OK ladies -- we're live. I've posted the Applique Challenge rules and the April block on my ImageEvent site:Applique Challenge Info

This challenge is open to anyone, at any time! Whether you prefer hand applique or machine applique, I think you'll enjoy the projects I've come up with. So take a look at the designs I've made up for us and come play!!

Donna - do we print all the pages of the PDF file and then splice them together to get the full pattern as in the ring?

Ok I'm totally jazzed about this challenge. Count me in for sure Donna.

Connie

Donna you have done an awesome job on this challenge!!!
The blocks are all so beautiful!!
I'm excited about this challenge WOW

All I can say is wow wow wow.........
I was going to do this challenge by hand but there looks like an awful lot to do.....But I have printed the first pattern!
Deb.

quote:

Originally posted by Tata:
Donna - do we print all the pages of the PDF file and then splice them together to get the full pattern as in the ring?

Right now, yes. I do plan to do a better job with those patterns, but I admit it -- I was kind of fried this evening. There will always be a few pieces that don't fit on an 8.5 x 11 sheet so you'll need to splice or place on fold or something no matter what I come up with.

I added another album to the Challenge Info showing some different color combinations. The first three pictures show the projects done in the actual fabrics I bought. I'm making a quilt to use on the bed in my guest bedroom which is painted the same light aqua color as I used in the quilt. Of course, it looks much brighter when viewed on a monitor.

Ok girls I have my first question.. the directions say use bias strips for the circle if your hand quilting..... what are they and where do I get it from????
Deb.

Hi Deb. The bias strips are just cut from your fabric in whatever length and width you need. Say you need to do a stem that is about 1/4 wide and 4" long. Cut a strip about 1" wide by 5" or so long. Fold it in half lengthwise wrong sides together and stitch 1/4" from the fold. Trim the seam allowance so that it is narrower than the finished size of the strip (1/8" would be good in this example). Next, you need to press the strip so that the seam allowance is only visible from one side. You're going to kind of roll it to one side if you can picture that. Most of the quilting mags have instructions for this. I'm looking at QuiltMaker right now, and there's a decent illustration on the Basic Lessons sheet. You can also purchase bias bars, flat bars in various widths, that slip inside the bias tube and make pressing a bit easier.

You can also applique the ring using a template, but the bias strip makes it much easier to get a nice smooth curve.

Hope this helps!

Thanks Donna! I would have been looking at the shops for it! I didnt realize I make them! Thanks heaps!
I think what I may do is make 2 of these blocks..1 by machine and 1 by hand..see which results I like best and go from there.
Deb.

That sound like a plan!