Friday, September 28, 2018

Giant Patchwork Quilt

Sometimes simple patchwork is just the best and oh so much fun!!!  And this quilt is extra special because I had a whole lot of help making it!!!    You might recall last year when I shared all of the Charming Totes that I taught the Young Women in my church to make.   Well, several of the girls wanted to try their hand at a larger scale patchwork. 


So we went to pick some layer cakes.    The fabrics chosen were Creekside and Desert Bloom by Sherri and Chelsi for Moda Fabrics.  I love all of  Sherri and Chelsi fabrics because they designs them to read one color.  This makes them perfect for patchwork, as every block stands out and none of them blend into the block next to them.  (or into the background when doing more piecing).  So fun!!!   And don't the two lines just play so nice together.  I love when designers do that!!!


And then the fun began.  We just used the Layer Cake squares as is, so no cutting was necessary to get started.  It was absolutely wonderful to watch them methodically think over where each square should be placed.   They worked on that placement until it was just perfect!!!    And then, time to piece it together.  Same exact way you make the Charming totes, only on a much larger scale :)  So fun!!!!

 This weekend those same girls are hosting a Spaghetti Dinner and silent auction to raise funds for their camps and such.  And of course, the Giant Patchwork quilt that was their special project will be featured in that auction.   Isn't that just so awesome!!! 


So it was time to get it quilted up ;)  I decided to quilt it with an overall loose feathers design.    I have so much fun quilting these, I can't believe that the feathers used to scare me.   This way is so fun and relaxing and it quilts up real quick, which was important as it had to be done by Saturday :)  Sometimes I wonder if the only way to get my quilts out of the to be quilted pile is for them to have a deadline, tee hee hee ;)


And I also love the loose feathers because it creates the coolest texture!!!  Doesn't that just make you want to cuddle up with this queen size beauty!!!   It measures 95"x 95" so it will be perfect for someones new bedspread ;)


And that is the Giant Patchwork quilt!!!  I had so much fun working with the girls on this!!!   And seriously, I want to do some more simple patchwork in the very near future.   2 Layer Cakes and a  5" border and you can whip up a queen size quilt that really makes a bold statement in no time at all.   Oh so much fun and you all know, I have enough layer cakes stashed to make a whole lot of Giant Patchwork Quilts!!!


How about you???  Have you every made a Giant Patchwork Quilt???   If not, do you totally want to make one now???


Linking up this finish to Sarah's and Myra's :)

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Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Seeing Star Quilt Along - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky!!!!

**  NOTE  - This post is part of a series of posts for the Seeing Stars Quilt-A-Long.  If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificate grand prizes sponsored by  Fat Quarter Shop you can find a list of the post links here :)  Here is the schedule




  
Now, first off for this week, we need to pick a winner for the Applique Star Block Assignment.   And great job to everyone on getting all of those little stars done!!!  I know it was a lot of cutting and stitching and you all did so great!!!  Everyone's little stars are just so awesome!!!!

The Applique Star Block assignment winner who will be receiving a Portsmouth Layer Cake from Green Fairy Quilts is . . .

#39 - Mary S.!!! - Congrats :)

  

And here we go!!!   I know we have all been excited to see all of those star blocks together, and now we are here!!!   Its time to finish up our Quilt Tops!!!  (And hopefully, get them quilted up :)  So, so very exciting!!!!  

LAST ASSIGNMENT - PIECING PROJECT TOP!!!

 Now that your blocks are all made you can piece your quilt top together!!!  And I know some of you were so excited, you already stitched your entire quilt together, Yippee!!!  You can just skip down to the fun Linky and Prize part :)     And as always, I tried to explain the piecing of this quilt top so a beginner can follow along.  If you are more experienced, feel free to skim as desired :)  With that said . . .


