I love applique and I have wanted to do it for a long time. For years, every time I’d go to a quilt show, I’d take applique classes. I’ve had classes from Mimi Dietrich, Jeanna Kimball, Didi McElroy and others whose names I cannot remember. Part of my problem (most of my problem!) is that I like quick, strip pieced quilts but I still want to do applique.
It’s one of those things that I can do perfectly in my head but somehow, that head knowledge doesn’t translate very well to my fingers and even though I’ve tried several projects over the last few years, I always get frustrated with my work and give up, leaving yet another UFO.
Vicky does beautiful applique so while visiting with her, I had her show me everything. Prepping, thread, stitches, how to hold it all, etc. I couldn’t wait to get home and try it. Last night, despite being exhausted, I printed off a heart template from EQ, cut myself a square of background fabric, glue basted those red hearts down and look what I did!
It surely isn’t perfect and I can see that my edges aren’t perfectly round but I didn’t have a bunch of pointy things sticking out. I think I can do it! I believe I’ll find a red stripe and make this piece into a pillow and at least it will not be a UFO.
