Thanks to all of you who have signed up for the FLICKR
Group. I think it is fun to see what people are working on and what fabrics
they pick.
As I mentioned when I started Floradoodle, there will also
be a smaller 12 block version you can do if you want to skip the center
medallion. I’m doing this one in pinks and greens on a brown background. You
can see my Block 1 above. I’m thinking that this one will have different
sashing and an appliqué border. I’ll keep you posted. I’m using one of the Bella
solids for this because I just couldn’t resist the name…It’s called Hershey,
like the chocolate. I found it at Fat Quarter Shop.
Here are a few random notes on the starch and press method
of preparing your appliqué shapes.
Some fabrics will soak up the starch faster than others. You
will get the best results if you don’t start ironing until the starch has
soaked into the fabric. This is also a good reason to pre-wash your fabric
since the sizing can inhibit the starch from soaking in as well.
Yes, I do actually use a standard size iron for this but I
TURN THE STEAM DOWN. It’s a little scary to get your fingers close to an iron
but I found if I’m careful I won’t get burnt. The only times I have gotten a
little burnt are when the steam has been on.
Sometimes the Mylar or Templar can warp, especially if the
shape is on the large size. I’ve found that they both warp so one isn’t better
than the other. I just hold the edge down as I’m pressing. When I take the template
out I press the entire shape flat. Another template material that works is
several pieces of freezer paper ironed together. I have made templates this way
and they can be re-used a few times but eventually the starch will soak in and
you will have to make a new template.
Just for grins I’ve added this picture to show how I
photograph and sew at the same time. My husband couldn’t figure out how I got
my fingers in the picture.
Also, here is a shoutout to this guy
He is my HTML technical support person. He’s also my son and
very inexpensive. He helped me with my new ETSY shop button that you can see on
the left. This will be where the patterns I have for sale will go. I put the
Miss Hannah pattern in there because people are asking about it but REMEMBER this
pattern will be offered for FREE in December as part of the BOM. The next
pattern will be this.
Happy Monday.