Start by laying out all of your blocks using the below diagram as a guide.  Feel free to switch around the placement of your similar sized blocks until you get a color layout that is pleasing to your eye.   And then I highly recommend taking a picture of it so you have something to keep referring back to ;)

We will be sewing blocks together in the Sections indicated.  This way we don't end up with any funny Y seams ;)   Where each section is a little different, I will go over piecing each section.   Mostly, you will just start with sewing all of the smallest size blocks together, and then keep moving up to make similar size rows or columns.   And for the entire quilt, I press all the seams open ;) 




STEP 1 - STITCHING THE SECTIONS

Section A

So let's get started with Section A.   It should look something like this.    We will start by piecing the Applique Star Blocks together.


Place the first block in the column onto the second with right sides together and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.


Then place the third block in the row onto the now stitched together first and second block with right sides together and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.   Continue in this fashion until you have stitched all of the Applique blocks together.


As I said at the beginning, I even press these seams open, just for consistency.  But you can press them to the side if you prefer ;)   Now we are going to sew the similar size units into rows.


So place the Improv Blocks with right sides together and the Applique Block Row onto the Curved Star Block with right sides together.  Pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge. 


Press the seams open and now you have 3 rows all of similar width.   And they can be sewn together to complete section A.


So place the Improv Block row onto the Curved/Applique Row with right sides together.  Pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.


Then place the Double Star Block onto the sewn Star Blocks with right sides together.  Pin and stitch a 1/4" seam along the edge.  Press the seam open.


And just like that Section A is complete and you can set it aside and we are ready to move onto Section B. 


Section B

So we are getting the idea of stitching together a section, so this time I am going to make the directions a little more concise because you know Right Sides Together and 1/4" seam, and pressing open, right ;)
So start by laying out all your Star Blocks for Section B.   It should look something like this.



Fist off, Stitch both sets of your Applique Blocks together into pairs of two as shown. 


Then stitch the Basic Block and the Horizontal Applique Block row together as shown.


Now, you are going to make 3 rows of similar widths.   So piece the Improv. Star block to the pieced Basic and Applique Block row.   Then piece the Basic Blocks to either side of the Vertical Applique Block row as shown.

Then simply sew the three rows together to complete section B.  And set it aside.


Section C-G

You've got the hang of it now, so the directions are going to get even more concise, basically so this post doesn't take up 25 pages ;)    So for each of the remaining sections, plan to piece the Purple circles first, followed by the Pink rectangles, and then the Blue rectangles.

So, for Section C layout all your blocks as shown.  Sew the 3 horizontal Applique Star blocks and the 2 vertical Applique Star blocks together.   Then sew the  vertical Applique Star row and the Basic Star block together.  Followed by sewing the 3 rows in the blue box together.  And finally, sew all of the now pieced together Star Blocks in the blue box and the Double Star together.   And that is Section C and you can set it aside. 



For Section D layout all your blocks as shown.  Sew the 3 Applique Star blocks together.   Then sew the Applique Star row and the Improv Star block together.   Also sew the 2 Basic Star blocks together.  This makes 3 columns all the same height and you can simply sew them all together.   And that is Section D and you can set it aside. 



For Section E layout all your blocks as shown.  Sew the 6 Applique Star blocks together.   Sew the two Improv Star block together and also sew the two Pinwheel Star blocks together.   Now sew the Improve Star row and the Applique Star row together.  Then simply sew Pinwheel Star row and the Star blocks in the blue box together.  And that is Section E and you can set it aside. 




For Section F layout all your blocks as shown.  Sew the 5 Applique Star blocks together.   Now you will sew 3 sets of columns.  Sew the Applique Star row and the Curved Star block together.    Sew the 2 Improv Star blocks together.  And sew the 3 Basic Star blocks together.   This makes 3 columns all the same height and you can simply sew them all together.   And that is Section F and you can set it aside. 



And finally, for Section G layout all your blocks as shown.  Sew the 2 Basic Star blocks together.   Sew the Basic Star row and the Pinwheel Star block together.   And lastly, sew the pieced Stars in the blue box and the Double Star block together.   And That is Section G and you can set it aside.




STEP 2 - STITCHING THE SECTIONS INTO THE QUILT TOP
And now with all of your blocks pieced into sections, you can sew the quilt top together.  This is just like making the sections, only on a larger scale.     Layout all your sections as shown below.


Start by stitching Section C and D together.   Again, we are still pressing all the seams open.


