Fellow Quilters,
Co-worker Jennifer nearly fell over today when she saw me writing this blog post. “You can’t do a blog post today – you’ve already done one this month,” she said. As if I only do one per month! Well, that’s pretty much true, actually. “Oh, but today is special,” I said. “I am participating in the Quilter’s Newsletter’s Best Tradition With A Twist Blog Tour.” This special issue hit newsstands a week or so ago, and contains 21 creative projects of all sizes.
Cover of Tradition with a Twist by Quilter’s Newsletter
Nine of the quilt designers are blogging about their project this week, including yours truly. Here’s a list of the others:
January 27, Janet Jo Smith at www.dyesmithy.com
January 28, Twisted 9 Patch, www.jendalydesign.com
January 28, Emily’s Nonsense, www.rOssie.blogspot.com
January 29, Jennifer Parks, www.jennykaequilts.wordpress.com
January 30, Nancy Mahoney, www.nancymahoney.com/blog/
January 30, Natalie Barnes, www.beyondthereefpatterns.blogspot.com/
January 30, Gigi Khalsa, www.quiltersnesletter.com/blogs/insideqn/
My modern quilt guild (www.facebook.com/barriemodernquiltgroup ) has really got me thinking modern these days, so when Quilter’s Newsletter sent out the call for “tradition with a twist”, I thought “modern”. Northcott had just introduced the Artisan Spirit – Shimmer pre-cuts, including fat quarter rolls, so I chose 3 coordinating rolls (hibiscus, peacock and mineral). Then I took the traditional circle shape and modified it in some blocks by making it an oval. Additionally, I changed the scale of the blocks: the main blocks are square, but I made my sashing blocks rectangular, necessitating my cornerstones (the blocks at the intersections of the sashing blocks) to be small squares, with smaller circles in then. Here is my quilt:
My Going in Circles quilt
Since I was thinking “modern”, I did not add any borders to my quilt. With the quilting, I emphasized the circles in the background squares and rectangles, and did free-motion spirals in the circles and ovals, all with a variegated thread. The circles and ovals are fused in place, and when I do fusible appliqués, particularly large shapes, I like to “window” the fusible webbing – that is, I remove the center of the fusible by trimming ¼” inside my cutting line before I fuse it to the fabric. With this quilt, I could use the centers of the large fusible circle pieces for the small circles.
Quilter’s Newsletter has a yummy bundle of Shimmer fabrics to give away, so for a chance to win, please post a comment on my blog by 9am tomorrow (Friday) telling me your favorite method of appliqué.
Artisan Spirit – Shimmer in the pansy colorway
I will draw 2 names, and the 2nd name will receive a bundle of fat quarters from Northcott’s Mandolin collection that just arrived in our warehouse. Like the Shimmer collection, Mandolin has a hint of metallic, adding to the elegance of it.
Mandolin collection
I think this collection would be perfect for the sashiko class that I will be teaching on the Australia/New Zealand cruise that I am going on next Spring (Feb. 13 – 27, 2016) with Quilt Camp at Sea. Here is a picture of my original quilt.
Sashiko sampler
I can already picture it in Mandolin, can’t you? For a chance to win the Mandolin bundle, please tell me if you’ve ever been on a quilting cruise, and where it was, or where you would like to cruise to if you haven’t yet tried a quilting cruise. That’s 2 chances to win – 1 for telling me your favorite appliqué method, and 1 for telling me where you have or would want to cruise to with some quilting “buds”. Good luck!
Cheers,
Patti
pattispatchwork-blog.com 
I have never been on a cruise, let alone for quilting. It would be fun, but I sure hope I wouldn’t be miserably seasick the whole time–I get very motion-sick.
It’s my dream to visit Spain, so a cruise in the Mediterreanean would be great. But my dad lives in Seattle, so I would love to take a whale-watching cruise to Vancouver Island, too.
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
I don’t appliqué .
Never been on a cruise, a BATIKS cruise sounds nice.
