How To's & Tips Page 3

How To's & Tips

Tip #1. To stabilize the edges of the pieced center that is constructed in Part 1, use fusible insterfacing. Just cut 1/4" strips with a rotary cutter, place them adhesive side down on the wrong side along the outer edges of center pieced section and press. Voila! Edges are stabilized - no stay stitching needed (which can untimately stretch the edge)

Tip #2. This is the method I prefer for making the leaves for the willow tree. This method is fast, easy and accurate! Cut out about 6 leaf templates from no-melt Mylar template plastic. I use these to trace out all the leaves. Lay them on the wrong side of the fabric and then trace around template leaf shape with a light colored pencil. Next, cut all leaves out leaving about 3/16" seam allowance. With a needle and any color thread, run a basting stitch all around the leaf, then pull the thread tight so that the fabeic conforms to the shape of the template. Next, using steam press the leaf on the front and back of leaf; set aside to cool. Then work on the other 5 leaves. When six leaves are stitched around and pressed, go back to the 1st leaf and loosen the stitching, pull out the mylar template, pull the thread again to restore the leaf shape, press one more time. This finishes the leaf. When all the leaves are completed, pin them to the tree with small applique pins and applique them in place.

"House On Willow Hill"

Tip #3. Unlike in McCall's directions, I paper pieced my flag for accuracy. If you choose to, you could draw a flag on an all purpose paper (20 lb. or lighter) using the dimensions given, &then paper piece the flag. This method produces an accurate flag and is easy to do. Remember however, to draw it in reverse so that when it's sewn it will be flying to the right. Also remember to leave the 1/4" seam allowance around the outside in order to turn under for applique. Use the regular piecing method or the paper piecing method, which ever is most comfortable for you.

Tip #4. For the roof, I used my own freezer paper applique method. It is different than the conventional freezer paper method. Just trace the roof template onto the dull side of your freezer paper and cut out ON the line. Next, iron the freezer paper roof template to the RIGHT side of your chosen fabric, Cut out leaving a scant 1/4" seam allowance. Clip seams if necessary. Turn roof fabric with template over to the wrong side. Apply a slight amount of glue along the seam allowance using a water soluable glue stick . Then turn the roof over and begin folding back the seam allowance with your fingers, using the freezer paper template as your guide. When all seam allowances are turned back, give a little press with the iron if desired. Peel off freezer paper template & save for a future project. It can be used again. This method eliminates the difficult removal of the freezer paper from the wrong side of the fabric! The roof is now ready to applique down without having to do any needle turning! I use this method of applique a great deal. I'm able to use it for small intricate shapes.

                                                                                       Enjoy!    Becca

                                 Please feel free to email me with any questions you might have.
                                                          [WillowHillQuilts@aol.com]

The above applique method was used for the leaves, branches & stems on my latest design, Miss Lucy's Cottage. There are many fiddly bits in this quilt, and this method works supremely well for them!