

Applique With Nancy Kerns

2011-01-25T09:13:00.003-05:00

Nancy recently met with a few applique ladies to teach dimensional applique techniques. My friend, Danielle, and I went together for a full day of stitching fun. Nancy taught flower and bug construction, using techniques developed by both Ellen Heck and Shirley Bloomfield. It was a fun day.

Nancy.

Nancy's reproduction of Ellen Heck's dimensional work.

Important Things in Life

2011-01-21T10:51:00.005-05:00

I know you have more important things to do than look at someone's feet. However, I just felt I should tell you my slipper story.

First of all, foot comfort is very important to me. These slippers, and their exact predecessors have been my constant companion (indoors) for the past 30+ years. I very much needed a new pair, since the old ones were quite far-gone.

While going through some old paperwork, I found an old Gift Certificate from L.L. Bean. The first thought into my mind was "new slippers"! The amount would just about cover the cost of a new pair. Then I read the issue date--"March 1987". Almost 24 years had passed since I filed this Gift Certificate in a safe place. The saying "Nothing Ventured, Nothing Gained" came to mind. I mailed it off to L.L. Bean, and a few days later my new slippers came--no questions asked. This may sound unusual in today's world, but what would you expect from a quality store that never closes it's doors. LL Bean is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Their doors are never locked. I have no affiliation with the store, but I was really very impressed and had to tell you this story.

Applique Friends, Helpful Tips

2011-01-16T15:05:00.003-05:00

Comfort makes stitching more enjoyable. Jane had just hurt her back and found the following items made applique more enjoyable:

Folding canvas lounge chair which keeps the legs elevated. (Small pillow behind her back for support.)
Pillow on the lap to support her arms.
Floor lamp with magnifier for light.
Desk lamp -- for more light.
Important tools within reach on the table.

Perfect Stitching Weather

2011-01-12T09:27:00.004-05:00

"It's 2 AM! How much longer are you gonna stitch?"

2011-01-08T14:44:00.001-05:00

Mary Ann's "Flowers From My Garden" Quilt

2011-01-01T08:43:00.003-05:00

Mid-October we had our local Applique Retreat in Connecticut. This is an opportunity for about 25-30 of us to get together, spend the entire weekend doing nothing but applique, and enjoy the great food and lodging of Camp Wightman.

Mary Ann (from Massachusetts) was one of our eager applique ladies. She started this quilt at the retreat this year and just finished the quilt top!! (Two and 1/2 months -- by hand, not machine, except for the sashings and border.) This is what one can accomplish if one focuses.

You are wonderful inspiration to us, Mary Ann!

Christmas Gifts for Homebound Patient

2010-12-30T19:37:00.004-05:00

Nancy Bryan (l) and Andrea Barbour (r) of the Thames River Quilters presented a wonderful gift basket and quilt for one of the Ledyard Visiting Nurse Asssociation's homebound patients. (Credit Jean Dutton) The quilting members of TRQ worked to fill the basket with needed gifts.

Mary Moss --Snowflake Applications #4, 5, and 6

2010-12-29T23:16:00.004-05:00

These are the final 3 of Mary's Snowflakes that will appear on this topic.

Being more traditional, from an applique perspective, I would iron the snowflake design onto the fabric that I would want to applique to a background fabric. Then I would mark around the snowflake, then cut within 1/8 inch of the design (batiks would be best to use). This would be basted to the background fabric, then needle turned. Alternately, one could also iron Lite Steam-a-Seam to the back of the snowflake to applique, press it to the background fabric and machine applique around the design after trimming the snowflake design to the marking line.

Mary Moss --Snowflake Applications #3

2010-12-28T08:45:00.002-05:00

Embroidery
Redwork (or Bluework, or any other color)

Mary Moss --Snowflake Applications #2

2010-12-15T22:36:00.004-05:00

In this snowflake block, Mary pressed the pattern onto white fabric, then did reverse applique on some of the inside areas. The snowflake was enhanced by some beading.
Mary says,
"This is what I call painted-edge/sandwich reverse appliqué. I ironed my freezer paper flake onto the white print fabric and painted around the outer edge and in each inside design. I cut out each inside design leaving 1/8 inch of paint. I placed a small piece of fabric in between the backing and the snowflake and sewed around the edge of each design. The back is very neat—nice technique for a tablecloth."

