2019 BOM Block of the Month and Some Stitching Tips

We’re at the halfway point with the release of this block! Here is block 6 in my 2019 BOM series:

This is one of my favorites because I love summer! This is a celebration of the summer sun and the flowers it brings. Get the pattern instructions here: 2019 BOM Block 6.

If you are new to the BOM this year, you can still get in on the fun! Go to the Block of the Month page here on my website to see the first five blocks and links to the instructions for each.

Now, for some wool applique tips and hacks.

• I like to reinforce my wool applique pieces for stitching. I do this by tracing my templates onto Heat n’ Bond light fusible web, taking care to reverse templates that are not symmetrical. I cut these out and fuse the pieces to the designated wool. I feel like the fusible web gives the wool pieces more stability for stitching.

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• My next tip is on the threads used for stitching. It all depends on whether you want your stitches to show for a “folk art” look or whether you want them to blend in. Sometimes I will use a contrasting thread so the stitches show like here:

You can use a thread like the one above, light brown, or you could go even darker if you like.

On other projects I have used thread colors that match as closely as possible to the color of the wool piece I am stitching like below:

Notice how here the stitches do not show as much, they blend in more. My favorite threads to use are Valdani perle cotton:

I use size 8 perle cotton. Some people prefer a thicker strand which would be size 5. If you prefer a thinner strand, you can use size 12. You can also use embroidery floss. If you do use that,  2 to 3 strands are best for the the right thickness.

I also use the perle cotton for embellishments like you see here:

I used the thread to embroider pins and needles in the pincushion, some thread on the spool and the lines on the tape measure.

• Final tip: I keep a bottle of Roxanne’s Glue close by to tack down pieces that I have fused earlier that may lift up a bit while stitching.

This happens during stitching sometimes because of all the handling of the project. I also use this glue to secure thin applique pieces like stems and the basket handle above. I do not use fusible for these thin pieces. It’s easier to shape stems and things like the handle by just using glue. You need the wool more pliable for these to make the curves and bends you want.

Hope you are making great progress on this block of the month for 2019! Share some of your wool applique tips with me in the comments below.

Happy Stitching!
Deanne