Machine Applique'

I worked on a project that was in Primitive Quilts and Projects magazine. This particular one is designed by Jan Patek and will be a pillow when I'm finished.

The good people at Lapel stick asked if I would like to try a glue stick sample and do a review on my blog. This was before my trip to NYC and soon I thought the lapel stick people would be pounding on my door asking for their glue sticks back if I didn't keep my end of the bargain.

 Here it is.  The little card says "Replaces baste stitching, pinning, taping ,spray adhesives and stabilizers. Will also handle any fashion emergency."

I thought a bit of invisible machine applique was in order for a test. I didn't add much glue at all to hold the fabric down to the freezer paper. It is easier for me to add more then it is for me to try and wipe it off. It seemed to work comparable to any other washable glue stick.

 I have noticed in the past that after using glue sticks for a bit they get warm, soft, and gummy. I used to keep mine in the fridge between gluing pieces. Lapel stick didn't seem to have that problem.

I put just a tiny bit of glue on the pieces to hold them while I appliqued with the machine. My house doesn't look too square but that doesn't have anything to do with the glue stick! LOL Nothing shifted while I sewed.

 The real test would be how easily I could get the fabric off the paper and removed from the piece. I sprayed a bit of water, waited, and had no problem getting it to release from the fabric. After it dried I couldn't feel any residue left from the glue.

I was also prepping this wool block. I do not wash this when I'm done sewing so I just added a tiny little bit to hold the berry on and it worked great until I got it hand sewn. I cannot even tell there was glue on it.

I would like to add that Lapel stick is very charitable. They have a
wonderful label translated to Japanese if you'd like to check it out. I know many of us are making quilts for Japan. This would be a lovely touch.

If you would like to try your own lapel stick I have three of them to giveaway. Leave me a comment letting me know you'd like one and I'll draw three names on Wednesday.