Lots of Circles and possibly the coolest quilt ever...

I agree that the simplest method would be to apply your fusible web to the fabric first then use a die cutting system for cutting the circles, multiple layers at a time. One issue may be that it looks like the circles you need to make are at least 5 different sizes. I don't have an Accuquilt so don't know how many size circle dies they carry. I do have a Big Shot and many dies, but not sure I could come up with 5 or more different size circle specific dies. There are many dies however, like a flower or graphic design that will have a useable circle center. This would be a costly solution, though if you don't already own a cutting system. The idea of finding a local quilt shop where you can use or rent a system seems like a good option.

I think you got some great ideas for cutting the circles with a fusible already applied. I think the "blanket" would be really gorgeous made from the full color spectrum of Kona solids on a black background. I saw something similar to this a year or so ago and it took my breath away. The circles were fused all over the top and the only stitching done to the circles was the all-over quilting. There's nothing like black to make the colors pop! Just a thought.....Barb

The AccuQuilt Go circles die is 2" 3" 5" - that's three, then there the Daisy plus the Round Flower die, I'm sure there are other die sets that have circles within them. Besides Quilting stores, check out scrapbooking studios, they also are using the AccuQuilt system in their studio, maybe you can rent theirs by the hour to cut your fabric.

what I did was cut my circles with scissors....sewed used dryer sheets to them, tore the dryer sheet and turned them around and then appliqued them on....used dryer sheets are cheap....and it turned out pretty good...smelled good too

Summer, not sure if this will help you, but I found some diecut circles on www.avelisquilts.com and there is a shop near me called Keepsake Quilting that has an online store. Those circles were 1930's repros....but I bet there are other places on line that you could find circles already precision cut. But heck, maybe getting this commission is a sign you need to get a GO! Good luck with it!
Cynthia

Summer, have you considered YO-YO's? Those you can make different sizes and they add a wonderful 3-d look. I also save my used dryer sheets for making the flatter, sewn-in circles.. Lilmouse instructions for use is great.. Lots of ironing and no fusible stuff needed.

That's gonna be beautiful!! Make sure you post lost of pictures!!!
Pam in Vegas

+1. To that

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Sandy Navas

Oh, oh, oh - if you haven't priced to her yet . . . include the price of the Accu-Quilt and get yourself a new toy - let her pay for it!!!!

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Can't wait to see this one finished. It will be gorgeous! Good luck!

Wow, lots to think about! Man, I would LOVE a cutting system...sigh. I don't think it's in the budget to send the fabric out to be cut by someone else, nor do I think there is time. Her baby is due in 6 weeks!

I live in area that does NOT have a local quilt shop! I've seriously thought about saving every penny I make from quilting and eventually opening one myself, because we really need one here. The closest is an hour away! We have a sewing machine repair shop and a long arm quilter, so I think I'm going to give them a call and see if either of them have one. I know the repair shop gives quilting lessons, so maybe they have one in stock.

As to the colors and design, she wants the same color scheme, so I'm putting together kona solids for the circles and backgrounds. She'd really like a brownish grayish barkish looking fabric for the trunk, so I'm hunting those...and she wants to incorporate coordinating prints into the backing and bumper! I really can't complain though...I LOVE fabric hunting!

I going to meet with her Monday, and I'm going to applique a few circles with different methods (hand stitch, raw edged, blanket and silk stitches, and yoyo) and see what she likes best. I'm not crazy about the thought of hand stitching all of them, but if she'll pay for it...I'll do it!

I'll keep you all updated!