Why Not

Forgive me, as I’m still playing catch up with what I’ve done up to the start of my blog. At the beginning of this year, I found a horse applique art quilt pattern kit, called Summer Breeze by Toni Whitney. It’s something that immediately made me think of my daughter, Brianna. She loved horses. Of course, I purchased this on a whim as I’d never done applique before…it was just so beautiful, I couldn’t help myself.

Although the kit included the fabric (not pre-cut) I quickly realized I needed to buy other supplies. I had to get an applique pressing sheet (Bear Threads Designs) and steam a seam 2, a double stick fusible web. I also needed a fine point sharpie, an iron and sharp scissors. Don’t worry, I did not use my good fabric scissors!

It took a lot of time to trace, and cut from the pattern. And I found myself often re-reading the directions, specifically what order to applique each piece. It is quite intricate. I found that as I progressed, it was harder to see the exact placement for each applique piece as they began to overlap. Eventually they start to cover the outlined pattern that you put the pressing sheet over. Once I got all my supplies, it took me about 2 weeks to complete, start to finish.

I think the hardest part for me was the free motion quilting. I haven’t done much of it yet. Most of my quilts that I have made I’ve been stitching in the ditch or doing simple straight lines. Nothing to fancy to date. I was hesitant at first, but finally I bit the bullet and just went for it. I wasn’t planning on giving this away, this project was for me to keep. Besides nothing I make is perfect. You will see what I mean in the closeup photos. It’s not easy to stay just inside the edge of each individual applique piece. But I think it turned out pretty darned good for my first time.

I’d like to say that while I did find it time consuming, I really enjoyed making it. I definitely see more applique projects in my future! And why not try something new. I know with time and practice, my free motion quilting will get much better. My advise is to not get intimidated, just go for it. You have nothing to lose, hence “Why not?”