Wednesday, September 24, 2008

Your Quilting Tips are Welcome Here, Friends

I started sewing again after a short hiatus.

Months ago, I went to my local library's book sale (it always comes back around to books, doesn't it?) and found an old sewing book. It was published in the 1980s and most of the projects are very dated and not something that would be terribly helpful...unless I wait until those particular clothing styles come back around. *shudder*

Anyway, there was a really cute project in the book that involves making a rag book. I decided to give it a try. It involves a lot of applique (something I've never even thought of trying), and I haven't even finished the first page of the project yet, but I started thinking that it might be neat to make each page into a quilt block instead of a book. I've almost talked myself into it, and (as usual) I have no idea what I'm doing.

Share your basic quilting tips in the comments, please!

My relationship with applique has had a rocky start, but I think we're starting to work things out. I am beginning to wonder if I should have used some kind of interfacing or sizing to stiffen up the fabric before attempting this project, but it's a little late for that now! I excel at flying by the seat of my pants.

I will post pictures as I finish each page so you can see the progress. Just realize that it's my first attempt and far from perfect. I might have something to show you as early as tomorrow. We shall see.

4 comments:

Lisa said...

I am also an applique novice, but I find it much easier if you can fuse it on before sewing. You don't have to be perfect, but it certain holds it still for you.

I was thinking I love the idea of a rag book myself. Might be a nice Christmas gift for the bug.

Mercy's Maid said...

I think I would like to fuse some of the pieces on, but the pattern calls for using felt for some of the appliques, and I know felt pretty much melts when you iron it (learned that the hard way!). So I don't know if I can fuse felt. Do you know?

Lisa said...

I think if you buy wool felt that it might not melt like the little rectangles. I've never tried that, but it seems logical.

These are pretty:
http://www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?ref=sr_gallery_11&listing_id=15573504

That is part synthetic, so maybe I'm just making this up? You could convo her and ask, I bet.

Mercy's Maid said...

Those are really pretty, but a little more than I want to pay for a supply for my first project. Maybe I can just fuse the fabrics that aren't felt and just pin the felt pieces really well for now.

Which means I'll have to make another trip to Hancocks! :)