Snuggles Quilts

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2023 Block of the Month Preview!

Welcome to the preview of my 2023 Block of the Month series! As with the previous years, each block will be released to the public on the 15th of the month starting in January of 2023. If you are subscribed to my newsletter, you will get the block at least a week early! (Newsletter sign-up can be found in the right sidebar.) And…. the patterns are FREE! Yes, you heard that right, they are free! You will be able to download the pattern instantly as soon as it’s available. 

Just like previous years I will offer a limited amount of wool kits for sale in my shop on the 15th of the month also. When my wool supply runs out, the kits are sold out for the month, so be sure to hop over to the Block of the Month page at my shop as soon as you can. There are also complete patterns for previous year’s BOMs for sale there.

Here’s a preview of all the blocks. They are not complete, some will have little details added when they are released, so they will still be some surprises. 

Now here’s the really fun thing about this BOM project… every 3rd month, I will include instructions on how to piece together the 3 installments into a wall hanging that measures  12 x 42″ so that you can have it finished and hanging for the season!

For example, the blocks for January, February and March… along with a few pieced borders (instructions will be given in the 3rd month) will make a charming spring wall hanging!

Above are the blocks that make up the first 3 installments. Once you are done in March and follow the instructions that are provided in month 3, you’ll have the spring wall hanging!

Now, if you do not want 4 separate seasonal wall hangings, you can wait until the end of the year and make one large wall hanging that measures 36 x 54″ with instructions that will be provided then.

Getting Started

So, are you ready to get started? Find the fabric requirements and the cutting instructions here: 2023 BOM Starting Instructions. This PDF will give you the cotton fabric requirements and other supplies needed. The amounts of wool needed for each month’s block will be given when each monthly installment is released.

Here are some of my recommendations of my favorite additional supplies for wool appliqué. Some I sell in my shop but for those I do not, I have provided a link to where you can find them.

1.  When I am working with wool appliqué on cotton (and this also works for fabric appliqué), I like to reinforce the edges of the cotton fabric background piece so they do not fray with all the handling during stitching. To do this, I use Fray Check.

This is an optional step but I have found that by doing this, I do not lose any of the fabric in my seam allowance so it’s easy to join these blocks when they are completed. Simply apply it to the edges as shown below:

2. Fusible web is needed for my wool appliqué technique. My favorite brand is Heat n’ Bond Feather Lite. Fusible web stabilizes the wool shapes and helps to limit the fraying of the wool pieces. It’s also the way you bond the wool pieces to the fabric background for stitching.

Most quilt shops sell this brand. For my BOM this year you’ll need approximately 2 1/2 yards. You can also buy it by the 35 yard bolt here if this is something you use a lot. If you have a different favorite brand of fusible, by all means use that one!

3. My very favorite stitching supply is Roxanne’s Glue Baste-it. I use this glue to attach and position any thin wool pieces, like stems, that are not created by a template.

This glue also comes in handy if the corners some of the fused shapes become unattached in handling the block before you get them stitched down. A little “dot” of this glue will take care of that.

4. My favorite needles for wool appliqué are John James chenille needles. I like size 24 because they are a good length for me and have a larger eye for threading floss or perle cotton. Choose the size that’s best for you.

5. Finally, my favorite threads to use are perle cotton. I like Valdani perle cottons in size 8. I feel size 5 is too thick and size 12 is too thin.

I like to use neutral colors from light to dark to stitch my projects. The lighter the piece of wool, the lighter the thread I use. Sometimes, I even like to stitch the whole project in a darker thread for a primitive look. However, if you want your stitches to blend in completely, you can use perle cottons or floss that matches the color of the wool piece you are stitching. 

If you need a refresher on wool appliqué, here is my wool appliqué 3-part series.

So, that’s it for this week! Get ready for a fun year of BOM patterns. I think you will enjoy this one no matter which option you choose to make. See you in January!

Happy Quilting & Stitching!
Deanne

2021 BOM Finishing!

Welcome to the end of the 2021 BOM project. Confession time! I made a mistake with the size I told you to make block #8. I had you cut it 18 1/2″ long instead of 15 1/2″. Because of this I had come up with two options for finishing the project. Both options have the same pieced border.

So sorry for the error… it’s embarrassing for someone like me who is usually a perfectionist!

Option #1: This is the one I chose. It leaves out block #7, which you can then use to make a table topper or pillow. There are a few small pieces of fabric to add to make everything fit.

OR

Option #2: This one uses all the blocks, but there are some additional fabric pieces added to make everything fit and it does make the wall hanging 40 x 60″ instead of 40 x 56″.

***Small error in the cutting instructions for Option #2: the 4 1/2 x 27 1/2″ strip is labeled (B), but should be (A). The 1 1/2 x 9 1/2″ strip is labeled (A) but should be (B). The error will be corrected in documents downloaded after 1/3/21***

See?? I told you I had problems writing this pattern… Addie must have been bothering me that day. Yeah… that’s it…I’ll blame it on Addie! 🤣🤣🤣

Here’s how my finished 2021 BOM wall hanging looks with Option #1:

And here is block 7, with a few border strips added to make it a good size to finish it into a pillow or table topper.

So, if you do not mind leaving out block 7 from the wall hanging, choose option #1. If you want all the blocks in the BOM wall hanging, then choose option #2. 

Find the instructions for both options here: 2021 BOM Finishing Instructions.