Then sew Section B and the now Section C/D together.


Next,  Stitch Section E and Section B/C/D together.


And now, you are going to be doing two seams.  Start by stitching Section A and Section B/C/D/E together.   Then Stitch Section F and G together.  This will give you a Top and Bottom row.


Lastly, just stitch your Top and Bottom rows together to finish your quilt top!!!!!



Now give yourself a huge pat on the back, do a little happy dance, and maybe even a few shouts for joy!!!!   You kept up, stitched away, and your Seeing Stars Quilt Top is done!!!!   Huge Congrats!!!!


And now with your completed Quilt Top you are ready to enter the Grand Prize Linky!!!!                     So exciting!!! 


GRAND PRIZE LINK UP

Remember this from the start??  All those that finish their quilt top will be eligible for the 3 Grand Prizes.  The Grand Prize's are sponsored  Fat Quarter Shop and huge Thank You goes out to them for the generosity of these prizes.

The three Grand Prize Winners will each receive a $75.00 Gift Certificate to Fat Quarter Shop!!!   That is going to be some awesome fabric goodness!!!!

  
         
           
   


In order to be eligible to win the Grand Prize you need to Link Up your completed quilt top (not quilted yet, just the quilt top) at the end of this post!!!  You have until the early, early morning of October 17th  to get your quilt top sewn together and linked to be entered :)   Remember, You have to have a link at the end of this post to be entered to win one of the Grand Prizes.  


SEEING STARS QUILT-A-LONG PARADE

Now, as just mentioned, you only have to have your quilt top done to enter into the grand prize link up . . . However,  I wanted to encourage you to finish these quilts and not set them in a pile of "to be quilted" so I am planning a Parade for the 17th of October :)  The parade will show off all quilted and bound Seeing Stars Quilts!!  

So, how do you finish up those quilts??? 

Baste It, Quilt It, and Bind It!!  I know, I make it sound all so simple.  If you are new to quilting, and need some help with these last few steps, you can see my Video Tutorials that go over the basics of how to do this ;)  Also, there are some helpful free motion quilting tutorials if you are stuck on how you want to quilt your project ;) 

Once you have your project Basted, Quilted, and Bound it is ready to be showcased it in the Parade.  In order to have it in the parade, I need you to please send me an email  at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com  with your favorite finished Seeing Stars Quilt picture attached as well as your name the way you would like it listed with your photo, where you are from, and a blog, instagram, or flickr photostream link if applicable.  You can email me anytime from now until the evening of October 16th and I will get you added to the Parade!!!  

I am so looking forward to seeing everyone's finishes!!!  It has been so fun to watch each set of your blocks being made and I can't wait to see them all together and done  ;)   Grand Prize winners will be announced on October 17th along with the amazing parade filled with all of your beautiful quilts.!!!  I can't wait!!!  I know this is just going to be an amazing parade with so much Star Goodness!!



So, in summary, Link up your finished quilt top (not quilted) at the end of this post by early morning October 17th to be entered for the grand prize linky.  Email me a picture of your finished quilt (quilted and bound)  with your name, where you are from, and a place to link your picture by October 16th to be part of the parade.    

Alright, I know that was a lot.  If you have any questions at all, please do not hesitate to email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com, I don't want any one to miss out on the grand prizes or parades because of confusion ;)  

I can't wait to see your Seeing Stars quilts!!!  Thank you so much for quilting-a-long with me!!!  It has been so much fun and I have loved watching you all try new things and having your pile of Star blocks grow!!!!    Now, off you go to turn those blocks into a quilt :)

Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!



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Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day!!!

