Last week I cut out the pieces for the applique & background for the April Showers Stitch Along. Now was the time to put it all together. First, I started with the background.
I pretty much followed the steps Comfortstitching used on this project. Cut out squares, iron squares to two-sided fusible interfacing, iron that larger square to a larger piece of background fabric then stitch around the edges of each smaller square.
I stitched in about 1/8 inch so there wouldn’t be too much fraying & kept my squares pretty large & straight compared to the tutorial. Next it’s time to add the applique pieces.
I found the coolest stuff called Steam to Seam 2. It’s a two sided fusible interfacing but, it’s slightly sticky before you iron, which made this much easier. I took the protective paper off one side of the interfacing & stuck my applique pieces on it. It’s not super sticky but holds the fabric on nicely. Then I cut around each piece. (You could trace the design on the paper, stick your fabric on & then cut through both instead of the cutting the shapes first.) The protective paper then comes off the back of each piece leaving it sticky enough to stick to my background fabric. It’s like fabric colorforms (remember those?!). You can place them on the fabric & they stay in place but you can also easily reposition them. Once I was happy with the placement, everything got ironed for a permanent bond. (I think I love this stuff).
Next, I drew on some of the details for stitching with a pen that will disappear with water. 
Now comes the fun part of adding the outlines & details with embroidery to really make it pop. I’m also thinking about how I’m going to quilt the final piece. I think I’ll do straight lines in the white border but I was thinking of making the raindrops around the girl actually knots through the whole quilt…
© 2005 – 2011 Kathy Lewinski & Susan Cornish
This is going to look lovely! First time here… Enjoyed all the info 🙂
Interesting process. Looking forward to seeing the finished product!
Sew cute. I am into applique lately- totally loving it.
This is just fabulous!!!
Followed you here from Feeling Stitchy. This is a wonderful project. Very creative. I'll stop back by when I have more time to visit.