Yes, getting into the habit.. I am just as much a slowpoke as the next.  I've been spending less time in chats and more on the machines.. Trying to really get some things caught up and gone. Way to many UFOs in the mix.

Do you have any trick or tips for getting a sharp pencil tip point on a piece of applique?  Haven't done much hand applique and this piece will be washed on a regular basis.

Jo

Midkid5 said:

Do you have any trick or tips for getting a sharp pencil tip point on a piece of applique?

Jo, I use either a Sewline (mechanical) pencil or any old .5mm or .7mm mechanical pencil.

I also have a General's white chalk pencil that I use but you gotta sharpen it frequently, as it doesn't keep a point.  General's is a brand of chalk pencils that artists use and you can find them in any art supply store.

Having decided on a layout for my Hawaiian Applique blocks, I have been steadily working on the sashing (3 piece strip sets) and mini 9-patches for the intersections.  Here's the progress so far.   Next step: the border.  Although I have a kinda/sorta, more-or-less, general idea for that, the details still need to be settled. :-)

I like it so far.  You can bring it to show and tell next year so we can see it in person.  Since it will be one of your smaller quilts.

Cathy (cacnurse1) said:

 Since it will be one of your smaller quilts.

I heard that!!  :-)

My, oh, my. 

That is one awesome piece of quilting art you have going there ....

Beautiful!!!

ooh...like!!!

Midkid5 said:

Do you have any trick or tips for getting a sharp pencil tip point on a piece of applique? Haven't done much hand applique and this piece will be washed on a regular basis. Jo

I was trying to answer you this morning and was having problems with the computer. Then I got busy with a sewing project.

In any case I assume you are doing needle turn. Here is what I do. I trim as I go around a piece. Go up one side of the applique and just turn it under and do not worry about any sticking out the other side just yet. When you get to the point take a couple of stitches in one place and trim close at this time. I also use fray check applied with a toothpick to just touch the edge of the fabric to keep it from fraying. Now you can fold and coax the fabric at the tip to go inside the tip a few stitches at a time till you get back to where it is wider again.

I hope that helps, wish I could come over and show ya!