Machine Applique, Part 2

When we last left our applique, it looked like this...

And the picture of the completed pattern looked like this...

So there is still serious work to be done.  I told you I think in groups of threes for applique.  The next pieces that have to go down (again, you have to think from the background forward) are the pumpkins, which are actually several pieces -- the darker, orange circles, the lighter parts on the front of those to give the pumpkins depth, the leaves, and the stems.  When you're working with pieces that have several parts, it's a good idea to fuse as many of those together as you are able before you fuse it all to the background.

In this case, we can fuse the lighter orange pieces to the darker circles before we fuse them all to the background.

At this point you can then fuse the stems, then the pumpkins, and then the leaves to the background

Then carefully stitch around each part

Okay...first group is complete.  Now, if you look again at the scarecrow and think background to foreground and in groups, the next items that have to be fused are the pole, the pants, the hay, and the patch on the pants.  The patch is such a small item, I think you can either fuse it to the pants before you fuse the pants to the background or after you get the pants on the background.  Either way, I had to center the pole and keep working from the back to the front -- hay, pants, patch.  Once it was all down, I stitched around it.

Then next, I grouped the coat, the hay for the arms, the shirt front, and the collar.

And then I stitched all around this group.  I did not take the time or the trouble to stitch around all those little hay springs.  That was just too tedious and if they fray a little, well....they'll just look more like real hay.  We will call this artistic license and move on (grin).

When I go over some more machine applique with this piece, I will finish it up, but will also talk about embellishments, such as buttons, beads, and hand embroidery.  These are some of the reasons I love all kinds of applique -- you get to use so many other techniques and materials that aren't "typically" on quilts.  

Machine applique isn't any harder than needle turn applique -- it's just different.  Like hand applique, you have to think from the background forward.  And when you're a beginner, this can sometimes be tricky.  If you're fairly new to any kind of applique, I would encourage you to pick a piece that is fairly uncomplicated with few pieces.  Then as you gain experience and confidence, advance on to more difficult patterns.  I wouldn't necessarily recommend this scarecrow to a real beginner.  The last few pieces we will put on are small and it's going to take some skilled machine sewing for those.  

Where machine applique differs a little from hand applique, is that thinking in groups helps.  Most often in needle turn the quilter can think one piece at a time.  But because you're fusing and then sewing, grouping is essential.

Getting the zig zag or blanket stitch down pat takes some time and skill, too.  The stitch needs to be neat, the quilter has to feel in control of both the machine and the stitch, and it takes time to decide on the best speed for you.

So give yourself time and lots of practice.  

Love and Stitches....

Sherri