The Hexy MF is a long term, as and when, no end in sight kind of project. Hence the wrinkles from where she lives scrumpled up (that's a cross between screwed up and crumpled) in my trunk. It would, however, be nice to actually see this quilt finished at some point this year so I'm spending the summer making more hexagons for the borders and I've just ordered some fusible bias tape (yes, lazy as hell) for the flower stems. I don't trust my needle turn applique abilities without Sarah holding my hand, and as she insists on living down under and won't just get on a plane and help me out (and she calls herself a friend, I don't know....) I think fusible tape is the way to go (although I'm totally open to suggestions here - so if you think of a better way, please let me know).
17 comments:
Oh just use the fusible tape, that's what it's there for. Else you could just do the needleturn and then rename the quilt 'Hard Work MF'.
Take your pick.
What Aneela said!
with so many gorgeous projects in the world to play with and get around to, surely shortcuts like fusible tape are "clever" and not "cheating". I say go for it!
LOL Definitely what Aneela said!
Hmm, I'm afraid I don't agree, I used the fusable stuff once and ended up with stiff puckery stems.. so I use the cheats method of stemming, I posted a quick tut on flickr for you.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/14641852@N05/5926015622
Partially done by machine to speed up the process.
No pressure to do it my way, just thought I'd share! :)
Only took me 20 years rto finish my hexagon quilt. :-)
I think you could add stems the way Gwen Marston does the handles to her baskets. Just take a small piece of fabric cut on the bias. Fold both long sides into the middle and press. Lay it on your project and shape...the raw edges meeting in the center are next to the quilt top. You would need to decide what to do about the ends {tuck under your flower and the other turned under or out to the edge of border?} Pin in place...simply reduce the stitch length and top stitch on both sides of the stem very close to the edge. Maybe an option?
I adore hexagons, its just the time they take to build up. Fusible bias tape not that I just have to try! Love the colours against the the dark background, it really pops the colour.
I'd go with 1" bias cut fabric folded in half. Stitch a scant 1/4" from the open edge and iron in half again with the stitch line just tucked under to hide it. No edges to needle turn and easy to applique on for stems. This makes a 1/4" wide stem, can be made wider if you need to and the bias makes nice curves.
Get a Clover bias tape maker. They come in a variety of sizes and aren't very expensive. I use it for all my stem work. Really really easy. Nice crisp edges and a breeze to hand stitch down.
Oh that looks lovely!!! I don't have the patience to do hexies. But they sure are lovely!!
I AM getting on a plane, I'll be there in January/Feb remember?? You are just too impatient :)
PS I have an electric bias tape maker that makes 12 yards of bias in 60 seconds, to almost any size. So really, YOU need to come to MY house.
and PPS the fusible is a bit stiff and yuck, I would use the Clover tape maker to make your bias, then stick it down with Roxanne's Glue Baste It, then sew. The GBI washes right out and is awesome. I use it for all my applique.
Press on! It's gorgeous!!
Check out quiltycat.blogspot.com 17/6/11 post for a fab idea for your hexagons.
An entirely hand pieced quilt is a triumph, Katy. Take Sarah's advice. I'm certain that fusible stuff will feel crap on those buttery voiles.
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