(One could bypass the painted edge and do a simple needleturn after basting the snowflake in place. Margaret) Reading from the inside out, the name is "Mary".

Mary Moss --Snowflake Applications #1

2010-12-14T11:04:00.002-05:00

This snowflake was made for one of Mary's grandsons, Landiss. After Mary ironed the shiny side of the precut pattern to the material, she applied 3-D paint all around the pattern (1/4 inch) as well as filling in the inner areas with paint. If paint other than 3-D is used, it must be heat set with a dry iron. This is a quick way to transfer the snowflake pattern to fabric for use as a child's quilt or to frame it and hang the snowflake on the wall. I asked Mary if the paint were difficult to needle, if one decided to needleturn the pattern. It is best to place the needle to the area just a thread or two beyond the paint, to avoid frustration. The 3-D paint does keep the fabric from fraying. Mary uses this concept a lot.

Another Random Act of Kindness

2010-11-27T09:51:00.002-05:00

One of our very talented applique ladies, Monica, stitched this template holder for me. It is larger than the previous floppy holders and has foam board to make it more book-like, with ties on the ends to keep the templates from falling out.

Mandu and I are very taken with it!

Snowflakes With a Message, Part 1

2010-11-26T13:30:00.011-05:00

(This tutorial will be in 3 parts. This is Part 1. I will post all 3 at once.) This tutorial was produced in conjunction with Mary Huggins Moss, who originated this unique concept.

Tip: Practice making snowflakes with copy paper before using freezer paper. Snow crystals (aka Snowflakes) all have six or twelve branches--never four nor eight. We recommend that you work with six points, since 12 points would be very difficult to cut.

Supplies: Freezer Paper (15 inches square), pencil, stapler, small hole punch, curved manicure scissors (or small sharp scissors) to cut small areas of the snowflake. Freezer paper is used a lot by people doing applique. After the snowflake is cut out, it is carefully opened, then pressed onto fabric (shiny side down).

The snowflake you see below shows the final stage of preparation.

This snowflake spells a name (which I will divulge later, for those who have trouble seeing it).

Fold the square of freezer paper in half, shiny side inside.

Fold in half along the folded edge, just enough to find the center.

Place right index finger on right edge of center and hold left folded edge in left hand.

Fold the left side two-thirds of the way towards the right side of the folded paper.

Snowflakes With a Message, Part 2

2010-11-26T13:27:00.010-05:00

This is a continuation of Snowflakes With a Message, Part 1.

Fold the right side on top of the left side, adjusting as necessary to make 3 equal sections.

Score the center of the pointed end to make it easier to fold, then fold in half.

This is the folded triangle.

With sharp paper scissors, cut away all uneven paper at the large end of the triangle from fold to fold, to make sure that none of your design will be lost.

Open the pattern all the way, to make sure that all six of the triangle sections are even. You should have a hexagon with 12 fold lines. Recut, if necessary. Refold the paper.

Snowflakes With a Message, Part 3

2010-11-26T13:13:00.007-05:00

This is a continuation of Snowflakes With a Message, Part 2.

Using a pencil, draw the middle letter of the name you have chosen for the snowflake, beginning in the center of one folded side and extend the letter to the other fold.

IMPORTANT: Each letter must be connected to the adjoining letter, and at least one of the letters must extend from fold to fold -- or you will lose some of your design.

Draw the remaining letters of the name, carefully connecting them. Some, or all of these letters can stretch from fold to fold. You can lean the letters to the right or left, as desired.

If desired, draw the first letters of your chosen name, but don't connect them fold to fold; however, be careful to connect them to each other. If you want to connect all the letters fold to fold, your design will appear more like a crocheted doily, rather than a snowflake. Don't forget to connect all letters to each other, and be very careful when cutting out the snowflake at small, vulnerable connections. A small (mini) hole punch will help when cutting out the middles of the letters A, B, D, Q, R, P, and O. You could even use a heart or star punch or the like when cutting out the insides of these letters.

Staple the snowflake to stabilize for cutting. Staple one end of a staple into the small spaces where a full staple won't fit.

Take your time! Cut out your snowflake carefully and slowly, paying close attention to unstable connections that might need a generous allowance for a larger and better connection.

Open your snowflake, and fold back the folded parts to flatten as best as your can. This is a slow procedure, to avoid tearing the paper.

