Learning Apliquick!

I started a new project a few weeks ago with a new-to-me technique, Apliquick!  Apliquick is a faster applique technique that involves using fusible on the back of your pieces and then turning the raw edges to the backside.  It's handy because you glue the edges down and the fusible creates a good edge for the fabric to fold against. The key is the Apliquick turning rods (looks like chopsticks) that are used for turning the edges. The ends of the sticks are angled, pointed, or pronged and you would use them for different purposes.

The project that I started is using this technique to applique letters to spell out motivational phrases on each block to create a mega quilt of inspiration. I tried to only do one block a day but found my personal motivation goes in waves, non-stop wanting to work on it or taking a break until the next wave.  I've completed 2 phrases so far and have 2 others prepped to sew down on the background squares.

You get endless new beginnings.  This is one of my favorite quotes and reminds me that you can start (or start over) at any time and anywhere.  I tend to use a lot of arbitrary markers in time to start like a new year, on my birthday, on the first of the month, on Mondays etc.  But really you can start whenever you want.

Focus on gratitude. This one is something that a hear a lot of about helping you be in a better place mentally by focusing on gratitude... it seems to work for me especially since it took me a while to stitch all of the letters down.

I'm not sure what I'm going to be doing once I get all the phrases done.  I'm giving myself the freedom to assign a layout at the very end or when I feel like the project is complete.  There were a few limitations on the letters for the blocks.  I hand drew each of the letters on paper before transferring them to the Apliquick fusible.  Each letter needed to mainly fill a 3" square and the background fabric is currently cut to 4.5" square.  Once I know the layout, I'll be squaring up the blocks to 4" so the finished size will be 3.5" each.  That's why you'll see the "i" for example take up a lot of space in the block.  Otherwise, it'll look weird with gapping issues once the phrases are sewn together.

Have you tried Apliquick before?  What did you think?

Also to find the Apliquick tools, there are only a few shops that carry the rods, scissors, and fusible, so I recommend Googling Apliquick to find a shop near you that carries the tools.

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