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Time to Finish the 2020 BOM!

We made it to the end of 2020! It’s time to finish up the BOM for the year by putting it together and adding the borders. I really hope you enjoyed this year’s project and you will join me for next year’s as well. 

2021 BOM Introduction

Speaking of next year, here is a look at the 2021 BOM:

The fun thing about this project is you do not have to make the large wall hanging. The blocks are good stand alone projects that you can turn into small wall hangings or pillows! Like this block here… it would make a really pretty pillow for a couch or bed:

I hope you join me for some more wool applique fun in 2021 …. hey, that rhymes!  The starter instructions with fabric requirements for the background will be posted by January 4th on the BOM page of my web site. The first 2021 block will post to the page on January 15th.

If you want the block reveals early, be sure to sign up for my monthly newsletter on my web site. Just look to your right on the sidebar right now and you will see the sign-up form. By doing this, you will get the block instructions a week earlier!

2020 BOM Finishing

Here’s my finished 2020 BOM quilt top:

The finishing instructions include how to piece the blocks together into the wall hanging above. I added a simple border of dark brown with a blue Churn Dash design that reflects the smaller Churn Dash borders on some of the blocks. This border is optional. If you want, you can create your own border.

To finish the 2020 BOM, find the instructions here: 2020 BOM Finishing Instructions.

If you missed any of the block releases for 2020, the blocks will remain on my BOM page for free until Thursday, January 14th. After that, the 2020 pattern will go on sale in my store as a whole on February 1st.

So there you have it! I hope you enjoy finishing this BOM and you will join me next year for 2021’s addition. Once again I will have wool only kits for the blocks for sale in my store.

Addie and I are looking forward to seeing you here next year.

Happy New Year and Happy Stitching!
Deanne

Wool Applique Stitching Fun and 2020 BOM Block #2!

I thought this would be a good time to review some stitching tools I use when doing wool applique. These are things I like to use regularly that you might like to try. I’ve also thrown in some random tips on fun stitches you can use. Enjoy!

Tip#1

I use chenille needles because they have a larger eye that can handle perle cotton or embroidery floss.

I use size 22 because that is a good length for me. The higher the number, the shorter the needle. Try different length needles to see which works best for you.

Tip#2

Do you have a problem with the perle cotton or embroidery floss not running smoothly through your applique pieces? I use Thread Magic to help condition my thread.

It’s not beeswax and it’s acid free so it’s safe for all your fabrics and threads. I like the design of the container too. Those indentations allow you to make use of all the product without having to dig into the container.

Simply run your thread through like shown in the photo:

Tip#3

Use one neutral color perle cotton for a consistent look. If you want your stitches to show, use a darker color. If you do not want your stitches to show, use a color that matches your applique.

On the left, you see I used thread that contrasts so my stitches show for a more primitive look. On the right, I used thread that matched my appliques as closely as possible so the stitches blend in. This is a personal choice. Choose the thread based what you want the focus of your piece to be. I like to use Valdani Perle cotton size 8 that comes in a lot of beautiful colors. The higher the number, the thinner the thread. I like the thickness of size 8, you may like your thread thicker or thinner.

Tip #4

Have fun with your stitches. We all know the traditional blanket stitch and whip stitch. How about switching it up and adding French knots or even some cross-hatching on stems? Here’s some of my fun stitches:

These stitches add a little more fun to your applique projects!

2020 BOM Block #2

Here it is! With spring a month away, this flower gives us a hint of what’s to come.

Find the PDF instructions here: 2020 BOM Block #2

So there you have it. Some tools and tips for wool applique and my 2020 BOM block 2. I have a limited amount of wool only kits for this block in my store. Share with me some of your thoughts on wool applique. You will be entered into a drawing for my pattern Warm & Wooly Welcome with your comment!

The drawing will be on Monday, March 2nd so you have plenty of time to enter! ***We have a winner! Congrats, Debbie Gross!***

Happy Stitching!
Deanne

2019 BOM – Time to Finish and look ahead to 2020!

Hi everyone! The time has arrived to finish the 2019 BOM. If you’re rolling on the floor laughing at this point since you’re only on block #4, don’t worry! You can still download all the blocks until January 14, 2020. On the 15th of January the 2020 BOM will begin and the 2019 patterns will be gone from the site. They will pop up in my store later in the month for purchase as an entire pattern.

As you may have guessed by now, there is no block 12, just a pieced inner border to construct this month. Here is what the completed 2019 BOM will look like when you follow my instructions for completing it:

As you can see, I have not quilted mine yet…. (I still haven’t quilted my 2018 BOM…oops!). Here are the instructions to make the inner border and complete the quilt top: 2019 BOM Finishing Instructions

Now it’s time to turn to the 2020 BOM. Here are the blocks for your previewing pleasure!

I hope this is one that you will enjoy stitching with me this coming year! Here’s a few of the blocks up close:

Are you excited? If you are looking forward to this BOM, here are the starter instructions so you can gather your fabric and supplies: 2020 BOM Starter Instructions.

You do not have to use brown fabric as your background like I did. Feel free to sub in your favorite print. Also, if you are not a wool applique fan, feel free to do the project in fabric applique!

If this is your first time doing a wool applique BOM, here are some supplies that I use and recommend.

Valdani Perle Cotton size 8. I like to use variegated colors in a neutral pallet.

For needles, I like to use chenille needles, size 22. I have found those to be the best size for me. You can experiment with stitchery needles to see which work best for you.

Finally, I recommend good lighting. Especially one with a magnifying option. This will help you get those nice straight and evenly spaced stitches.

That’s all for now. Finish up that 2019 BOM and get ready for the 2020 BOM! The first 2020 block will be posted on January 15th. Sign up for my newsletter (look on the right sidebar for signup) and you get the block up to a week early!

Happy Stitching!
Deanne