It's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Day so let's have some fun :)

But first, we need to announce the winner from last weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway!!  
The winner of the $25.00 Gift Certificate  from Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is . . .  Number #98 . . .   Congrats joolz!!!   I have emailed you :)      

 


       
And on to today's

Today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway is being sponsored by Fat Quarter Shop.   Fat Quarter Shop is amazing and they never cease to amaze me with everything they have going on at their shop!!!     And did you know they have a 24 Hour Flash Sale every day with 2 Flash Sales on Tuesdays!!  You will find some amazing deals there ;)

24 Hour Flash Sales at the Fat Quarter Shop!

And for today's Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Fat Quarter Shop is giving away a  Road Trip 10" Squares by Alison Glass for Andover Fabrics.  The colors and prints in this line are absolutely gorgeous and would make a stunning quilt!!! And you know I love it because there are lots of purples!!!   So fun ;)  


You have two entry chances, the second being optional, and please leave a separate comment for each.  All Entries are welcome, including International Entries.  Please just be sure to leave an email address if you are a no-reply blogger ;)  

ENTRY 1 - Simply leave a comment that tells me where was the last place you went on a Road Trip to?

 ENTRY 2 - Show your Fat Quarter Shop love.   You can follow them on   FacebookTwitterInstagramPinterestYou Tube or at their Blog.  You can Sign up for their Newsletter which will ensure you catch all of their amazing sales, or you can visit The Shop and then share a favorite item ;)   Just be sure to leave a comment of how you showed your Fat Quarter Shop Love!!!

And that's it ;)  The giveaway will be open until next Tuesday, October 2nd, when I will announce a winner at the beginning of next weeks Terrific Tuesday Giveaway Post :)

Good Luck and Have a Happy Quilting Day!!!

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Monday, September 24, 2018

Threadology Quilt Along!!!

Have you heard????  . . . Fat Quarter Shop recently announced next year's Charity Quilt Along!!!  I have participated in this quilt along for the last 4 years and am so excited for Year 5!!!   The Quilt Along stars in February 2019 and will benefit the Make a Wish Foundation :)  


The original Threadology quilt is made with Bonnie and Camille's new Little Snippets line that will release right when this Quilt Along stars!!!  It is just perfect for this quilt as it has cute little measuring tapes, and granny square blocks in the prints as well as their signature gingham.  Fat Quarter Shop has Threadology Quilt Along Kits as well as Backing Kits available for pre-order.   It's so cute, I just can't decide.   I am debating between Little Snippets and just using a variety of Bonnie and Camille prints I have stashed.  Both would make adorable quilts, it just so hard to pick.     Good thing I have a few more months to think on it ;)  


So do you want to quilt along for a great cause??  Mark your calendar and pick your fabrics. (Or at least try to narrow it down, tee hee hee ;)   You are not going to want to miss this!!!  Pop on over to the Threadology Quilt Along page for more details to come :)  

Happy Quilting!!!!

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Wednesday, September 19, 2018

Seeing Stars Quilt-Along - Applique Star Block

**  NOTE  - This post is part of a series of posts for the Seeing Stars Quilt-A-Long.  If you would like to join (and have a chance to win one of three $75.00 Gift Certificate grand prizes sponsored by  Fat Quarter Shop you can find a list of the post links here :)  Here is the schedule


September 19th - Applique Star Block (That's Today!!)
September 26th - Piecing Top and Grand Prize Linky
October 17th- Seeing Stars Parade and Grand Prize Winners



Now, first off for this week, we need to pick a winner for the Basic Star Assignment.   And great job to everyone for getting your Basic Stars all sewn up.   It was awesome to see you tackle them with such confidence after all of the flying geese we have made so far ;)

The Basic Star Assignment winner who gets a $20.00 Gift Certificate to Lou Lou's Fabric Shop is

#17 - Seahorse Quilts!!! - Congrats :)

  



So here we are, on our last set of Star blocks.  My how the time has flown.   And we are finishing it all up with some super fun Applique Star Blocks!!!   We will be doing raw edge applique that is machine stitched.  (but if you prefer hand, you can do that too ;)   And I know that Applique can be scary if you have never tried it.  But trust me, this is a great beginning block to learn Applique with and you are going to see just how fun Applique can be!!!   So let's get right to it :)  If you are just finding this QAL, it's never to late to join in the fun :)



THE APPLIQUE STAR BLOCK


STEP 1 - CUTTING

We will be making 28 Applique Star Blocks.  I will give the cutting directions for 1 Applique Star Block (for those that are making alternate layouts).  Then I will give the cutting directions for the Total Pieces needed for all 28 Applique Star Blocks.    


