Progress Report ~ Family Tree Raw Edge Applique

And just like that another week has flown by!  It's been a busy one with lots of behind the scenes sewing and another intense but very successful class with Kellie Wulfsohn from the Don't Look Now! fame.

This week's class was all about the quilting.  We spent the morning observing, drawing and practicing the free motion stitching.  By the afternoon we tackled our projects and we stitched up a storm. 

This wasn't my first attempt at learning free motion quilting - I have read several books and watched online videos without success - but I think I am now finally starting to get the feel of it.  There's nothing like being able to actually observe an expert quilter in motion and listen to, and take heed of, their advice and quilting tips.  I can highly recommend taking a quilting class;  Kellie is a wonderful teacher and I've have learned so much more than I could have ever imagined from participating in these classes.

At home there has been some discussion as to the placement of the birds (the who's who?) on this Family Tree.  Even though the birds were placed at random there is apparently much to be read in their position amongst the branches.  Who knew?

I have also been working on piecing a quilt back for the Flower Sugar HST Quilt top finished earlier this week.

There is much to do, and so little time.

Rita



RELEVANT LINKS:
Family Tree Quilt in Progress

Family Tree ~ Raw Edge Applique

Today I stepped outside of my square, took a leap into the unknown and had a wonderful fun day!  Unfortunately raw edge applique has always escaped my enjoyment and when the opportunity arose to attend a class with the friendly Kellie Wufsohn (Don't Look Now!) ~ a master at her craft ~ I jumped right in and soaked up all of the wisdom on offer.

Family Tree ~ pattern by Kellie Wufsohn (Don't Look Now!)

Family Tree is just one of Kellie's many colorful applique designs and is particularly suited to practising the free motion stitching technique.  I've learned so much today, including:  fusible web can be tricky stuff, the darning foot is used for more than just darning, the pros of polyester thread, and wait for it .... basting spray and how to use it!

In case you're wondering:  my little black birds are missing their legs - just temporarily.

The applique pieces have been fused onto the background fabric and the free motion stitching around the edge of the shapes has commenced. The concentration required is almost palpable and I certainly hope that practice makes perfect. 

Thank you to Kellie for making the class so enjoyable and sharing your knowledge without hesitation. Now ~ there is homework to be done.  At the next class we will be learning to fill in the background with free motion quilting.   Practice ... practice ...

Rita