Mar 31

Mar 31 Gracious Grove Sew Along -- Week 7

We are all done with the pieced blocks!!! Way to go, quilters! Today we start the applique blocks. Don’t worry, it’ll be easy! I’ve prepared a little video tutorial to walk you through it.

We are going to start the applique section with Block 8. This is the only applique block that doesn’t use bias tape for stems or vines. I will teach you how to do the bias vines next week, so this week we can concentrate on just the applique shapes.

You will make two blocks using the pattern for Block 8.

In the video, I showed you a Needle Threader made by Bohin. If you are looking to purchase one, you can find them HERE.

This little gadget is so handy. I can’t stitch without it, so I keep it in my stitching supplies. I have tried other needle threaders, and this one is the best in my opinion. It can even thread very small needles, and I use the large end to thread embroidery floss.

I also quickly mentioned Aurifil Thread in my video. I love my “Quilter’s Palette” collection because it has such a range of colors—20 spools!! These are the small spools so they are more affordable and portable. Plenty of thread for applique or sewing on a binding.

Aurifil thread is fabulous because it is long staple Egyptian cotton, and very fine, but strong. It’s a two-ply thread, so I find that it doesn’t twist as much when you are stitching. You can purchase my Quilter’s Palette Collection HERE.

If you want more in-depth instruction on my applique stitching—both hand and machine, I do have an online class available. It is 60 minutes long and has a lot of information. You purchase the class on my website, and we send you the link. You can watch it as many times as you like using that link. You can find my Stitching Class HERE.

That’s all for this week. Get your blocks prepped up and stitched. Next week we will do Block 6.

Happy Stitching!!