Applique Star Block - For Each Block cut:

Print Applique Star - (1) 4" x 4" square  (* 3" to 4" squares work, just put your template on an angle                                                                               just in case you have scraps of that size ;)
Background Fabric -  (1) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" square
                           


So for all 28 Applique Star Blocks you will cut:

Print Applique Star - (28) 4" x 4" squares  ( or smaller depending on scraps ;)
Background Fabric -  (28) 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" squares




STEP 2 - MAKING THE STAR APPLIQUES

For our applique we will be using a very basic Star shape.   I have included on the template a 4 point star and a 5 point star.  The 4 point star design matches the center of our curved stars, but you are welcome to use whichever you like best ;)  
So to start, click here to be taken to the Star Template.  Print a copy of the template.  I always like to print my templates on card stock or cover stock, just so they are a little sturdier.  So if you happen to have either handy, use that.  If not, it isn't necessary to go out and buy a pack ;)  Be sure when printing you are set to print at actual size.  Before cutting out your template, use a ruler to double check that the template printed to accurate size.  The little square should be exactly 1".  Once you have double checked it, go ahead and cut out your Star Template.  


And with our template, we are ready to make some appliques ;)  So grab your print squares and your template.  I will be showing your 2 types of applique, one using Starch and one using an Adhesive like Heat N Bond (my personal favorite) or Wonder Under.

There are pro's and con's with each method.  The nice thing about the Starch Method is that you don't get any stiffness in your quilt once the starch is washed out when you are done your quilt, the draw back is it means pinning and a little bit more tricky when it comes time to stay stitch.  And the Adhesive Method is just the opposite.  Easy and convenient to put the block together and easy to stay stitch but the appliques will be a little stiffer because of the adhesive :)   I will go over each method and you can choose a favorite :)  



STARCH METHOD

For the Starch Method, start by spraying a generous amount of starch on the wrong side of your fabric square.  If you get any little white bubbles, don't stress.


Press the square with a hot iron.  See how those little bubbles go away with the heat ;)


Now, repeat with another layer of starch and another hot pressing.  You will continue to repeat this process until your square is super stiff, like you could throw it as a Frisbee stiff.  Depending on the thickness of your fabric, this will take 2-4 times.


Place your template on the wrong side of your stiff fabric square.  Using your favorite marking tool, trace around the template.  The template itself won't have a wrong or right side ;)   And your marking tool doesn't have to be a disappearing one.  You can always use a pencil or chalk, that won't show up on the wrong side.


Now carefully cut along the line until you have cut out the entire star.  



And just like that, you have a Star!!!!  So cute ;)



ADHESIVE METHOD

For the adhesive method, you want to start by cutting 4" x 4" squares from your adhesive yardage.  This is just like cutting fabric, cut it into strips and then sub cut it into squares ;)


Now, move on over to the ironing board.   Your adhesive squares will have a glue side and a paper side.  Place the Glue side of the adhesive square onto the wrong side of your print fabric.  So just to double check that, the glue and the wrong side of the fabric should be touching ready to be adhered to one another.


Press the pair to adhere them together.  Now every adhesive is a little different, but most will tell you to press for about 6-8 seconds and to use a Dry Iron.   And trust me, if it says Dry you want it to be Dry.  Otherwise you are going to spend some frustrating times trying to get the paper backing off.


With the two squares adhered together place the Star Template onto the paper side of the pair.  Trace around the Star template.


Now carefully cut along the line until you have cut out the entire star.  



And just like that, you have a Star!!!!  So cute ;)




STEP 3 - ASSEMBLING THE BLOCK

And now, it's time to get your Star Appliques onto your blocks.  Grab your 4 1/2" x 4 1/2" Background squares.  We need to know where center vertically and horizontally is so fold the square in half and finger press a line.  Then unfold it and fold it in half the other way and finger press a line.



