NQC Challenge Block 2-Snowman Version

We continue to have snow off and on here in Southern Oregon.
​I am one of the odd ducks who loves it, but then it is my first winter since we lived in Michigan that I have been able to really enjoy a snowy winter.  It was not hard for me to decide to do a snowman version of the National Quilters Circle 9-week challenge,
especially with a name like Snowy Day.

The view from my window

When I saw the pattern for Block Two yesterday it looked
​like a window for a snowman to peer through.

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With the block stitched together it is time to get to work
on the snowman I am going to add.

I have drawn a 4" square on a piece of paper
​and sketched out what I want the snowman to look like

SInce I am using a fusible applique technique
I need to reverse the pattern pieces which is easily achieved
by flipping my paper over and tracing using a lightbox

The design needs to be traced onto the paper side of the fusible.
My favorite is Heat N Bond Light.  The fusible pattern pieces
​are then ironed on to my chosen fabric.

Once the pieces are cut out they are ready to be ironed onto my block.

I have learned it is important for even, smooth stitches to attach
a piece of stabilizer onto the back.  This is a stabilizer that washes out over time.

Since this is a quilt that will most likely need to be washed I am going to stitch the pieces down with my sewing machine.  I use a combination of stitches for this process.  A straight stitch of length 1.90 that has the needle position moved over two spaces to the right.  I use the straight stitch to finish off my stitching which I will describe later.  The main stitch I will use is the buttonhole stitch.  It also has a stitch length of 1.90 and a width of 2.00.  Once again I am using the needle down position on my machine which makes going around curves and corners very easy and accurate.

I prefer to use an open toe foot for doing machine embroidery.  
It helps me to see the edge of my fabric as I stitch.  The needle needs to come down right along the outside edge of my applique pieces during the straight stitch part of the buttonhole stitch.  

Line needle up along edge of applique piece

Narrow buttonhole stitch catching the applique pieces.

I found this little LED light at Ikea a couple of years ago
and I love the way it provides extra light to my work.  
​Really helps to see those tiny stitches

Now for the trick of the straight stitch...
As I come up to the start of the buttonhole stitches I switch to the straight stitch and take four or five stitches right along the straight edge of the previous buttonhole stitches and end using the lockstitch feature.

Time to get out my embroidery hoop and do some hand embroidery to add the details.

With some satin stitch,  backstitch, and a few French knots,
​ this one is ready to join Block 1.

Blocks 1 and 2 are complete

Happy Quilting!
​Debra