Adventurous Applique Blog Hop With Aurifil
This post may contain affiliate links which won’t change your price but will share a commission.This month the Island Batik ambassador challenge was Adventurous Applique Blog Hop With Aurifil and we were challenged to do the applique edge-coloring technique by Fourth & Sixth Designs.
This is the first week of the blog hop and you can find the schedule for all of the quilt projects done by the Island Batik ambassadors here.
Adventurous Applique Blog Hop With Aurifil
I received the beautiful Twilight collection of batiks from Island Batik and coordinating threads from Aurifil.
Twilight Dragonflies
I used the Twilight collection to create this Twilight Dragonflies quilt. A pattern is coming soon!
Quilt Blocks
I cut my fabrics into strips, sewed 3 of the strips together as a strip set and then sewed them to a white batik larger strip.
Strip Set Quilt Blocks
I then used my Strip Tube Ruler to cut the quilt blocks. You can also cut the quilt blocks with any ruler with a 45 degree line on it and I’ll share that in my pattern.
Portable Design Wall
I really miss my sliding design wall but using a foam board insulation sheet with batting on it works well for a portable design wall that I can move around.
I set it up right next to my cutting table while I was picking the fabrics to use in my quilt blocks.
Raw Edge Applique
The applique technique used by Barbara Persing & Mary Hoover of Fourth & Sixth Designs is raw edge, glue basted with no fusible used.
They first showed this technique 9 years ago with their Full Bloom pattern using Island Batik fabrics. The Full Bloom collection is out again this year and I have purchased a layer cake of it.
I have usually used HeatnBond Lite but I am really liking how soft the applique stays by doing it this way. The glue really holds the applique piece in place.
- Totally Stable Iron-on Tear Away
- Roxanne Glue-Baste-It EZ
- 12 x 18 Precision Fusing Mat
- Freezer paper
Missouri Star Quilt Co.
Did you know that you can get Island Batik fabrics and precuts at the Missouri Star Quilt Company? Using my link really helps me. Thanks!
Dragonfly Before Stitching
Here is one of the dragonflies glued down to my quilt block. I was amazed at how well the Roxanne Glue-Baste-It EZ worked.
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Aurifil Thread For Quilting
I had fun using the Aurifil threads that matched my fabrics. I also used Aurifil thread for my quilting.
On my vintage 1591 Singer I have found the perfect combination and keep a note of this with my thread. Does anyone else do this?
Hobbs Tuscany 100% Wool Batting
For my batting, I used Hobbs Tuscany Collection 100% Wool batting that was 60″ x 60″.
My quilt was 50″ x 50″ and I decided to quilt it on my vintage Singer instead of my longarm. I really love the texture created by the wool but my arms really got a workout moving it around to quilt.
Dragonfly Closeup
Can you see the edge-coloring applique stitching? I chose to do the free-motion technique to go back and forth to build up the stitching. For the antennas and legs I just used a Micro size 08 Permanent Pen. You could also do embroidery.
Stitching on the Wings
After I finished quilting, I changed thread color and went back and stitched another line on the dragonfly wings for definition. The wool really made a difference.
Free-motion quilting
I have been free-motion quilting for almost forty years and still enjoy a simple meandering.
Twilight Dragonflies Quilt 50″ x 50″
I will have the Twilight Dragonflies quilt pattern available soon.
Two More Twilight Quilts
Be sure and visit Brittany Fisher at Bobbin with Brittany and Lana Russel at LanaQuilts to see what they have created with the Island Batik Twilight Collection.
My Twilight Dragonflies Giveaway!
How would you like to win some of the Twilight collection?
I will be sending one lucky person 2½-inch strips of Twilight and some white batik background strips plus a copy of my Dragonflies quilt pattern.
Leave me a comment letting me know if you like doing applique. Get an extra entry if you subscribe to my YouTube channel and let me know.
Giveaway will run till September 20th which is the end of the blog hop.
Week 1 Island Batik Giveaway Fat Quarter Bundle
Island Batik is giving away batik bundles every week during the blog hop. This weeks giveaway ends on September 7. Two random winners will be notified by email on September 8.
Enter the Rafflecopter Giveaway at Island Batik’s blog.
Thanks to Island Batik, Aurifil Thread, Schmetz needles and Hobbs Batting for providing products to use in this project thru the Island Batik Ambassador program.
Edge-coloring Applique Fourth & Sixth Designs
If you would like to learn how the edge-coloring applique is done, watch their video.
Please note this post contains affiliate links, which means I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through my link at no extra cost to you. Please see full disclosure here. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
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About Connie
Hi, I’m Connie Kresin Campbell, the quilter, writer, and photographer behind Freemotion By the River. I enjoy inspiring others with my quilt tutorials and patterns. You’ll also see my sweet adopted dogs from time to time.
