Lollipop, lollipop...sing along

I remember standing on the high dive in high school absolutely terrified about diving off. What was I scared of...well I don't really know because when I finally dove in it was a thrill. I have a similar feeling now having started the Lollipop Trees pattern by Kim. I have encouraged others to do it but never considered it myself but all of a sudden the urge to dive into this project overwhelmed me so ... I choose to start the project now.
I think one of the great things about applique today are all the handy supplies we can use to improve our skills. Nothing improves applique like practice so I am sure by the end I will have perfected the curved folds and perhaps look back to the first blocks with an uncontrollable urge to unsew and resew but for now I am happy.


I am using freezer paper to trace my designs. Then I'll gel pen around the edge of the paper, remove it and glue it in place. The glue is the best bit as I always hated applique with pins. They always seemed in the way. I'll baste the big bits down as well because that is a step that can't be avoided at my skill level. Then using silk thread and a number 10 milners needle I'll get to work.
The other trick I am LOVING is using precut circles for making circles. I just stitched around the outside of my cut circles and then put the paper circle on the wrong side, tugged lightly the stitching and the fabric smoothly wrapped around the paper. Starch and press, remove the paper and perfect circles here we go.
More later...I'll be picking block 3 today so I'll be back soon with a progress report.
Very tempted to try Roseville Album while I'm in applique mode...hmm...how much diving can one take? kathy