Oh how lovely…sparkly and purple! Yummy Northcott!
I’m just starting my journey on appliqué. I just finished my first quilt with Hawaiian-style needle-turn appliqué. I like handwork; it’s so relaxing to me. But I am also getting really comfortable with fusible appliqué and cutting the pre-fused shapes with rotary templates, like Sue Pelland’s Leaves Galore and Hearts and More.
reillyr2(at)hotmail(dot)com
The only cruise I have been on is an Alaskan Cruise from Vancouver, BC. No quilting but a beautiful time with my sister. A quilting cruise would be fantastic.
I think my favorite form of applique is using fusible webbing. I like your idea of making a fusible window. The two fabric bundles are gorgeous. Thanks for sharing with us!
I love your going in circles quilt! I can think of several projects that would be enhanced with the pansy shimmer fabric.
My favorite applique is snowmen or anything christmas…………ps love your quilt the colors are great………..Happyness04431@yahoo.com
I have used a lot of fusible applique and definitely window it.
my favorite method of applique is needle turn, would love to win either bundle!
I like to do fusible applique, straight stitch around the edge. Thanks for the giveaway!
Going in Circles is very striking – the design and fabrics really work beautifully together!
My favourite way to applique is the back-basting method.
I’ve never been on a quilting cruise, but would love to go on a Caribbean quilting cruise.
I prefer to do hand applique, but it’s hard to see so I do the window method of fusible and then button hole stitch by machine.
A quilting cruise would be great in the Mediterranean. I haven’t been on cruise , yet.
I went on a quilt cruise to Alaska in 2013!!! It was great, fun going to the quilt shops together, but would rather have just looked at the scenery than making a potholder! Just my opinion. Thanks for the giveaway!
I like to fuse my applique, and then use a machine blanket stitch. Although I love the look of needle turn applique, I don’t have the skill or the patience! Thanks for the chance to win.
I have only done a small amount of applique so to be honest I am not sure about all the different methods! I used fusible webbing on mine. I am actually hoping to take an applique class at my quilting expo this year!
I have been on several cruises and I love them! I have always wanted to go on a quilting cruise! I don’t even care where it goes! 🙂
Love your circle quilt! I am new to quilting and have not done much applique, but it is on my list for this year to do more. 🙂
Love the shimmer and metalic in fabrics.
craftyccain@gmail.com
Have not been on a cruise, but would love to! My DH is not too keen on the big boats in the middle of the sea. (May have to go by myself one day) 🙂
craftyccain@gmail.com
I love handwork and needleturn applique using the backbasting method. So portable and so relaxing.
BTW – love the ovals in your quilt.
Cruise? OMG – anywhere warm in the winter, or cooler in the summer! I like them best with lots of stops and not too much open sea time.
HI, no, I have not, but it seems like a cruise with Quilting Buddies would be so neat!
Thanks for your blog+giveaway!
Really like using fusible applique; have done some for pillows+small quilts.
Thanks for sharing!
Fusible appliqué isn’t my favorite, but I’ve done it. I prefer to machine appliqué shapes that have a turned edge. Love your quilt, Going in Circles!
I’ve been on two cruises, but never a quilting cruise. If I were to go on one, I think it would have to be to somewhere cold so I wouldn’t be tempted to skip the quilting to go out on deck and watch the scenery!
I have never been on a cruise, quilting or otherwise (unless cruising in a car or on a bicycle counts). I would love to go on a quilting cruise.
I have been on three cruises loved all of them
I don’t know what my favorite method of applique is called. When I learned it in my first quilt class, the instructor just called it applique by hand. What we did was trace our shape, then cut it out a quarter-inch away from the drawn line. Then we turned the edge under along the line and hand-stitched it down on to the fabric background. I much prefer the look of this type of applique over raw edge or machine applique. I tried fusible applique once, but I didn’t like the stiffness.
These haiku are here
so that I may be entered
for the giveaway.
I love applique,
though I’m more of a piecer.
