......mmmmm (I have no idea for a title)

This week I heard that our widget needed some time out in his room......

(well - he is 2 years old!!)

I  know I am biased but this picture just melted me ......

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To me the greatest blog fun is making contact with people.... I really enjoy the interaction..... and your comments which I reply to always (well occasionally I miss some!!!)

Recently I have been receiving several comments that are 'no reply' - I respect your privacy if that is what you want.... however, maybe it is just a setting on your blog.....

If I haven't answered you this will be why..... Chookyblue explains it well HERE if you would like to check it out....

I would love to be able to answer you .....

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Following my post about getting into needleturn I asked for tips and ideas from others......  I really do appreciate them all especially whilst experimenting with this new technique.....

There is only so many times I will make practice items so I am now already making my lovely Butterfly Garden quilt, even though I know my needleturn needs a lot more practice... I'm getting it whilst I make the quilt and I will be learning some of these different ways of doing it.....

In addition to the previous links and tutorials....

here are the tips and links received from you.....

• A tutorial here on needleturn. http://www.jeanettespatch.blogspot.com/
• I use double thickness of freezer paper & iron first as it shrinks.
• I love needleturn applique and it just takes practice. When I have circles to do. I make a cardboard circle the size required and then sew a running stitch around in 1/4 inch seam area of your chosen fabric circle and pull the gathering thread up and press really well with a steam iron. Gently ease the cardboard circle out and pin or baste your circle in place...you then have a crease to guide you as you stitch....
• Try ironing the freezer paper on the front, also the little clover iron is just fabulous for tiny seams etc,
• Try all the methods, choose the best ones, learn lots of tricks
• Rather than template plastic try mylar....it is a thin heat resistant plastic product, comes in clear and opaque (easier to find little bits of opaque plastic on the table than clear!)....
• For thread...try Auriful? It is awesome, cotton, gorgeously smooth and comes in the most amazing range of colours.
• Use a good starch...makes a big difference... (not iron ease)
• The best tip I think (well it is just my opinion)...find the method/technique/materials that suit YOU best and that YOU are most comfortable with, regardless of what anyone else says you must or should or shouldn't do...after all, when it is all stitched down as long as you are happy with it what does it matter how you got to the end result
• I use freezer paper but in reverse to you. Cut out the shape, iron on the right side of your fabric, cut around the shape leaving about 1/8" to turn under all around the shape. Use the edge of the freezer paper as your guide. You can use glue to hold it in place. I have also done a reverse version when you draw the shape on the wrong side of your back ground fabric.
•  Instead of using freezer paper or template plastic, use old cards (you know Christmas or Birthday). I love them. You do it like the template plastic. Just remember not to hold the iron on it too long and you can use it over again
• I use Glue Baste - saved getting tangled in pins. Yes, use matching sewing thread. Don't use embroidery thread as it is not strong enough
• If there was one hint I would pass on it would be this: only snip the fabric a little at a time (maybe 3 hand stitches worth) before turning. This way the fabric tends to lie flatter.
• at the moment I am tracing round my plastic templates with a pigma pen, gluing with a few small spots of Glue Baste- then turning with needle and(lots of) fingers and too many thumbs
• using a toothpick is a good way to push under the fabric, instead of using the needle. (a damp toothpick is even better.
• http://apassionforapplique.blogspot.com/

Great tips... thanks everyone - I have added them to my 'How To... ' page HERE.

 I am trying different methods as I go along.... this next set of blocks I have used double strength freezer paper.... Jeanettes tutorial method found HERE and it is certainly a lot easier than a single piece...

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My mum used to make the most amazing melt in your mouth pastry - which I can't do...

I use a ready rolled bought one...

usually it is in a cardboard box but last time I bought this (at a price!!)

now I have a perfect project box... holds a 10" square just right...

Do you buy things just for the containers?