Block of the Month July

 Hi all.  Welcome to the Block of the Month (BOM) for July.

  

I think this one is going to be a bit of fun and so quick to do!!!

Yes, it is applique again and you are welcome to do it by machine or by hand  

and please have some fun with it.

First you need to cut yourself a 9" square in your background fabric.  

No photo of that, I think you can work it out.

Then you need to get yourself a fusible product.  I use Visoflex because that is what my store sells. Useful tip with Visoflex.  It lasts longer if you keep it in an airtight container.  You can by it in 30cm (I think) widths or the much wider, I think about 120cm.  Not sure I have those measurements correct but you get the picture.  I do a lot of applique so buying the wider version is much more cost effective but it is a pain to store so I have a spagetti jar, a cheap Decor brand with an airtight lid about ten and a half inches tall.  I cut my Visolflex into ten inch strips, roll them all together and store them in the spaghetti jar.  You can fit heaps in if you roll it all together and it lasts longer.

But back to the BOM.

There is already a comprehensive tutorial on applique on the blog so if you are a beginner or want some more tips head over here  first as I won't be re-writing the whole tutorial here.

The template that you need for this month's block is also on the blog under the page called "Tutorials - Laundry Bags and BOMs"

When I trace the pattern I give Tassie a tropical holiday and tuck it into the Gulf or Carpentaria as that saves paper.

Just trim roughly around the edges of the outline at this stage.  

Iron on the the WRONG SIDE of the fabric (We have all made the mistake of ironing on to the right side I am sure) and then cut out your Oz.

The final step is easy peasy.  Set your machine to a close ZIGZAG and stitch around the applique.  Choose a toning colour thread or a contrast. Just choose something that will give the map a definite edge.  I suggest you don't match the thread to the background.

When you have completed your applique and ironed your block flat again, please trim to 8 1/2".  If you don't have a rotary cutter, please leave the trimming to us to ensure accuracy.  

Just a note on your choice of fabric for the applique. Have fun!  If you have some cool feature fabrics, now is the time to use them.  If you don't have feature fabrics just choose pleasing colours.  Quilts need variety so go for it.  I think some of these blocks will be combined with some of last month's wonky log cabins and some will stand alone in a quilt depending on how many we get.  

Personally, if I had more time I could sit and do these all day.  I just think they are fun.

What do you think?

I am looking forward to seeing what you all come up with so happy stitching and email me if you have any questions.

All blocks need to be sent to me at 

Aussie heroes

PO Box 248

Cherrybrook,  NSW,  2126

Till next time...................keep spreading the word and happy stitching!