Congratulations on closing your house! What an exhausting, yet exciting time this must be for you.

You Linus blankets are really looking great. I'm sure they'll make a child very happy. I frequently just wing it when it comes to the size as well...

I can't believe you are appliqueing that many hearts. Are you at least using steam-a-seam to fuse them first before sewing? You've gotten really good at paper-piecing, and there are some really lovely heart patterns out there that might be faster than applique. On the other hand, your gift will mean so much because of all the handwork you put into it. But yeah, I've not done much applique just because of the time factor.

You are so sweet to offer to send us both something, but are you sure you want to do that? I'd be happy to waive my entry so that you can send the prize to just clumsy_chord. I know you've got to be spending money on your new place, and I'll have another chance to win another of your drawings later...

http://www.warmcompany.com/lsaspage2.html

It kept an applique on a tshirt I washed weekly for 3 years before it started to peel, so it will definitely hold it in place log enough for you to top stitch it. There are some good video tutorials online as well.

Well, small is fun, even like a card or small picture or atc or something is cool. I don't need anything substantial, I just didn't want to put you out for two prizes. I'll send you a pm, and then I'll try to forget about it so it will be a total surprise when it shows up. ;)

I was also going to suggest steam a seam (but get the light or 2 version if you find it - most craft/fabric stores sell it, or other fusible webs, but of all the varieties I've tried, I like Steam a Seam best). I'd still sew around the edges, but it makes appliqué SO much faster. Here is a video showing it in use. I would cut the hearts out of the paper and steam it to the fabric rather than the other way around because she's wasting a lot of the fusible in that video and it's not so expensive, but it's not so cheap I'd just throw it all away either. Also, if you steam the paper to the fabric, you don't need to use a pressing sheet, as long as your fabric is bigger than the piece of fusible you use. Just make sure you're ironing the paper backing, not the fusible itself - that will gunk up your iron and you'll never get it off.

Anyway, the linus blankets look great. AND that pillow for your niece! You did a great job with it.

Also, I love getting mail, so I'm happy to have something show up! Seriously, you could send me a postcard and I'll be thrilled :D

It the Oprah of the fandom crafting world! YOU get a prize! YOU get a prize! EVERYBODY gets a prize! :D You're awesome.

I love that Mockingjay pillow. It came out beautifully. The seams look wonderful from here. And the green borders on your blanket look just right.

I agree with everyone else about the applique - I haven't done much of it, but it is much easier when the bits and pieces are secured.

Yay house closing! Yay charity blankets!

The mockingjay pillow looks awesome!