The "A" Word

I know I'm not the only person that considers applique a bad word. I have avoided it like the plague. But not anymore. I took a class Saturday, and even though it was a very beginner class, I feel I can tackle about anything now. Nellie, our instructor, was extremely patient. I had warned her we were all beginners when it came to applique. Nellie found out fast that I was not exaggerating.

I never knew thread could be so thin or that they that they came in different weights. I've always just picked it by the color I needed. I thought a needle was a needle. I now know what a straw needle is and why you need to use it as opposed to the needle I do my quilting or hemming with. I do need a magnifying glass to see how to thread this needle even with a needle threader. Very, very tiny eye. Very thin and bendable needle. I had a bunch of the tiny applique pins that I've used in various craft projects. They were perfect for the tiny pieces we were working with. I would never have thought to use them in applique, even though they said applique pins on the box. They were craft pins to me.

What a difference the right tools make. I took notes. Lots of notes. I was very pleased with my practice pieces and have even started one of my Dear Jane blocks. It is a very simple block, but I had avoided it because of the "A" word. I'm going back next Saturday for more wonderful instructions in needle turn applique. I can hardly wait. Sunbonnet Sue look out.

Thank you Nellie for such a great class. I thoroughly enjoyed the class and I learned so much.