nursie76

I purchased a kit for a wall hanging of 2 entwined black trees on a batik background to make for my oldest DD for Christmas. The name of the pattern is "Manzanita". It is embellished with leaf shaped buttons. It is intended as fusible applique, but I had thought that just to make sure the edges don't get raggedy over time that I would machine stitch with a fine blanket stitch like one of the teachers they featured at our quilt shop, Sue Nichols. Now that I am getting ready to do it, I am having second thoughts about the stitching. I seem to remember someone posting a pic of this wall hanging and it was beautiful, but now can't find it. So, has anyone made this and if so, did you machine stitch around the applique and why or why not.

Also, it calls for 16 or 18" wide Steam a seam lite 2 but I only have the square sheets that are about 8.5 by 11. If I but them up together and trace over both pages, should that work? Thanks for any assistance anyone can provide.

Elise1

I have not made this wall hanging, but I used Google to get a picture for you, http://quilting.craftgossip.com/manz...it/2009/08/27/

I have made many wall hangings with fusible web and none have gotten ragged edges over time. I never blanket stitch around the edges.

I have used 2 pieces of Steam-a-Steam Lite 2 butted together and it works just fine.

It's a beautiful wall hanging and will make a very nice gift.

Good luck

Elise

amma

If I wasn't going to stitch around the applique pieces, I would use a heavier fusible... they make some that will really hold up forever :D:D:D

nursie76

Thanks so much for the input. It helps so much with the confidence when you folks that have experience help someone that is relatively new to this type of quilting by sharing your experience(s). {{{HUGS}}}

the casual quilter

You might try using the fusible technique and using Fray Check on the edges.

Jates

I've done fusible applique with the Sue Nichols technique on wall hangings with no problem. Since it is a wall hanging and probably won't be laundered like a bed quilt would be, you shouldn't have any problems at all. I like the way the blanket stitch looks. However...on a bed quilt I have found that the blanket stitch is not enough. I made my 6 yr old son a quilt with fusible star applique...I was doing a satin stitch around the stars, but on my old machine I didn't like doing it (and probably got lazy and in a hurry) so foolishly I quit doing the satin stitch and I think I did a looser zig zag- my old machine didn't have the button hole stitch....anyway a few years later some of the applique is becoming frayed. Of course this could have been somewhat brought on by the fact that my husband put the quilt in the dryer!! uuugh.. but I'm sure more my fault and shoddy construction...now I need to figure out how to fix the frayed edges on my son's quilt. Sorry this reply is probably muuuuch longer than you ever wanted! But hopefully someone can learn from my mistakes....I have.
And, want to say that that will be a BEAUTIFUL wall haning! I LOVE that! Good luck!

nursie76

Casual - I never even thought of that. I have 2 bottles (not cause I need 2, but because I lost 1 :roll: )

Jates - You post isn't long, it is perfect! Not only have you given me the benefit of your experiences, but you have taken the time to provide pics too! You are awesome! :thumbup: Thanks.

I feel so much more confident in making this project now after hearing all of your experiences. Thanks so much!

Jates - I see you are from Western NY. We are visiting our son in Greece, NY. My son tells me that is Western NY. {{{waving}}} Can u see me waving?

Happy 4th all! 8-)

Jates

I see you waving! I'm about an hour south of Greece. Are you going over the 4th? If you have time while visiting your son try to visit Letchworth State Park...it's about 40 minutes south of Rochester. It's called the Grand Canyon of the East- and is truly beautiful! Also, Mt. Morris has been undergoing a wonderful makeover and has lots of nice antique shops and interesting things to see. Ok, I'll shut up now....quilting advisor, tour guide..... :) Have a wonderful weekend!

ckcowl

you need to stitch around your appliques with some stitch- whether you choose a blanket stitch, satin stitch or just a zig-zag is your choice. raw edge applique always needs to be stitched after fusing.

nursie76

Good! I am glad you caught the wave!!! :-) Yes we have been here since Friday night. I will make note of the places you have mentioned, DS says his friend has camped there and it is beautiful. Did you know that PA has their Grand Canyon too? It is in Wellsboro, PA. Really the most beautiful in the fall when the leaves are a gorgeous palette of color. I have been to the real Grand Canyon, and while beautiful, I will take the one in PA and probably the one in NY first....I am afraid of heights and the hugeness of the Grand Canyon was really overwhelming for me. Thanks for the heads up on the places to visit. DS never thinks to mention these things. Course, I have found all the quilt shops in a 60 mile radius :thumbup: We go south to go home. Maybe some time when we visit we will get to stop to meet over a cup of tea or coffee. Enjoy your 4th!