Needle-turn or bust!
Margaret, nice haikus – how clever!
I like Fusible Applique. Your quilt turned out wonderful. The fabric is terrific.
I’d like one of the quilting cruises to Alaska. Don’t know why just sounds like fun.
My favorite method of applique is using fusible webbing and then a machine applique stitch. Love the purple Shimmer fabrics. Thanks for the chance to win.
I would want to cruise to a warm climate such as Bahamas or Caribbean.
I prefer hand applique simply because I need hand work to keep busy while WAITING…for anything.
I think a quilting cruise would be a dream come true. I think Alaska would be my destination choice.
Love the interplay between the circles,the ovals and the background squares and rectangles. I really like it without a border. My favorite way to applique is needle turn but I do also like fusible as long as it’s done window style. edrin1932@gmail.com
I like both fusible and needle turned appliqué. Sometimes I like the handwork but other times I like to use decorative stitches with my machine.
I haven’t tried applique yet.
Never been on a quilting cruise. I would love to go on one in the Mediterranean.
I don’t think I have found a favorite applique method yet. I still struggle with it.
I have never been on a cruise. I would like to go on a quilting cruise to Alaska.
I went on a cruise once but it wasn’t my thing. That said, yes, warm and sunny for sure (I’m in gray Seattle).
Almost all my applique is fused and machine sewn in place. But I did do a small reverse applique by hand of a tropical fish, so we’ve got a theme going here!
I’ve never been on a cruise, tho I’d like to but I’m afraid.. I get green on the ferry across the Long Island Sound from New York to Connecticut! If I did cruise I dont know I wou;d take a quilt project, more likely an embroidery project
I’ve only done 1 applique project, I used the heat bond and machine stitched it down.. It was a no brainer.. maybe when I start doing some more embroidery and get that touch back from my younger years I might try hand tacking the pieces down
I’ve done only a little applique- each time I used fusible backing and then machine stitched around the applique. Love the colors you chose and oh those purples…yum!
I’ve never taken a quilt cruise and doubt I could get my hubby to agree (he’s not a fan of being “trapped on a boat”)- but anywhere warm sounds enticing today!
Beautiful quilt. No I have never been on a cruise but I would love to cruise anywhere a quilting cruise is headed. b.j.day68@gmail.com
First off, favourite applique… favourite for looks, or favourite for me to actually do? Well, I love the look of needle-turned applique. I have done it a couple of times and I love the look – it’s just not very fast to do! I admire anyone who loves this art form! As for me, I have done the fusible applique (also known as raw-edge applique?) and have been pleased with the results. I have yet to dive into the machine embroidery/applique method 🙂
My favorite applique is using fusible webbing and either machine or hand blanket stitch. b.j.day68@gmail.com
Second… I have never been on a cruise, let alone a quilting cruise! I have been on road trips to retreats though and they are fun 🙂 I don’t think the destination is the important part… it’s the journey and the memories made along the way! 😀 Thanks for sharing Patti!
I have never been on a cruise either – but hmmm, an Australian quilting cruise – I’m going to have to start saving… as for applique – I’ve done more turned edge – I really like the look, but fused/raw edge has its appeal too…
Love cruising, love applique. Have done Alaska cruise, don’t think its really suitable for quilting because there is so much scenery during days at sea. Better cruise and quilt when there is only the ocean to look at.
I only do raw-edged appliqué with fusible web and a satin stitch finish…(no blanket stitch on my machine). I am one of the Barrie Modern Girls and also like it when they push us outside our comfort zone! P.S. All fabric and travel makes life great!
My favourite is hand applique using the needle-turning method or a blanket stitch along the edge. I do some machine applique as well and I like my edges turned under for that too..
Seems like I’m always going in circles…not as fun as your “Going In Circles” quilt. I have a hard time doing anything by hand, so I applique using the fusible web method. Purple is my favorite color (hint, hint). Never been on a cruise.
Hello Patti, What a beautiful quilt. needle turn applique.
