Halloween "Home is Where the Haunt Is" Quilt Along Part 2

Today is Part 2 for our Halloween Quilt Along.   This pattern was designed by Kim of KimberBell Designs.  If your just checking in for the first time, this quilt is made up of 6 parts.  Last Wednesday was Part 1.  See below. 
First off - WARNING lots of pictures today.  There were several steps and for those of you who haven't appliqued before, I have lots of pictures for you!  

Ok, the first step is obvious and super easy.  Piece your background fabrics together using the dimensions in the pattern.  PRESS your long vertical seams OPEN.  I pressed them open because I don't like the bulk when applying appliques over seams. 

Next step is the Witches Hat.  I copied the pattern pieces and made sure to overlap the dots as instructed.  The hat and brim are much larger than regular paper size so you will need to cut them out and piece them together.

Slip your pattern underneath your fusible web and trace your design onto the PAPER side of the fusible web.   Kim has the pattern all ready reversed for you!  No need to reverse this image!  Always stop and think about this step whenever you are doing applique.  Your image needs to be reversed because you are going to fuse this to the back side of your fabric. 

Cut out around your traced images leaving about 1/8 - 1/4 inch of excess fusible web.  SAVE those larger unused pieces of fusible web.  You can make use of them later.

Iron the fusible web to the back side of your fabric pieces.  Remember - Iron to the paper side and glue or webbing side to the fabric.  It doesn't take long to adhere.  Follow the iron settings and time suggestions on your fusible web.  Mine only took a couple of seconds to adhere to the fabric. Notice how I left a little excess around each of the pieces.  Make sure to clear your selvages!  FYI - there are two spider squares in this weeks kit - save one for next weeks spider!

Now cut out your applique pieces on the traced lines.  Use sharp scissors and be accurate.  Take long smooth cuts.  You don't want jagged edges. If you need to trim any jagged edges, do so now.

Peel back the paper from the fusible web.  Can you see that little sheen on the back of the fabric?  You will be able to tell/feel if the glue did not stick. Click on this picture if you need a closer look.  My favorite fusible web is Shades SoftFuse.  Shades SoftFuse is so soft and adheres so quickly.  It is available at local quilt shops and is sold by the yard.

Lay out your applique pieces as directed in your pattern.  I set the pattern image in front of me and try to duplicate the placement.  You can place pins in your background fabric to remember your placement if you need to. You will need to press each piece on separately.  Place them in perfect position before you press.  Make sure your surface is flat.  Press the main hat on first, then the brim, then the yellow gold band.  The position of the Hat Band is easy - it will only fit where it is supposed to go.  Do not iron on the spider yet.  He (or she) goes on after the ric rac.

I placed my ric rac where I wanted it to be, pinned it at crucial turns, and then sewed it down.

I just used a straight stitch down the center.  The ric rac wanted to curl a little bit on the curves. Press the ric rac flat - remember that these trims are often polyester so watch that your iron settings are not too hot or use a muslin cloth in-between.

I placed my spider where I wanted him over the end of the ric rac, pressed, and Walaaa....I am almost done.

Now for the part that intimidates me the most!  I get butterflies at this point.

There are several ways to secure your applique edges.  There are some great free tutorials on the web or YouTube.  I would suggest watching them.  I used a blanket stitch done by machine (although I  like hand stitching the best, it just takes too long).  Remember to start and stop in a spot that will be the least conspicuous.  I choose the corner of the hat where the flower will be.  Just follow the edge of your applique.  Watch your stitching as you sew and make sure you right at the edge of your applique.  Sew your straight stitches just at the edge of your applique on your background fabric.  The crossover stitches cross over onto the applique.  Does that make sense to you?  Make sure your needle position is down when you stop!  If you click on my picture, you can see just above the hat band I am a smidgen over the edge into the orange background - not enough to make me unpick though :)    If you notice your stitching is over that far make sure to correct it.  Just take it slow but steady around the corners.  Stop if you have to adjust your fabric but MAKE SURE YOUR NEEDLE IS DOWN and resume sewing in the same place or you will have a jump in your stitches.  Practice on a scrap first! And practice a curve!  


AND now as I look at this picture, I realize that I followed the machines advice on which presser foot to use but there is another one that is OPEN in the center and you can view the applique stitches as you go - If you have access to that presser foot USE THAT ONE!  Your job will be easier. I don't know why I forgot this  but I did!  I will try to remember this and post pictures of it in the next applique post.


You can also zig zag the edges, but I think the blanket stitch looks best on this type of quilt.  I used black thread on the gold hat band and the spider,  and I used a dark golden color thread on the black hat.  Orange would be another great choice!

I am almost done.  The flower is just strips gathered by needle and thread.  Follow your pattern for the size of strips.  If you want to add tulle, you will need to purchase just a couple of inches. After gathering the strips, just hand stitch them together and attach the button.  In your kit, your button is in a small bag with all of the buttons.  Sandra did a really nice job of selecting these buttons.

Do not attach the flower yet.  Sew it to the hat AFTER the quilt has been quilted.  I just placed it where it will be to show you what it will look like.  The spider has legs...but that is for next weeeeeeek!  We still have a few quilt kits left.   Now is a good time to get yours, we still have 4 weeks left.   


Happy Sewing!