Using a dry iron on a cotton setting, iron your snowflake onto cotton fabric with the paper shiny side down. The iron only needs to be briefly set down (less than one second) to allow it to stick to the fabric. You can then trace around the snowflake pattern, tracing each opening with a marking pencil. After your have completed the tracing process, remove the paper and applique as desired.

The name "Maritza" can be defined by reading the snowflake from the outside to the inside. (Thank you, Maritza, for suggesting this tutorial.)

I will provide additional photos with descriptions of how Mary Moss has applied her patterns to background fabric.

I would love to post photos of completed snowflakes on this blog. As you complete your pattern, please email the attachment to me, and I will show off your creation. My email is available under "My Profile".

Have fun!

Works in Progress, and 30-Year Old Baby

2010-11-19T18:58:00.004-05:00

The applique ladies of southeastern Connecticut met this week. Here are some of the things they are working on.

With Christmas coming, Val is feverishly finishing her reindeer.

Val's wool sailboat candle mat.

Nora's new special project.

Sharon is showing off a doll puppet which Nancy made over 30 years ago. The doll really won everyone's heart. It is really amazing how realistic she looked with her little ears, toes, and facial features.

Coming soon: Snowflake Tutorial with Mary Moss.

Rachael Kinnison's "History's Humble Servant"

2010-11-14T11:19:00.004-05:00

In Colorado there lives a special person with a love of antique reproduction folk art. She is a busy lady with a lot of family responsibilities, who finds time to oversee her Lady's Repository Museum and fashion 18th and 19th century inspired hand-sculpted mache dolls, among other things. For several years, we have watched as she completed block after block of exquisitely needle-turned Baltimore Album applique. Her finished masterpiece (finalist category) was one of many Baltimore Album quilts at the International Quilt Festival in Houston, Texas, this year. She has stitched many blocks which have not appeared in other quilts, and one has to really admire the extreme effort it took to add the sashing with the mini-dog-tooth pieces--all appliqued in place. You can read her comments as she worked out the final challenges with this wonderful quilt on her personal blog. Thanks for all the inspiration you have given us over the years, Rachael! (Click here for closer view.)

BALTIMORE ALBUM REVIEW II, IQF Houston 2010

2010-11-09T09:54:00.003-05:00

One of the Special Exhibits in Houston was one entitled :

Baltimore Album Review II: Baltimore's Daughters-Friends Stitch Past to Future

Sponsored by C&T Publishing, it featured additional Baltimore Album style quilts for everyone's viewing pleasure. Please click on the link to see the featured quilts.

Note Cards for Laura

2010-11-07T08:27:00.001-05:00

Laura, your prize for figuring out Mary's snowflake name is on it's way. These are note cards I have made featuring some of my Mary Simon blocks.

Nancy Kerns Wins Founder's Award in Houston

2010-11-03T08:32:00.004-04:00

We knew Nancy would win. We just didn't know which Houston prize. The Founder's Award is the second highest prize that Houston offers. We are so proud of you, Nancy!

Nancy Kerns appears with her daughter, Christine, as she accepts the Founder's Award in Houston for her "Mary Simon Rediscovered" Baltimore Album quilt. Congratulations, Nancy!

The Founder's Award carries a stipend of $7,500.00.

Snowflakes With a Message

2010-10-26T19:49:00.001-04:00

One of the ladies at our Applique Retreat has a unique specialty. Mary Moss does applique work using snowflake patterns which she designs. What makes them so special is that each snowflake spells a word, usually a person's name.

This is a snowflake design table mat which Mary made for the table mat challenge. All of the challenge table mats were donated to Camp Wightman to use as decorations on each of the dining tables.

Mary, seated, shows some of the ladies her technique for designing the snowflake patterns. If you would like to know more about this technique, please let me know, and I will put you in touch with Mary.

The first person to identify the name on Mary's challenge table mat by leaving a comment with the correct answer will win a small prize from me(TBA). (Ladies attending the Applique Retreat and employees of Camp Wightman cannot participate.)

Shopping Alert

2010-10-26T10:59:00.001-04:00

Last weekend when I was stitching in Wrentham/Plainville, Massachusetts, I visited a local quilt supply store in North Attleboro. QUILTER'S STASH is a perfect place to stop while travelling from Connecticut and other points south to the QUILTER'S GATHERING in Nashua, New Hampshire, November 4-7, 2010. Quilters are always looking for nice quilt supply stores along the way, and this one has a lot going for it. It is easily accessible off of Interstates 95/495 at 560 Francis J Kelley Blvd, in North Attleboro, MA.