Be sure and subscribe to my newsletter for more free tutorials and printables.
Honestly, applique has always been that vacation I want to take but don’t know if I’d enjoy the destination type of deal, lol! I’ve tried a little, but haven’t quite made it to the confident beginner level. I absolutely love yours, and I hope to be even half that good someday!!!
I love the colors of Twilight just not sure how the dragonflies will turn out but I would love to try it.
Wow! I love the colors of the Twilight collection and your quilt pattern shows them off beautifully. The dragonflies were the perfect appliqué to use. I used to do needle-turn appliqué but now prefer only machine applique. Having only used a lite fusible, I look forward to trying a new technique with glue. Thank you for all you do!
I love the dragonfly quilt, and I enjoy applique!!
I love applique!! I do raw edge and turning the fabric with Appliquick (spelled correctly I think) rods. Those are some beautiful Batiks!
The dragonfly pattern is so cute! I also like batiks.
The dragonfly pattern is so cute! I also like batiks.
Connie, your dragonfly quilt is stunning! The tutorial is excellent! Thank you.☺️🇨🇦
Beautiful quilt and I love the fabrics!
I love the collection Twilight colors and how you made the beautiful dragonfly quilt. Love the pattern and can see it done with many colors and different appliques in the centers. Keep up your great work and sharing.
I love Applique. I’ve made your cats Applique pattern quite a few times. I think I’m subscribed to your You Tube channel, but just in case, I will double check. Thank you, Connie (and Rusty and Bob too!)
Prefer fusible applique but am finishing a needle-turn project that my husband’s late aunt started.
I haven’t tried applique yet. I am still learning how to quilt. Working on my first quilt now. I am already subscribed to your YT channel, it’s how I found you and your website.
I love the dragonflies! I’m not into bugs but their colors are so pretty.
Quilt pieces inherited from my great-great grandmother inspired my love of applique. For my own quilting, my having lived in Hawaii for a few years inspired me to use patterns of all that magnficent flora for applique. And I have a daughter-in-law who favors dragonflies, so I see a dragonfly applique quilt in her future!
I’m new to appliqué
I love needleturn applique .
Hi, I’m relatively new to quilting and have been intimidated by applique. I have subscribed to your you tube, and enjoy the emails I have been receiving. The island batik fabric is gorgeous!
Connie, I thoroughly enjoy watching your videos (I subscribed to your YouTube channel). I enjoy your e-mails as well. It is fun to see what you are making. I do enjoy applique, However, I am a novice at quilting so the applique is a challenge. I would love to enter your giveaway.
Linda Beck
Thank you for all your posts — I enjoy them! I like to do applique — needle turn — I know it’s very time consuming, but it relaxes me. Thank you for the contest. Barbara
I love the butterfly applique quilt you made with your Island Batik fabric. It is so bright and cheerful.
I love doing machine applique because the results are usually so fun. I love your dragonflies! Thanks for sharing your process! I subscribe to your You Tube channel.
I have never done applique before. I know it’s not too hard, just have never gotten around to trying it. Your quilt turned out so cute! Thanks for sharing!
I love dragonflies, and your pattern is beautiful. I’d love to win the pattern and some fabric to make this one.
I enjoy appliqué, but have never tried edge coloring. I look forward to trying something new. I like your dragonfly appliqué and think that it would be a cute design to try this type of appliqué on like you did.
I subscribed to your YouTube channel.
I like appliqué.using glue seems like it might be easier. I have always used the heat and bond and thought it was quite time consuming.
Love your dragonfly quilt!💙💛
I love applique. Currently working on the Stop Thief! BOM.
I subscribed to your YouTube channel
I do enjoy doing some types of applique -typically fusible.
I have never done appliqué before but your dragonflies make me want to practice! Love your new quilt along with the Island Batik fabric used in it!
I love doing applique but FPP is pretty darn close. I think applique gives you more freedom and flexibility.
I love the dragonfly quilt. I don’t usually applique, but do when a design is special – and your dragonflies are! thank you for another great project!
I cannot figure out how to enter the drawing – Can you give help
This quilt is adorable – I have a daughter who would absolutely love it! I do enjoy appliqué – I love adding personal touches like appliqué to my quilts!
Hi Connie, I do not do appliqué or at least have not for a long time but I love the dragonflies. I agree it’s time for that lovely sweatshirt weather. I always enjoy your post. Thank you!