Your square should look like this now, with the small finger pressings showing you right where the center of the block is.  And now you are ready to add your Star Appliques to each square.  Once again, we are going to go over both methods :)


STARCH METHOD

If you are using the Starch Method, place your appliques as shown lining up each point of the star with the finger crease in your background fabric.  When all 4 points align, you will be perfectly centered.   


And now you can pin it in place.   I like to pin my Applique so that I will be able to stay stitch it without moving pins to much.  So I try to keep them away from the very edge.  These are smaller, so you can get away with 2-4 pins per Applique.  Just do what you are comfortable with  as you don't want them shifting around when I go to Secure Stitch them.    And your block is ready for Stay Stitching.
  A quick note here - I know a lot of quilters who use glue sticks here instead of pins.  It will work and you are welcome to do that, but I find for me I prefer pins as the glue stick doesn't always hold everything tight and you can get some shifting, especially where we won't be stitching these for a bit.  Just FYI :)



ADHESIVE METHOD

Once again with the Adhesive Method, we are going to start out at the Ironing Board.   Begin by removing the paper backing from the Star Applique.  This should just peel right off , but if you have some problems getting it started, use a straight pin so stick through the paper but not through the fabric.  Tear up to make a slit and give you a starting point :)


Just like the starch method, you want to place your appliques as shown lining up each point of the star with the finger crease in your background fabric.  When all 4 points align, you will be perfectly centered.



Once aligned, place your hot, dry, iron on the Applique.   Once again, use 6-8 seconds in one place.  Always adhere applique with an up and down motion, not back and forth  as it will cause the applique to shift.   Repeat this until the appliques are completely adhered.  And your block is ready for Secure Stitching.




STEP 4 - SECURE STITCHING THE BLOCK

Secure Stitching around your applique holds it in place and gives it strength.  It is the final step of the applique process.  Now, I have to say, this is probably my favorite part of applique.  It is so very relaxing for me.  I often rest my head on my sewing machine while I stitch around all of my shapes ;)  So I hope you find it fun and relaxing as well ;)  So let's get to it ;) 

SECURE STITCHING APPLIQUE - BASICS

First off, you have to decide what color thread you want to use to secure stitch your applique.  You will have an entire rainbow of choices, but they are most likely going to fall into 3 categories.  Matching, Blending, or Contrasting, and all are great.  It just depends on the look you want to go for.  
Matching is when your thread color is the same as your applique fabric.  Using matching thread makes it so you can hardly see the stitching lines at all.  This works great when all of your applique is the same color.  

Blending is when your thread color is not the same, but a soft color that will blend away into your applique.  Normally soft cremes, light greys, and light yellows tend to blend well with most colors.  This is a great alternative if you are doing scrappy appliques and you don't want the thread to stand out but you also don't want to have to change it a million times ;)

Contrasting thread is when you want your stitching to stand out, which can be a lot of fun ;)  So if you are going for a bold look,  pick a bold thread color that will stand out ;)  And you can pull in colors from the rest of your quilt to tie in the stitching as well ;)  

I like to lay the thread in a single strand over the applique to help me get an idea of what it will look like.  Kind of like auditioning binding fabric, only you are auditioning thread.  So you have an entire rainbow of choices, time to pick ;)   


Once you have picked a thread color, wind a bobbin with the same thread.  I like to have my top and bottom threads always match when I am secure stitching so I don't get any little bits of color showing up from the bottom that I didn't want.   And now it is time to start stitching.  I made up a little sample block to show this off, so that I could Contrast the thread so it could show up :)  I will be going over the three basic types of secure stitching. 


 And just a few good Secure Stitching Basic Rules of thumb before we start,
1 - Always have your needle in the Needle Down position, it makes pivoting much easier ;)
2 - Always Back stitch 1-2 stitches at the beginning and end of your applique.
3 - Start at a side or straightaway of your applique, not a a point.
            With that , let's go over some stitching options ;)



STRAIGHT STITCH

First off, is the Straight Stitch.  I love using this stitch when I want a raw edge that will scruff up a bit in the washing machine.  It gives a super cuddly look to the quilt ;)   So to straight stitch I like to use my 1/4" foot and the basic straight stitch setting on my machine although I like to shorten the length of the stitch a bit for strength ;)



With this stitch, I like to stitch an 1/8" in from the edge of my applique.  I use the inside of my foot as a guide.  Remember to start along a side of the star and back-stitch at the beginning.  Then continue stitching forward down the side of the applique, using the inside of a foot as a guide so your stitch is nice and straight.  When you get 1/8" from the corner of you applique stop with your needle down.  Pivot your foot and then repeat stitching up the other side of the applique.  This can be a little tricky as it is a bit of a blind inner corner, but just lift your foot to check if you have stitched far enough ;)   Then continue around the entire star, back-stitch at the end and clip your threads.  