Applique Retreat, Sunset

2010-10-21T09:10:00.002-04:00

While we were having dinner one evening, we noticed that fast-moving clouds were giving a nice effect to the setting sun. By the time I had grabbed my camera and went out on deck to take these pictures, this is what we saw. From top to bottom, elapsed time was approximately 30 seconds.

Applique Retreat 2010, Camp Wightman

2010-10-20T21:24:00.003-04:00

Every year in mid-October we meet at Camp Wightman in Griswold/North Stonington, Connecticut, for a long weekend of applique. We totally immerse ourselves in handwork (applique, beading, embroidery, binding nearly-finished quilts). The lodging is very comfortable and the food is plentiful and delicious. This allows us to concentrate on stitching all weekend.

This year, the applique challenge was to make table mats for the dining tables. This winning table mat was made by Ruth Adams and was given to Karen and David Warfield, Camp Wightman directors.

Casstevens Hall, adjacent to Raff Dining Hall.

2010 Applique Retreat ladies.

KAREN KAY BUCKLEY CLASS

2010-10-15T09:17:00.002-04:00

Yesterday, at the invitation of Clamshell Quilt Guild in Waterford, Connecticut, Karen Kay Buckley presented a class, introducing her applique techniques.

Everyone could watch on the screen as Karen described how she worked her applique.

The block on the top right was the lesson block.

Winchendon, continued

2010-10-12T14:27:00.001-04:00

Winchendon, view across Tannery Pond.

Meanwhile, across town, off of Elmwood Road, a war is raging. Union vs. Confederates.

This was taken from the comfort of the van, some distance from the "action". The shooting has ended, and it will soon be time to "break camp".

As I was pulling out to go to the Topographical Engineers' campsite, I saw this local car. Parts of Winchendon are still living in the past. But, where are all the toys?

Winchendon, "Toy Town"

2010-10-12T13:24:00.004-04:00

I spent this last weekend in Winchendon, Massachusetts. As I drove through town, I saw a lot of references to "Toy Town". None of the local townspeople I met appeared to know why this town was called "Toy Town". As I investigated more thoroughly, I came across an industrious individual by the name of MORTON E. CONVERSE. Mr. Converse joined with Orlando Mason in 1878 to manufacture wooden toys and utensils under the company name of Mason & Converse. When Mason withdrew from the partnership in 1884, the prospering business was renamed Morton E. Converse Company, turning into a manufacturer of metal toys, automobiles, trains, planes and numerous other playthings. By 1903 their huge factories in Winchendon, Massachusetts, were producing an enormous number of toys, including rocking horses, doll trunks, and drums. By 1915 the firm was turning out more than 3,000 toys in various styles and sizes, and Winchendon became known as Toy Town, U.S.A. Special departments were devoted to popular toys in constant demand, such as drums and dolls' trunks. Constant attention to new notions in the toy business was essential to his success. Mr. Converse had a special aptitude for anticipating the wants of young Americans, devising himself and securing from others the toys that attract not only the children of the United States but of the whole world, and he built up the largest business of the kind in the United States and demonstrated the superiority of American toys in competition with the whole world. Many of the products were protected under the patent laws. At the World's Fair in Chicago the Converse Company received the highest awards for exhibiting the finest toys in the world. In other competitions of this kind, as well as in the direct competition for the trade of the world, the Converse toys won the prizes. The business employed nearly three- hundred hands, and produced annually a vast amount of goods. To the ability and resourcefulness of Morton E. Converse more than to any other single cause may be attributed the success of this business. He had been the manager and chief owner during the years of its greatest growth and development.

View across Whitney Pond towards Winchendon.

Tranquil walking and biking trail on the Route 12 side of Whitney Pond.

Many times I seek out a quiet place to do my applique. As I was driving into Riverside Cemetery in Winchendon, I spotted an area with many old markers such as this one.

This is a more modern section of the Riverside Cemetery. What a quiet and pleasant place to do applique. The trees are just now beginning to turn to their autumn colors in northern Massachusetts. (Winchendon is located in north central Mass, just a short drive from the New Hampshire border.)

Smith Harris House, East Lyme, CT

2010-10-05T08:21:00.003-04:00

The first weekend in October of each year, the Smith Harris historical home hosts a Heritage Weekend. The Northeast Topographical Engineers always plan to attend.