I love Batiks and really love your emails, and how generous you are in sharing your knowledge and everything else with us! When I go to water aerobics, often times we are “dive bombed” by a dragonfly! I subscribed to your YouTube channel! Thanks for providing that link! And I love how you include your puppy in your posts!
Hi Connie,
I like to do some appliqué once in a while. Love this pattern and the fabric.
I also just subscribed to your YouTube channel.
Thanks so much. Linda
I love doing applique. I machine applique during the day. At night I am hand appliquéing Hawaiian quilt blocks. I am on my last one, then have to hand quilt MANY blocks b/4 I assemble them into a quilt.
Love this fabric, and it’s perfect for this pattern! I’m new to appliqué, but I love the hint about the glue.
I would love to do more appliqué. I think the dragonflies that you did are great and would like to try them.
After a dismal beginning while learning to quilt I tried applique. This was successful and enjoyable. I then was able to return to quilting and have enjoyed many happy years doing both.
I prefer needle turn applique. I made our son a full size quilt using needle turn. I hand quilted it with gold thread. It was tan print appliqued on blue/stars. I love cats so I found 2 patterns with cats. It was a totally free style quilt with no pattern. Lots of hand work. I have also made a quilt with baticks and donated it for a raffle. The money from that quilt will go to Norton Childrens Hospital in Louisville Kentucky.
I have subscribed to your YouTube channel so I can keep up with all of your content.
I love this quilt. The colors are so beautiful. I just realized blue and gold were my high school colors. Boy that takes me back a half-century plus. Also, living on a river we have so many beautiful dragonflies in our yard. I have fallen in love with Batiks because of your quilt projects
I LOVE applique. It adds so much to just about any quilt. I usually use heat and bond but will definitely try the glue basting technique.
I have not done a lot of aplique but will do it if I think the project is worth it. I love dragonflies so this would definitely be worth the effort!! This quilt is beautiful!
I love the Dragonfly and can’t wait to try it.
I love appliqué but with my current sewing machine, a good satin stich is nearly impossible.
I enjoy applique. I normally do fused raw edge. I just received the Roxanne basting glue and I am looking forward to trying it.
I also subscribe to your you tube channel.
I think you will like the method of using the Roxanne basting glue!
This is a beautiful quilt, Connie! I LOVE the colors of this batik set and the dragonflies are really neat! I like to do applique and need to get after some quilts that use it–haven’t done any for a while, just patchwork. I will have to try your method–I basically have just used fusible.
I have not done much applique but love your dragonflies and yes I am a you tube subscriber kathypersons
I love the look of appliqué, but don’t do it often enough. I think I need to look into the method you use now.
I am not really that fond of applique. I’ll do it but it’s not my favorite.
Forgot to add that yes I follow your You Tube.
I love doing applique, usually embroidering with a satin stitch around. Primarily I love doing woodland animals for home decor but dinosaurs and other animals for my granddaughters. I’m partial to accuquilts applique dies but also love doing different embroidery designs I purchase that involve applique.
I love your dragonflies! I have done some applique, much of it needle-turned, but I would like to try that edge-coloring method. Your give-away fabrics would be just the thing especially with the dragonfly pattern! I have been subscribed to your You-tube channel for some time.
Oh, and I just subscribed to your You Tube channel!
I’m still on the fence on whether I like applique or not. 🙂 I have tried several different ways but haven’t found one I like yet.
I like to applique however it seems I don’t do that much of it. Hum….may have to remedy that. I do subscribe to your YouTube channel. FYI, I sew with batiks most of the time. Thank you.
I’ve done both machine and hand appliqué. I like the look of machine appliqué but I enjoy the calmness of hand appliqué. I’m a new you tube subscriber. Love your quilt great colors and dragon flies are my favorite.
Connie, that’s a beautiful and clever setting you came up with! Those colors are striking! I do like applique, but I honestly prefer to do the embroidery by machine rather than by hand. I especially like using purchased files and designs, or using Babylock’s IQ Designer or Pallette to create my own files. And, yes, I am subscribed to your YouTube channel! Thanks for sharing!
New subscriber to your You Tube channel
Your quilt is so pretty Connie. I love to do applique, especially hand applique. I find it very relaxing. Thank you for your giveaway.
My applique efforts are improving over the years, but always open to learning new methods!
I like to do applique. I had never heard of this method before, will have to try it. (I usually do machine applique with fusible web.)
I subscribed to your YouTube channel.
I like to do needle-turn applique. I don’t really like the look of raw-edge applique.
I also subscribed to your Youtube channel..
I love applique, it’s my go-to choice, hand or machine, I love both methods!! And I love the dragonflies, so pretty with that pattern!!
