WHIMSICAL GARDEN BOM GETS TUTORIAL

Tuesday was the monthly meeting of the Whimsical Garden BOM at the Attic Window Quilt Shop.  Above, Sandy and Kay show off their completed blocks.  (We are not going to mention the others who did not do their homework.) ;o)

We had a special treat as Mary Ellen D. agreed to show us how to do needleturn appliqué.  I teach only the freezer paper method of appliqué, and this was a real treat for me as I’ve always wanted to learn how to do needleturn.  I love the freezer paper method, but I must admit that it is sometimes difficult when you have only so much fabric to fit around a template.

Mary Ellen showed us how to start a project and take small stitches.  She says to begin with your needle under the appliqué and bring it up into the seam allowance.

She also showed us how to master those inner curves or V points which can cause us difficulty.  She showed us how to catch our thread, ways to avoid fraying, and how to swing the needle beneath the appliqué toward your body, pulling the fabric with the thread. 

Then Mary Ellen showed us how to make perfect leaves.

As you can see above, this leaf has a perfect point that lays flat.

Above, Mary Ellen gives Kay a private lesson on attacking those small curves and inner Vs.

 She did a great job too.  Look at how smooth the curve is on this bird’s crown. (click on the picture for a closer view.) 

A special thank you to Mary Ellen for sharing her talent with us.  She is patient and explains things clearly.  She gave good directions and a fabulous demonstration! 

For those of you interested in learning more about needleturn or would like to review all we learned, QuiltsALott has a wonderful tutorial with lots of pictures. 

There was also lots of show-n-tell on Tuesday, so come back tomorrow to see that.

ON ANOTHER NOTE:  I Heart Linen Has a tutorial for a Crazy Star block.

Until next time,
♥
Stay Calm! Stay Kind! Stay Positive!
Caroll