NETE, from front--James Duarte, Heidi Webster, Greg Webster

Northeast Topographical Engineers, James Mathews, Commander

NETE, Fly, where Civil War mapmaking is done.

Soldiers, returning from a demonstration.

SMITH HARRIS HOUSE HERITAGE WEEKEND

2010-10-03T12:17:00.001-04:00

Early morning at the Smith Harris Historical Home in East Lyme, Connecticut. A lot of historical venues are on hand for the enjoyment of the public. Here is just a sampling.

Civil War period United States Naval Landing Party group with displays.

Basic early military camp sites.

Smith Harris Historical Home

Fox Chatelaine

2010-09-20T08:33:00.001-04:00

Two years ago, we had a Chatelaine Challenge at our October Applique Retreat. I decided to combine my love for foxes with elements of a chatelaine. I haven't been using the chatelaine, since it is so heavy. I had originally placed a metal pin on the back of the fox, so that I could pin it on my blouse. Too heavy. Then I tried a chain around my neck. Much too heavy. Then, I remembered some earth magnets I have which have extraordinary holding ability. I placed an earth magnet on my magnification lamp post, and "Voila", the chatelaine has found a perfect, usable spot.

Mary Simon Baltimore Album Block 1C

2010-09-17T20:04:00.004-04:00

This is the block I prepped for the 6 week cruise this summer. The block features a brown bird. I happen to like birds with more color. One of the ladies discarded some scraps of brown bird feather fabric at one of our guild meetings, and I took them home, just in case.

Secondly, I didn't want to use cotton strings on the music instrument. This might be a mistake, and I might correct it later. But for now, the harp has metal (gold) strings. Blame it on my 20 years as a music teacher.

Today was Z-Bees ( at Zbierski House)

2010-09-15T23:22:00.002-04:00

VAL brought in her finished small quilt. The textures are so nice on this quilt -- wool on cotton.

Remember when MARY C was working on this quilt earlier in the year? She is nearly finished with the top!

Doing Hardanger near the Hardanger Fjord

2010-09-07T13:54:00.001-04:00

What better place to work on Hardanger lace than when you are visiting Norway. Anneke brought her Hardanger lace project all the way from Australia.

Greenland Counted Cross Stitch Project

2010-09-07T13:49:00.003-04:00

Sarah, from England, bought a wonderful, long bell-pull when we visited Nanortalik. As she adds stitches, several scenes from Greenland will appear. It will be a wonderful souvenir of the trip. (I bought one, too.)

Needlepoint at Sea

2010-09-07T13:43:00.002-04:00

As you can see, working with needle and thread really makes a person happy. Isabel lives in Chicago.

Another Handwork Lady -- Ocean Princess

2010-09-07T13:29:00.001-04:00

Meet Judy, from Hawaii, doing her Applique!
(Sorry this took so long. Have you ever misplaced a memory card?)

Handwork on Board the Ship

2010-09-05T14:15:00.002-04:00

Meet Barbara, from Wisconsin. She was one the of the many ladies stitching every sea day while we were on the trip to the North Atlantic. Barbara found 7 kitchen towels complete with embroidery thread in a Goodwill store before she left on the trip. She was quite handy with the French knots.

Still doing Applique

2010-08-22T11:41:00.003-04:00

Some have asked if I have been working on my Applique. Yes, I have. But I am also placing photos of the 36-day cruise to the North Atlantic and Arctic regions on my travel blog. Soon you will see some of the ladies on board ship who regularly worked on their handwork.

Happy 70th Birthday, Vicki

2010-08-14T10:23:00.001-04:00

This photo was taken inside the Martello Tower in Folkestone before our 36-day cruise began. Vicki likes Viking ships, so I made her one for her birthday.

Civil War Weekend, Blackstone, MA. June 19-20, 2010

2010-06-19T11:02:00.003-04:00

Northeast Topographical Engineers.
Early morning at the Daniels Farmstead on Mendon Street in Blackstone, MA.

Preparing Templates

2010-06-13T11:56:00.002-04:00

Working from the right side of the pattern copy, I mark the colors I plan to use and number them.

Using freezer paper, I make templates of each specific color.

Wrentham -- A Taste of Baltimore

2010-06-08T13:08:00.002-04:00

Background comparisons.