ZIG-ZAG STITCH

Next is the zig-zag stitch.  For this stitch I like to use my Open Applique foot because it allows me to see all of the stitching, but if you don't have one of these your basic foot will do just fine ;)  Select the Zig-Zag stitch on your machine.


Once again, start along a side of the star and back-stitch at the beginning.  Then continue stitching forward down the side of the applique, keeping the applique edge centered in your foot.  And when back stitching zig-zag I like to go slow.  If you go to fast, your stitches won't wind up in the same place.    Pivot around the corners and then back stitch at the end and clip your threads. 


And a fun little thing about zig-zag is you can customize it to look any way you like, all the way down to a basic satin stitch.  Play with the width and length of the stitch on a practice piece of fabric and find the look that suits you best ;)


Those simple little tweaks can really change up the look as shown below.  



BLANKET STITCH

The final stitch I use for Secure Stitching my applique is the blanket stitch and it is my personal favorite.  Once again, for this stitch I like to use an Open Foot, but your basic foot will work fine as well.   Select your Blanket Stitch on your machine, which you might have to look for a bit. 



Like the other stitches, start along a side of the star and back-stitch at the beginning.  Then continue stitching forward down the side of the applique, keeping horizontal part of the stitch along the edge of the applique.  The important thing to remember about the blanket stitch is that the stitch is 3 parts, so you always want to end the stitch along the outside edge.  Remembering to do all 3 parts of the stitch come in handy :)   Pivot around the corners and then back stitch at the end and clip your threads. 


And those are the basic Secure Stitches!!!   Not to tricky, just enjoyable stitching that you can really have some fun with ;)  And I have seen some pretty fancy stitches on applique, these are the basic, but if you want to get fancy with your machines stitches you go for it ;)


Now I have shown you all of these steps with making 1 block, which you might want to do while you are making decisions about which methods or stitches to use.  But once you have decided, I highly recommend assembly line piecing these, ie.  Cut out all 28 appliques, Adhere all 28 appliques to the blocks, Secure Stitch all 28 appliques to the block ;)   But however you make them, you just want to finish with 28 Appliques blocks that measure 4 1/2" x 4 1/2". 

Super fun!!!  



So now it's your turn, get your Applique Star Blocks made and your assignment is complete!!!  And then you can enter to win the weekly prize :)


The Weekly Prize is sponsored by Green Fairy Quilts and a huge thanks goes out to them for their support of the  Seeing Stars Quilt-Along.



This weeks prize is a Portsmouth Layer Cake by Minick and Simpson for Moda.   And it is so pretty!!!  Someone is going to be super lucky ;)
    
So what do you have to do for a chance to win the Layer Cake?  Simple . . . Just link up your Applique Star Blocks at the end of this post :)  You can link to a blog post or a social media picture, or whatever.   If you are still not sure how to link up, I wrote a little Linky Tutorial over here, that might help ;)  Just make sure to link up by the early morning of September 26th as I will be announcing a winner in next quilt-a-long post :)

If you don't get your Applique Star Blocks done by next week you can still link it up :) (just not in time for the prize :) The linky will remain open until the end of the Quilt-Along.  

And Don't forget to add your  Basic Star Blocks to #seeingstarsquiltalong on social media or at the  Happy Quilting Quilt-A-Long Flickr group.   I am so excited to see all of your fun Applique Blocks  ;)

 Have a Happy Quilting Day!!  

And remember, any questions, just email me at happyquiltingmelissa@gmail.com ;)



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