Applique Tuesday

I've been having an interesting time making the Splendid Sampler blocks. Some have been quite challenging.  For instance, last Sunday's paper piecing one, the crochet one and the 1" checkerboard.  Last Thursday, it was an applique one.  Here's how I made it:

First I cut out a square of fabric an inch bigger than the finished block. I ironed a very thin fusible interfacing on the back to stabilize the block when I applique.

 I next cut out the shapes of the birds carefully (cut through the middle of the black lines) in a puzzle shape from the template page given. Above I show the three pieces put back together again with my templates cut out [right side up].

 I have a big tightly sealing bin of fabric with steam a seam already fused on it (from previous projects) Found a piece of black I could use.  Traced the reversed shapes onto the paper of the fusible. Then with my micro-serrated scissors {which help lessen fraying} cut out the birds. Again along the middle of the pencil line.

 I removed the paper from the shapes and laid the birds in the cutouts.

 Then placing my hand on the pattern I carefully removed the papers.  Here's where I can adjust the shapes to whichever way I want.  I pretty much left it as our designer drew it. Some of you have made fabulous adaptations.

I ironed the birds according to the instructions for the fusible, and my block was prepped.  Appliqued using a very tiny zig-zag stitch on my Bernina using a 70/10 needle and black 50wt thread.

How do you prep your applique?  Leave a comment and I'll come see your block (as time permits). Thanks for sharing your eye candy.  Blessings!