Reverse applique, lace… and more lace.

Today I've been working on some reverse applique.

In case you haven't heard of it before…

Traditional applique is the stitching of fabrics onto the top of a background fabric to create a design. When reverse applique is applied the top fabric is cut through. The raw edges are then turned under and stitched to expose the fabric that is underneath. I've been using a method which involves freezer paper and an "applique glue pen".

I'm really happy with how simple this technique is and am in the process of fine tuning instructions for it.

Maybe I should think about putting together my first tutorial? What do you think?

 

I'm really enjoying the lovely vintage feel of my current project and have decided to incorporate some cotton lace into the design. There won't be a lot of it, but a hint of it here and there adds great texture to the project and will help to achieve the overall look and style I want to express.
So yesterday, I set off to find 1 metre of cotton lace. But as you know, very rarely does the "intention of purchasing" 1 metre, result in the purchase of 1 metre… especially when I stumble across something special and unexpected. Besides that, I don't know how I will actually use these down the track… so I had to make sure I had enough of each…. right?
This reasoning and justification = roughly 30 metres of lace. Don't tell anyone.

To the best of my knowledge, the above laces are all fairly recent. I do particularly love the one in the middle though and think it has quite an "old" look about it . The texture is relatively fine and it seems to have a certain quality about it.

While sorting through the shelves of lace at my local sewing machine store, I began chatting with the owner about lace and how it seems to be disappearing from many stores. It is such a shame that such beautiful works of creation have been pushed to the side, as new crafting trends come forward into the spotlight.
As I browsed and we chatted on, I found these 2 beautiful pieces. These German laces are much older… but the exact age is anyone's guess. They had been purchased by the store from a "distributor's clearance" at a quilting conference in Germany, many years ago. Her guess is that they are maybe from the 60's or 70's. Whatever their age, the quality, design and texture are really beautiful. I can't quite make up my mind whether to "collect" them or sew with them. I'm imagining the top one around a centre piece for a tabletop.

 I met a lovely new friend this week, named Annie. She has a beautiful blog called Willow Cottage. With my renewed appreciation for lace, I enjoyed reading this post in particular. I'm longing for a good brew of coffee and some free time to sit down for a good browse through Annie's archives… pop by and pay her a visit when you get the chance.
I have 2 more reverse applique blocks to complete today, but before I go, a quick reminder…
There is a One Day In May Giveaway happening at the moment.
I have 2 of each of these new patterns to send out. Have you entered yet? Visit this post if you would like to be in the draw.
Entries close at midnight, the 29th of October.

 Until next time,
Melissa  x