Hello Patti, Never have been on a cruise, would love to take a quilting cruise to Alaska.
I have never been on a cruise. I want Alaska cruise.
I use fusible web and either finish the edges with either a satin stitch or blanket stitch.
I’m pretty boring… give me some easy fusible webbing and zigzag stitches and I’m good to go 🙂
Never been on a quilting cruise… never even been on a normal cruise! Hopefully someday later in life 🙂 like when the kids are in college! Haha!
Love the shimmer fabric, my favorite way to applique is to sew it on by machine.
To date, I’ve only tried fusible applique: a Holiday House and a Wooden Bear towel. Both came out well–I’ve since invested in a light box and can’t wait to try it out. I don’t think I’ll ever try needle turn as it is time and labor intensive–I’ve got too much to do and little time to do everything by hand. Also, I’ve only been on one cruise, a Disneyland cruise. LOL Would be willing to try a sewing cruise though. 😀
I havw only done needle turn applique but have a couple of projects on the go that will require fusible web applique. I love to travel and would enjoy a quilters cruise with a few quilting buddies like you are doing in New Zealand -meeting other quilters from the other side of the world.
I’m not the best at applique. I usually glue it down and do a blanket stitch. Thanks for a great giveaway. Love love love your quilt. (debbie at wowilikethat dot com)
Favorite applique- raw edge, because I don’t do it unless I have to.
Love your quilt. Learning to machine applique is one of my goals for 2015. Thanks.
My favorite form of applique is using the blanket stitch when appliqueing wool.
I love your quilt! My applique of choice would be needle turn. Thank you for the amazing giveaway.
I love to applique circles for grapes, flower centers, etc, by running a drawsting stitch and pulling up around a stiff template, then ironing edge. Then hand applique!
I would love to cruise to Hawaii! Lots of inspiration there, and I want to learn traditional Hawaiian whole cloth applique.
Love raw edge machine applique. No time in my busy retired life for anything else. Loved seeing your quilt in person at BMQG, Patti, and still love it–even in print form!
I’m a beginner at applique, just taking a class on it. They will show several methods so I’ll be able to choose the one that works best for me.
I’ve never been on a cruise-but quilting and cruising sounds fun! I think I’d like an Alaskan cruise! Such great scenery would give lots of inspiration.
I have never been on a cruise, quilting or otherwise. I’m new to applique, but would love to learn.
I love applique work and needle turn is my favorite method.
I have never been on a cruise, I have a boat phobia. And I love applique. I prefer the needle turn method. I believe it leaves a prettier finished edge. Guess I’m rather formal!
I have done fusible applique – I am new to it!
I use glue to turn the turn under the edges of appliqué.
I love needle turn appliqué, because I love hand work. I love your quilt!
I’ve never been on a cruise of any kind, but I would love to go one day. My choice would be the Caribean.
I have done alot of applique but alays could use some new tips!!
I love laser cut applique.
Fusible applique machines for me ;-D Would like to cruise to Alaska someday. Australia sounds wonderful but too much flying time.
I loved the different shapes and sizes if your circles of your Going in Circles quilt. Very effective.
Your circle quilt caught my eye. Beautiful! I enjoy needleturn applique. So relaxing!
My favorite way to applique is with fusible web. I like your quilt with the ovals – it is a nice twist!
Thanks for the chance for the fabrics – they look great!
The first thing I learned in Appllque was needle turn and I am still a huge fan of it. Gluing or fusing is great but there is something about a needle and thread!!!
My favorite method of applique is needle-turn, but I also do raw edge with machine blanket stitching too. I love your quilt! The shapes and colors are gorgeous, and the quilting compliments them so well!
I’ve never been on a quilting cruise, or any other other kind of cruise, but I’s love to do it, and I’d be happy to go anywhere!
I have never been on a cruise, never been to a quilt group or retreat, and have no quilting buddies. I would love any of the above, but the cruise sounds wonderful!
My favorite method of applique is needle turn.
