I came home from my applique class yesterday with the assignment of making my bias stems and having my applique pieces all positioned by the time I go back to class next Tuesday. As I was trying to get the stems ironed in place, I vaguely remembered a purchase I “had to have” about five years ago. I started digging and look what I found in the bottom of my drawer…
… Press Bars. I had been to demo class and had seen how easily the gal demonstrated making applique stems so I bought a pack….did I applique? No. … but just in case I ever decided to applique, I would need them. So, I bought them. Did I ever use them….NO. During the past five years, I almost gave them to Goodwill two different times…but didn’t.
Well, I am proud to say, I finally, after five years, used my press bars….and they are WONDERFUL!! Here’s how they work.
To make 1/2 ” bias stems cut a piece of fabric on the bias that is 1 1/2″ wide (it must be cut on the the bias to make applique stems that can curve). Sew a scant 1/4″ seam allowance with the WRONG sides of the fabric together.
Trim the seam allowance to 1/8″. (Dig through your drawer and find your pressing bars that you bought 5 years ago and forgot you had) Slide the 1/2″ bar into the fabric tube, positioning the seam to the middle and press. Continuing pressing both sides.
Slide the pressing bar out. Press again and Wa-La…you have an applique stem. It’s all beautifully even and ready to go.
Check out my progress…..
I’m just starting to get the pieces positioned….
I am beginning to think I just might be able to applique! The technique they are teaching in my class is really very “do-able”. I’ll tell you more about it next week.
But for now I am wondering what other “well intentioned purchases” that I “had to have” are sitting in the bottom of my drawer….I seem to remember a tailor tack foot for my Bernina…now what was that for?
I have a few of those kind of notions hanging and laying around! The little quilt is looking really good. You certainly do make it look “do-able”.
I would love to hear about the method you’re using. I start my first class tomorrow evening (one time class, machine applique). I think this is the year I try different applique techniques. Your quilt is beautiful. I love the colors.
Beth…I will blog about it next week and tell you everything I learned in class. I am actually enjoying it.
This only proves that you need to trust your instincts while shopping! You knew you would need those pressing bars eventually and now you have them. Your piece is looking great.