If At First You Don't Succeed...

With very little effort, I've been able to find those elusive instructions for learning needle turn applique'. I popped over to the local sewing center and found this great, informative book by Alex Anderson. (Loreen had to cancel yesterday, so I needed some alternative expertise.)

Her book offers multiple methods for applique' (which I actually might prefer over needle turn!), and has photographs to illustrate each step of the process for each type of applique'.

One thing I learned from all the images is that, if you're new to the process, make your first applique larger than a postage stamp. (The leaves I'm trying to turn are less than 3" long!) I would definitely suggest novices start with larger HUGE pieces.

Another source for information (why didn't I think of this sooner?) is YouTube. I especially liked this video, offering a different method for accomplishing the perfect edges I always see on needle turn pieces.

Jeanette White from Salt Lake City, UT produced this helpful clip. She has an interesting technique that uses hand basting to assist with the turning. Take a minute to see what she does. I've decided to try it myself.
I made 3/8" wide bias strips for the stems and attached them to my base fabric, then I basted the leaves in place. Here's a closeup...
I'll start turning the edges today while I have the benefit of daylight. Makes for less strain on my eyes. I sure hope it works! If you can see the lines behind my background fabric, that's the pattern on my light table that I used to line up the design. It's not lined up properly in this photo, but you can rest assured I lined everything up before I started the basting. I actually used a temporary glue to hold the leaves in place and then went back to do the basting.

When I owned my needlework shop, I always stressed to my customers that they should enjoy the process. If it isn't fun, why do it? Well, I'm finding myself contemplating that advice. So far, I'm not exactly enjoying myself. Perhaps it's because the pieces are so bloody small. But, you know me...I'm not going to give up just yet. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.

Either I'll be entranced with this form of applique' by the time I finish this block - anxious to start the next - or, I'll finish this block and decide to make it the centerpiece of a pieced quilt using all those yummy, sherbet-colored fabrics. I'm learning a little more about myself with this square. This technique is not for the faint-hearted, or those who seek instant gratification (like you-know-who).

Hoping to dream about finished needle turn quilt squares tonight. Tomorrow, I'll be sharing more about my Polyglott Bible. It seems appropriate for a Sunday entry - and a day of rest.