I have finished the first block for the appliqué elephants quilt. In my previous excursions into appliqué, I used hidden stitches. For this quilt I decided to use a whip stitch for the simple reason that I genuinely like how it looks.
I am using a Sewline Glue Pen, recommended by my friend, Karen, at Quilts…Etc. to fold under the edges. I am very pleased with this glue stick. It’s easy to use, isn’t messy, and holds for a long time. I glued these edges down at least a week before I started to appliqué.
I’ll admit, the curves are giving me a little grief, but I hope that will improve with time.
I decided I wanted to use hand quilting thread for the whip stitching, so I ordered Aurifil hand quilting thread. I’m really pleased with it. It looks nice and isn’t prone to getting tangled.
So far so good!
The other day, mom needed to make a trip to Quiltique for more fabric for a quilt she is making. So I invited myself along. It was fun spending her money! While we were there, I took the opportunity to snap a photo of their version of the appliqué elephants quilt – the one which inspired me to make my own.
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Love the elephant!! This is going to be an amazing quilt! I’m with you on the stitches, I like how it looks. I use that glue pen on EPP projects all the time!
Thanks so much, Jayne! I had a little self-doubt about using the whip stitch, so I appreciate your feedback.
Where did you find your glue pen? I’ve seen them recommended before, too, and wondered if my LQS stocks them – just haven’t had a chance to go look! I love your elephant applique!
Thanks so much Diann! I ordered the glue pen from Amazon. (If you click on the picture of the glue pen, it should take you straight to it.)
Oh my gosh!! I love that elephant – and the finished qulit is going to be great! I took like the look of the applique stitches
Thank you! I’ve always loved scrappy quilts. It’s fun to make these wildly colored elephants.
very cool I had an aunt that loved Elephants this is very cool
thanks for sharing
Thank you, Angie!
I really love the effect the whip stitch has on your applique. Looks beautiful.
-Soma
Thank you, Soma! I’ll admit to having some self-doubt about the whip stitch. But I do love the effect.
What an absolutely gorgeous quilt block. The colors are gorgous.
Thank you so much!
I love love love your bright and sassy elephant. I look forward to seeing the next one!
Thank you so much!
Cute elephant, love your beautiful fabric!
Thanks so much!
That elephant is adorable, and I love that there will be an entire herd of them in a quilt! I’ve used that glue before as well – it holds really well. Thanks for linking to MCM today!
Thanks so much, Beth!
Great project, I love the elephant theme.
Thanks so much, Anita!
Hi Michelle! This is just GORGEOUS. I love how this is turning out, and I’m a big fan of the appliqué stitches showing. I think it just finishes them off nicely. Do you plan on making your quilt top as large as the inspiration one? I can hardly wait to see this move forward. Thanks for linking up today! ~smile~ Roseanne
Thanks so much, Roseanne! Yes, I do plan to make it the same size as the pattern. I have a 2 1/2 year old grandson who I intend to send it to. Hopefully, he will get it by the time he is 4! 😄 Thanks for the feedback on the whip stitch. I was a little unsure about it. But I really like it too.
I have that very same butterfly fabric! Mostly scraps of it now…but still.
Who doesn’t love an elephant? Looks great!
My butterfly fabric is down the scraps too! Thanks so much!
This would be a great gift for my Mum, too. She loves Elephants !
Very cool!
One lady in my guild worked on these elephants at last years retreat. This year she was doing butterflies. I wish I had the patience for such a project.
I enjoy handwork, including handpiecing, better than machine piecing. But you’re right, it’s a slow process.
Before I clicked on the elephant I knew it had to be you. This is adorable. Thank you for mentioning the glue pen, I’ve wondered how well they work, Thank you for linking up and for your linky party.
Thanks so much, Denise! I’ve got the next one done. I’ll be blogging about it soon.
Love all those elephants, and each one different. Glue makes it so much easier doesn’t it??
Thanks so much! And you’re right, the glue makes it much easier.
So pretty, I love that butterflies fabric. Thank you for sharing at The Really Crafty Link Party. Pinned!
Thanks so much, Teresa!
Wow… that is an amazing applique! And the quilt is lovely, too, Michelle!
Thanks so much, Julie!
Your first block is so wonderful I know this quilt will be gorgeous! Thanks for sharing on Wednesday Wait Loss.
Thank you so much!
Oh I think this quilt is going to be gorgeous. Thanks for linking up with us at the #GatheringofFriendsLinkParty 7 pinned!
Thanks so much!
That elephant quilt is so adorable, I can see why it called to you! Your fabric is really pretty on this first one, and I like the whip-stitched look for it. I’ll enjoy watching more elephants come along!
Thanks so much, Lynette!