by Sandra | June 22nd, 2010
When you get into the real intricate applique, it is easy to lose track of where you are in the applique order. Yes, even I do with my own pattern! Why I never thought of doing this earlier in my applique learning process, I will never know. I have to learn things the hard way.
As I applique each piece, I shade in that corresponding piece on the numbering illustration. It makes it so easy to see immediately what I have done and where the next piece is located in the numbering sequence. Also, if I stop and can’t get back right to this right away, I will know instantly where to start up again.
In this photo I have completed pieces 1, 2 & 3 and pieces 4, 5, 6 are pinned in place and ready to stitch. You can see I colored in the finished pieces on my numbering “map”.
As I progress it becomes clearer what has been done and what pieces are left. For me as the designer, I can also see where I have ordered pieces in the wrong sequence.
You will notice that the furthest back pieces are done first and I work my way towards the top piece(s). Layering one piece on top of another and building the design–creating “layered” applique.
Again the picture of the petals complete. I did change the center of the flower just a bit and I did not stick with the blue as shown in the top picture. It was pretty, but it just didn’t look “perfect” with the Goldfinch.
Now to work on the next bit.
What a great idea. Thank you for sharing. The flower is, as usual, stunning.
What a great idea. I always did this with my cross stitch patterns, just never thought to carry it over to applique.
Thank you for another great tip. It is easy to get “lost” and this idea will really help.
Thanks again for a wonderful tip. This block is going to be sooooo pretty.
I’m glad Diane Gaudynski had your site listed on her website. I’m learning so much about applique that I never knew I did not know! Say that fast three times. Thank you so much for the information, the photos, ideas and well crap, I guess I’ll have to order your book, looks like I won’t be able to live without it.
Please keep up the wonderful website and alllllll your information.
Sandra,
Great idea – and that flower is just STUNNING!
It all sounds so perfectly logical when you put it like that!
Thank you.
Judy B
Your flower is absolutely beautiful. …better than real.
Thanks for the high praise Mimi!
I am so glad the tip helped you all!
Marty,
You are too funny. LOL
What a beautiful cone-flower. I want some seeds for my garden
whoops!..anyway, I have lurking and stalking you for the past several weeks since I found your blog/website. I have gotten so much inspiration from your tips and techniques. I sure wished we lived next door as I know my applique would improve immensely from just watching how you do things. My brain ‘mode’ is as an appliquer so I just love what you are doing and I love your way with words on the blog…keep up the good work!!
Thank you “stitches”! I am so glad you are here.
Lurk away and soak up the applique love as much as you want. You are among friends.
I just discovered your website and blog. Aren’t I a lucky girl?!
Sandra,
I received the patterns that I ordered from your site last night and can’t wait for the weekend to try my hand on the wren….your birds
are so life like …I hope I can even come close…I would love the be a fly on your shoulder and watch and learn all of your techiques…but for now I will just see what happens when I try to do something with this little bird.
Thanks for sharing.
Pati
Pati,
Thanks Pati
Don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any problems OK?
Kathleen I might be biased , but yes you are lucky! LOL
Welcome!