I like to occasionally do appliqué when the quilt calls for the need. I love your dragonflies on your quilt. Stay cool next week.
I absolutely love this!!!! These are perfect fabrics for dragonflies. I love that 2 of you did dragonflies and the other did owls–great minds were thinking alike! I do enjoy applique and use it most often for animal shapes, like the three of you did 🙂
So very beautifully done! I loved to see your process and if that glue would be successful! Yay! Lovely work and lovely fabric. I have done a little applique, but your quilt has inspired me to do more! Love the pattern!
I subscribe to your u tube also!
“Blue and Yellow, Kiss Your Fella” – you made such a “smashing” quilt from this!
I love your Dragonflies. So cheerful. I love doing applique. It’s my favorite kind of quilting.
I am subscribed to your YouTube channel. Thank you!
I love your quilt! I’ve recently finished two applique quilt tops and really enjoy applique work. Thanks for all of your cute ideas.
I really love that dragonfly quilt. The colors really show up. How do you use the freezer paper?
Watch the foxes with Rusty, they used to attack my cat in broad daylight several years ago, now I don’t see any. But I have 2 woodchucks living under my shed. They only eat grass and clover, they are so cute. They have names “Wanda” & “Scooter”.
The Twilight material is beautiful and I love the pattern you have created. I will look forward to seeing it. I do like to applique. I was a little afraid to start with applique but I just finished a quilt top that my husband asked me to make. It’s the Catch of the Day Trout pattern. It was so easy and fun to do that I am looking forward to doing a second one with Bass. I also subscribed to your YouTube channel. Thank you!
The Dragonfly quilt is beautiful and the Batik bundle works so well with this pattern. Thank you for sharing this pattern with us.
PS…will there be a fox quilt soon?
I love your quilt! The colors stand out so I well. Batik is my favorite. I’ll be joining in.
Thanks Dianne!
Connie:
Your patterns are inspiring. My applique process is saved for special projects in which the dragonflies would qualify for. The Island Batiks are beautiful bright fall colors.
Mary P
Thanks Mary!
Hi Connie! Your dragonflies are so graceful and beautiful as they float across the quilt! Sewing with Aurifil makes them even prettier! Yes, I do enjoy applique and I often sew them on with machine like you do using a free-motion stitch or zigzag or blanket stitch.
*I have also subscribed to your YouTube channel!
Thanks Kathy, those are both beautiful ways to do applique!
I recently tried appliqué for the first time and found it much easier than I thought. I should have started so long ago! My son had asked for a cow quilt for his girlfriend’s birthday and I found a pattern called Calliope. It turned out beautifully. My daughter has loved dragonflies since she was 5, when she proclaimed herself an ‘expert’ so this will be something I will have to do! Can’t wait for the pattern!
I’m so glad you started doing applique Pam and my pattern will be ready soon!
I do like applique. I usually do raw edge applique. Dragonflies are said to be symbols of good luck and prosperity. Some believe they are a visit by the soul of a departed loved one. In any case, they are very pretty, especially these batik ones! I subscribe to your YouTube channel.
Morning fron now zealand
I have only applique a quilt once but the glue method looks a lot easier
A quick question, I noticed you stitch your quilt all together on the edge before you quilt it
Does this make it easier to quilt it?
Thanks, enjoy your emails and blogs
Hi Tina, when you put a quilt on a longarm you are supposed to stitch all around the outside. I did this one on my vintage Singer, the blocks had some bias edges so this helped to keep them from stretching.
Love your quilt Connie, beautiful bright colors! Gonna have to order your pattern when available!
I enjoy doing applique by hand. I don’t know, though, those dragonfly bodies might be tricky by hand! Your quilt is beautiful!
Applique was one of the techniques I learned doing t-shirts! I love how cute shapes can just brighten any project!
I’ve only done raw edge applique with zigzag stitch. The colors of your quilt are captivating!
I have done several projects with raw edge applique and love the freedom of design it entails. Your dragonfly quilt is gorgeous in these batiks.
I subscribed to your You Tube channel.
I really like appliqué look and I want to learn how to do it. I am a worshipper of Dragonflies and have wanted to make a Dragonfly quilt and this is the perfect quilt since I am also a big fan of Island Batik. I love anything that reminds me of Island Time! I read all of your emails and I have saved quite a few for future reference. 😊
I love doing appliqué, but don’t do it often.
I just subscribed to your channel and I love applique. Now, I don’t do a lot of turned edge applique any more (as I’ve gotten older!) but love to do raw-edge. It’s easier, quicker, and my leaves have great points! Thank you for showing the needle size and thread weights you used.
I love that pattern and the fabric is beautiful . I have been looking for more fall quilts and this would be perfect.
