NQC Block 3-My Snowman Version

My fun with snowmen continues in Block 3 of the Snowy Day Sampler Quilt.

These were pretty simple to design...grab a circle maker and trace onto fusible web

I decided I want each face to be unique so played around with that
​and then pressed them onto my fabric.

Time to practice cutting on the lines.  I love Karen Buckley's Perfect Scissors
for cutting out applique as they have a very fine serrated edge
which kind of grabs the fabric and are sharp to the very tip.

I decided to use my lightbox to trace the face designs onto
the fabric before fusing them to the background.

I wanted the faces centered on the squares
so had to remember the 1/4 inch seam line​for those on the corners.

I always place a piece of stabilizer on the back of the area I am going to machine applique.  This is one of my favorites as it washes out over time leaving a soft feel to the applique.

These will be very easy to stitch in place.
 (The fusible pieces would be fine without being stitched but I like the look and it means I can wash this quilt without worry of them coming loose over time.)
I start by taking 4-5 straight stitches right along the edge.

My machine is able to remember recent stitch settings
​which comes in handy as I now switch to my favorite Double Buttonhole Stitch

Here you can see my stitch settings for the straight and buttonhole stitches.
​ I keep the stitch length the same on each.

After working my way around the circle I continue with the Buttonhole stitch right over my beginning straight stitches.  This works to lock those stitches in place.

When I come to the beginning of the Buttonhole stitch I switch back to my straight stitch.  Taking another 4-5 stitches and then a lock stitch finishes off the applique.

Time to add those hand embroidered details.

The noses are satin stitched using three strands of DMC floss.

The eyes are also done with a satin stitch,
​and a backstitch is used for the mouth and eyebrows.

I use a backstitch for the green vine.

Finally,  French Knots are used to make the little berries.

There we have it, four snowman faces to adorn my block.

So until next time...Happy Quilting

​
Debra