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Sunday, July 24, 2011

My first try at applique

I have been working on this book for awhile, I thought it was so cute and I wanted to try doing applique with my sewing machine. Granted it is much easier with an embroidery machine, but it still took a lot of time.

I made the blocks on different colors of felt.

The machine does an outline stitch for the first step and then you know where to place your fabric.
 Then you choose what fabric you want each piece of the bug to be.

Then the machine sews another stitch around the edge of the design. You then take the hoop from the machine, ( you don't un hoop the fabric.) and then you use these fabulous scissors!
Did you know there was any such thing as applique scissors? Well, you know the saying "the right tool for the job makes all the difference," well, this tool makes all the difference.  The scissor makes it so you can cut very close the sewn edge and then you won't have any fabric sticking out of the edge of your last stitch.


You then put the hoop back into the machine and the machine sews a satin stitch all around the edge.

You have to complete this process for each color of thread and fabric. 

The machine does have an automatic needle threader which is fantastic for my Grandma eyes!

After finishing all of the blocks I chose some fabric to sew the blocks to.

I then sewed each block with a decorative edging stitch, no I did not do this my hand!

Then I added a decorative wave stitch around the outside of the pages.
I then put all of the pages together and sewed a stitch down the middle with the book open.

Then I folded the book and put another straight stitch down the side.

Yes, it is a labor of love but it was so fun to make, even if it took forever to finish.

Hopefully someday someone will cherish this handmade item from their grandmother!
Have a great week!


9 comments:

Regina said...

What a great gift!! I love your lil bugs..so cute. This will be a cherished keepsake for years to come.

Hugs!!

Zoe said...

The bugs are adorable- very good for your first try at applique

Rachel said...

That is SO STINKING CUTE!

The mum of all trades said...

that is so pretty! such a beautiful gift to give, I would treasure that always. the stitching is so neat and tidy too.

Anonymous said...

This book is adorable! It was fun to see all the different stitches as borders too! The lines around the bugs look perfect!

Unknown said...

Hi Donene,
I love your bug book. My son is 19 and he still sleeps with his cloth book under his pillow. see how they can get attached to something soft and filled with the love from a special person
KAT

Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage said...

How cute is that! With all the love and care that went into that sweet little book, it is sure to be a keepsake for someone someday. ;)

Thanks for linking to the party, Donene! I'm always glad to see your creativity shared.

Have a wonderful weekend!
Liz @ the Brambleberry Cottage
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

Becca Ross said...

I love your bug book! I'm a kindergarten teacher, so this melts my heart a little. I'd love it if you'd stop by my blog and link this to my Home and Family Friday linky party!

Becca
becca-homeiswheremystorybegins.blogspot.com

Be Colorful Coastal said...

That is just too cute and your workmanship is impeccable. Thanks for linking this up to Motivated Monday. I loved it.
Pam

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