Lalla

Might some silicon paper between the appliqué and the iron work? I read somewhere here, too, that those ‘magic’ sponges work well to clean irons - they certainly do on mine, and it saves having to get special iron-cleaner sticks or cloths.

Elizabeth - yes, Hong Kong certainly is an interesting place to live! Not exactly easy, these last two years, but Covid-wise an absolutely haven compared with most of the rest of the world; we feel very lucky at least on that front. Less lucky in the sourcing of all things quilting; I find myself constantly getting fabric and other bits and pieces shipped from the US or the UK or Japan or Australia, or just about anywhere other than here, sadly. Gap in the market, definitely!! (Sorry going off topic!!!)

andymundo

Hello - I’m thinking of starting a new floral project with dupioni silk. Has anyone ever done needle turn with silk? Thoughts? tips?

Lalla

Nothing really helpful to suggest, other than I imagine it will be tricky and that some kind of fray-stop would be pretty important? Dupioni varies in stiffness doesn’t it, and softening it as much as possible must be something worth trying, otherwise folding under stiff silk would be pretty much of a nightmare; I’m sure there are far better people on the forum to answer this.

lindaschipper

I've made two quilts with machine edge ( blanket stitch ) applique and I love them. have many more patterns for others that are appliques in parts, but never seem to get around to making another one. I've never tried needle turn applique as I fear it would take me until doomsday to finish it.

pbraun

I really like applique because it adds unique designs to my pillows, quilts and table cloths. At this time many of my quilting friends are buying embroidery machines. Their work is beautiful, but I like to applique because the work is mine. I do not wish to sit and watch the machine do the work until it gets stuck. Also, the machines are pricey for my skill level. So I do raw edge applique on items that will be used and hand applique on felt and wool. One of my LQS teachers is very skilled in applique so she leads us with projects.

aashley333

How perfect! I just rediscovered appliques! A picture posted here inspired me to attempt a project to try my idea. I used the stained glass pattern as the applique pattern! I'm using the seashells from another original window panel to complete the quilt. Work in progress.

mac

You would be surprised how fast it goes when you start. Of course it depends what type you are doing. Appliques like Baltimore quilts, with all the small pieces would take a lot of time. But simple appliques will go by fast, especially if you can do it when you watch TV. If you only did it while you are waiting for commercials to end, you can get a lot of mileage done. I can't believe how many commercials they cram into tv programs these days.

I also enjoy doing applique outside in the shade. It is lovely to hear the birds, see flowers, and just be in nature doing handwork.

I would suggest you start with an easy applique that you could put in one block. That way you will get a taste for it. If it doesn't float your boat, then at least you tried. You can always put that block into a wall-hanging and give it as a small hostess gift.

prairievem

A few years ago I picked up the Apliquick system at a quilt show; it immediately improved my (turned edge) applique overnight. I eliminated all "bumps" around the edges of my pieces with the first use. I absolutely love it and never would go back to the many other methods I've tried. Kathy McNeil has a tutorial illustrating the use of the tools.
So far I've only used the fusible web that comes with the system, and it works well for me. Not so crazy about the glue stick, though; I prefer a dab of Elmers about the size of a pinhead; you can achieve that with a tiny metal cap that goes over the outlet of the bottle.

Jshep

I don’t do hand work. Will there be anything on here regarding machine appliqué?

judykay

What is the Apliquick system?