2022 BOM

Here’s a preview of nine of the blocks for the 2022 BOM that starts on January 15th! If you want to receive the block instructions early, you can sign up for my newsletter on my website. You will get the instructions up to a week early!

Enjoy completing the 2021 BOM wall hanging and I hope to see you in 2022!

Happy Quilting & Stitching,
Deanne

2021 BOM Begins Today!

Welcome to the start of the 2021 BOM! I’ve been showing you previews of the blocks over the last few months and I will show you more today. As with all of my BOMs, we will start out with Starter Instructions. These will give you the fabric requirements and any cutting and piecing (if any) that needs to be done before you get started. I will also share with you some information on tools I recommend for wool applique and some tips on getting started if you are new to this. So, let’s get started!

2021 Block of the Month

Here’s the complete 2021 BOM:

The finished wall hanging will be 40 x 56″. However, the fun of this project is the blocks can be stand alone wall hangings or pillows if you do not want a large wall hanging. Even the long “blocks” on the top and bottom can make attractive bolster style pillows. The main thing is to have fun! So, here are the starter instructions: 2021 BOM Starter Instructions. 

Here’s a few of my favorite blocks that can also make fun wall hangings on their own:

Wool Applique Tips & Tools

Tip#1: I recommend reinforcing the edges of your fabric background with Fray Check.

This helps keep your block edges from fraying from all the handling while stitching. It’s a good idea so you do not lose any of your seam allowance.

Tip#2: Templates. For pattern templates that need to be used several times over for tracing, I like to copy them directly onto card stock from the pattern or glue the template page to a piece of card stock and then cut them out. This makes the templates sturdier and insures each of the shapes you trace are the same size.

Once you have them cut out, you can write on the templates which pattern they belong to, the amount of shapes needed for the pattern and the color wool to be used. Save them in a plastic bag attached to the pattern for future use!

Tip #3: Use the thread that will complement your project. I like to use Valdani Perle Cotton threads in size 8.  I often use an array of neutrals from light to dark, depending on the color of my applique piece.

I like to store them in a plastic case I found at the local craft store. I can also keep the cover on and pull the thread from inside to protect my threads from a particularly curious cat!

These threads come in a large variety of colors and sizes. You may want to match the color of thread to each applique piece. You also might want to use a thicker or thinner thread than I use. Try threads in different colors and sizes until you get the look you like!

Tip #4: I recommend using a chenille needle, size 22 with these threads. This is the brand I use:

I like John James Chenille size 22 because of their length and the size of the eye. It’s easy to thread size 8 perle cotton with this size. Once again this is a personal preference. You may find another needle brand and size that works better for you.

Tip#5: Even if you use fusible web to secure your applique pieces, it’s always a good idea to keep some fabric glue by your side in case a piece loosens while you are stitching. I use both the large size and a smaller size that I keep in my thread box.

So, those are my tips and tools to get started if you are new to wool applique. I also have a few wool applique mini tutorial videos for some stitching instruction:

Back to the BOM now….

Block 1 of the 2021 BOM will be released to the public on 1/15/21. There will also be a limited supply of wool only kits the will be available in my shop on that day at 5pm central time.

If you want the block instructions up to a week early… sign up for my monthly newsletter. Just look to the right sidebar and sign up where is says “subscribe to my e-newsletter”.

I hope you’ll be with me for another fun year of quilting and stitching! 

Until next week,
Happy Quilting & Stitching!
Deanne

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

2020 BOM Block #1!

Here is the first block for the 2020 BOM. This blocks is sort of a center medallion for this BOM wall hanging.

You can find the PDF downloadable instructions for this block here: 2020 BOM Block 1 .

As you can tell, there is some piecing and fabric choosing that needs to happen before you start your applique. If you missed my earlier post with the starter instructions, here they are: 2020 BOM Starter Instructions.

As with my 2019 BOM, I will offer a limited amount of wool only kits for each block. You can find those at my store. I hope you join me on this new BOM journey!

Happy Stitchin’!
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

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.
  • 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

2019 BOM Block 4!

Hi! I hope you are enjoying the block of the month so far. This next installment is the bottom of the wall hanging and contains one of my favorite sentiments: “home sweet home”.

I chose a brilliant red wool for the lettering because I want it to stand out in the finished piece. Feel free to use your favorite colors for the lettering and the flowers. Here is the link to the pattern: 2019 BOM Block 4

There will be a limited amount of kits available for this block. Those kits will only contain the wool needed to make the block, you will provide your own backing fabric. I am on the road so the kits will be made available later this week in my shop and I will announce it via e-mail.

So now’s the time to sign up for my newsletter alerts! (see sidebar for signup). Some kits for blocks 2 and 3 are still available while supplies last. When I get some more wool in, the previous months may become available again. Keep watch for my e-mails!

Happy Stitching!
Deanne

2019 BOM Block 2!

Have you finished block 1 of the 2019 BOM? Yes, you say? Well, here is block 2 for you to work on this weekend!

For a link to the pattern, go to my Block of the Month page. And when you have finished downloading the pattern (or patterns if you have not started the 2019 project yet) you can refresh your wool applique skills with my Wool Applique Tips and Techniques blog post and also my stitching tutorials on YouTube: Stitching Points and Interior Angles and Wool Applique Stitching.

Happy Stitching!
Deanne