I have followed you for years and follow you on u-tube. thanks for all your inspiration
I’m subscribed to your You Tube channel. You are doing great with your videos.
Applique is one of my favorite techniques. I prefer Raw-Edge to Needle Turn applique and enjoy adding extra stitching to see the pieces look more real. Examples are stitching veins inside of appliqued leaves, stitching shape lines inside of flowers and sometimes adding a decorative stitching in the middle of flower stems. MSQC ladies show a great way to make stems that have more depth & look more finished than just cutting out a single stem.
Thank you, Connie for your blog, videos, and patterns.
I came back to answer your question lol. I have done some applique and I’m getting better at it. In 2019 I made my Mom a lap size quilt using the Spring Dresdens Quilt Pattern by Missouri Star. It was my first attempt at applique and after 30 flower pots and 180 dresdens I was much more confident when finished. I wish I had researched more before I started because I definitely would have only used heat and bond or glue around the edges of the flower pots. They’re a little stiff. 🙂
So beautiful! I love fireflies, vintage Singer machines and the way your colors take flight with your design.
Love your Dragonfly quilt–so pretty!! I also subscribed to your youtube channel. I enjoy reading your newsletter and blog–Thank you for all your ideas!!
Thanks Barb!
I absolutely love to do applique work. I prefer to turn my work under rather than raw edge applique, but I’ve done applique many ways.
Your new pattern is beautiful, as well as the fabrics and thread choices.
Very cute, Connie! These batiks are gorgeous and look great in your beautiful quilt. Love the design you came up with to showcase the pretty dragonflies. Also good idea to write down notes about the best tension for threads.
Connie, I just subscribed to your awesome Youtube channel! Thanks for all the great tips! -Sue Lewin
I have never tried applique techniques, but have heard so much about it and seen so many beautiful pieces created with it! I’d really like to try! It’s my favorite to-be project.
And I subscribed to your YouTube channel. If you’re interested, you can follow mine as well (BekCreations)
oh yes.. I did subscribe to your You Tube channel
Oh Connie this a beautiful quilt! I’m in line to purchase it!!
I dabbled a very little bit with appliques. I’m leary to actually try an applique on a quilt block. If I have issues the block will be ruined. I just need to jump in with both feet, especially when I buy your pattern!
Do you know when you will have the dragon fly quilt pattern ready for purchase?
Your quilt is great! Thank you for sharing your quilts and processes with us. I love that your quilts are quilts anyone can make, not just experienced quilters. I love the look of needle turn applique, but do to time constraints, I usually do machine applique using a blanket stitch. It always looks nice and makes for a faster finish.
Thanks Brenda, I’m like you….the softness of this applique method is wonderful! I wish I had used it on my Ugly Christmas Sweater wall hanging.
Thanks Nancy!
I subscribed to your YouTube channel.
I love doing applique, and am intrigued with using the glue. I definitely need to give it a try. Your fabric choices are beautiful and the pattern is perfect.
Connie!! I LOVE your dragonfly quilt. This collection is perfect for it! The blue strips along with the oranges really give this a “twilight” feel! Like you, I have always used Heat n Bond Lite, but I really love the softness of this applique method!
I LOVE!! this. I have never done a dragon fly but want to try this one. thanks! I also subscribed to your youtube channel and am looking forward to watching.
Thanks Jo!
I love to do applique, you can do so many objects that way and set them in for an unsuspecting event.
Applique really makes some beautiful and unique quilts!
I have subscribed to your you tube channel
Thanks Pamela!
What a beautiful quilt!! I just love the colors. It really makes the quilt pop. I can’t stop looking at it. I’ve never tried using glue with applique but will give it a try. You learn something new every day!
Thanks Mary! It was fun to make this quilt!
Love dragonflies — the fabric is awesome!
I did a dragonfly quilt some time back, but they were more structured and not as natural as yours!
Thanks Pamela, this was a fun applique technique!
Oh that is so cute, love those colors too!
Thanks Vicki!
Subscribed to your you tube channel.
Thanks!
I haven’t done applique on a sewing machine yet. Pretty quilt, like the balance of colors.
Applique is fun, I don’t do it as often as I should.
Love the way you did the dragonflies and the blocks you put them on. Such good use of color. I haven’t done much appliqué and no glue basting. Interesting.
Thanks Dortha, it was a new technique for me.
Connie that quilt is stunning, I especially love those colors together! I absolutely adore appliqué and adding appliqué on quilts and bags that I make too. Batik fabrics are my fabric of choice to use for appliqué too and I love batik in any color.
Thanks Daryl, you know I love batiks too!