My favorite method of applique is back-basting and needle turn.
I have never been on a cruise and don’t know that I could handle it. I would probably be sea-sick the whole time! If I did do a cruise I would love to try one around Hawaii. My step-mom did one and said it was wonderful. Since they went to shore almost every day, I think I might be able to handle that one!
All my applique is done with Wonder Under fusible then stitched down with either a zigzag or satin stitch. I love doing applique.
I have been on several Caribbean cruises but never a quilting cruise. My ideal quilting cruise would be to Costa Rica to experience the rain forests for quilting inspiration.
I haven’t tried appliqué on a quilt yet. I do have it on the “projects to do” list.
I was introduced to fusible applique during quilting classes and I have made a baby bib and blanket. I also have done embroidered applique which seemed much more relaxing. I have never been cruising due to motion illness. I’ve heard there is lots of fun things to do. If I could, a Caribbean cruise would be my pick.
Hi Patti!
I would love to cruise to the inside passage in Alaska. I have never been on a quilting cruise but it sounds interesting. Just a thought though. If you are coming to Australia and New Zealand in February, it won’t be spring though. February and March are our warmest months usually. Summer this year has been quite cool but when schools return (as they did this week) the weather usually warms up.
My favourite applique method is in the hoop.
Cheers
Judy in Oz!
judybarr at iearn dot org dot au
Although I have done fusible, I still just love the old fashion ‘needle turn’ applique. It is so beautiful when done correctly. I love the blanket stitch which I use when I do the fusible, it somehow makes it look better? Applique is relaxing to me, just like needlework.
I’m newer to the quilting world so I have never been on a quilting cruise but I think I would enjoy Hawaii or Alaska!
I’ve only tested out zigzag stitching with appliqués thus far but look forward to expanding my skills!
I’ve only done fusible applique!!
I’ve never been on a cruise but I’d love to cruise around New Zealand!
I just started appliques and use fusible webbing and zigzag stitch!!!! I would like a cruise anywhere warm and out of Michigan snow😀. sonjasmith76@yahoo.com
I needle turn my applique. Though I just started a fused project with satin stitching to challenge myself to try New techniques this year.
Never been on a quilters cruise…so lets sew our way to…Hawaii!
I’ve used freezer paper to applique, softener sheets, nonfusible interfacing, you name it – I think I have tried it! 🙂
mumbird3(at)gmail(dot)com
Do you know what…I have never done ANY appliqué …have only just begun quilting in the last year…hmmmm I’ll have to be brave and take the plunge!
Thanks for the chance to win.
Wendy
I would like to cruise Northern Europe and quilt. Love your circle quilt
I enjoyed the New England Fall Colors Cruise so much that I signed up for the New Zealand/Australia Cruise. I am looking forward to your Sashiko and Stained Glass classes. I am a beginner so I usually hand appliqué and try for an invisible which.
I haven’t been on a cruise since my honeymoon and it was great. :o)
I don’t do much applique yet and I am still experimenting with methods. So far I prefer Machine applique with turned under edges – I have used freezer paper and glue sticks, but as I said, still experimenting!
My favourite appliqué methods are fusible and I too remove the inside if the price is big and I also love applique pieces that I prepare with freezer paper and starch…
I have never been on a cruise Patti…I wish I could join you…next year you leave the day after my birthday…can’t you squeeze me into your bag…have fun and see you soon…
I forgot to tell you where I would cruise…I think along the Italian Mediterranean…since I was born there…I would love to go back and visit…
I have been on a cruise, but it wasn’t for quilting. I think that it would be wonderful to be creative while just getting away from it all. I would hate to forget something important like a bathing suit, LOL.
The mandolin collection is just wonderful. I am making a fractured wall hanging out of the panel and this gives me an idea of what to do with the left over pieces.
Applique is still very new to me so I don’t have a favorite method yet. I am still in search of the perfect one for me.
I have not been on a quilting cruise but I know people that have and it sounds wonderful.