Or, as it is more commonly spelled, Hallelujah! I'm back to my normal routine which is mostly working but I'm inside (with air conditioning!), I'm clean (as opposed to sweaty), and what I'm doing is quilt-related. Oh happy day! A few weeks away from the norm makes you really appreciate your regular routines. I am hearing this song in my head a lot and it makes me smile.
I have uploaded the first two of the many how-to videos I promised. I'm starting at the beginning so today let me share with you how to make templates the way Linda and I have made them for more than 20 years.
You hear me but all you see of me are my hands. That's the way almost all of these videos will be because I don't have a cameraman. I've considered doing a short intro to each video that shows more of me but that means foofing* up. I'd want to wear something a little different for each video… You can tell my heart is not in the foofing.
I would love to have some feedback on the videos. It's like anything else, the more you do the easier it gets. Videos are a good way to convey information. The real trick is to say what needs saying in as short a time as possible. I try. At any rate, don't be afraid to tell me if you think there's something I can do better. That's how a person learns to do better.
*I'm pretty sure that 'foofing' may only be a word in our household. I googled it and nothing came up. ('Phoofing' came up but the definitions for that spelling are not the way I use the word. Really.)
Foofing means sprucing up your hair and face, probably your nails (hands and toes), and putting on something nice.
Piece O Cake Blog 
I love following your blog, you have a wonderful gift of gab.
The video is clear and informative-keep up the good work.
Paula
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Great video. I’ve taken a couple classes from you in the past and I learned some new things.
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I enjoyed the video. I have done applique so it was very easy to follow. What would be really helpful for you is to have somebody who never has done applique to watch it and give a critique.
I have been redoing the sewing/computer room in the house. Painting and sorting and giving away stuff that is not going to be used every again. You did a whole house, I’m still doing one room!!!!
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Excellent, clear video. I think it might be nice to do one brief initial video about your plans for the series so that you could introduce yourself and just foof for that one time. One question – how do your hands and nails remain so nice looking with all the work you do on your and your family’s homes! 🙂 Looking forward to the next one.
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To answer Nancys question, I get a manicure every other week. It is a legitimate business expense because of the time my hands are in front of a camera both in videos like these and when I teach. This is probably the only business expense that I dont really mind paying.
I wore gloves during the remodel. Leather ones when I was doing heavy work and rubberized garden gloves when I painted. Donna, my nail tech, told me that latex paint is really hard on the nails and not to get it on me. So I didnt. I do apply lotion before I turn on the camera.
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I really liked the video. I think you said drawing instead of cutting once, but other than that it was really clear and easy to understand. I already make my templates from your method. It is sooo much easier than trying to trace them. I have been using foo foo for many years 🙂 Great job on the remodel too.
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I have been wanting to see this technique for a while, and get back into applique so thank you! It was quite clear.
About foofing – I knew exactly what you meant. I almost fell over when I saw it in print! My mom and I have been using this word for a very long time (I foof up her hair in the back where the cowlick is). She is Midwestern of German extraction – perhaps there is something there or is it because we found a word that just sounds right?
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The video is terrific–clear and succinct. I would really like to see all the prepared templates laid out in one picture at the end of the video. For me, that would clear up any questions. Thanks for taking the time to do the video. I’ll be looking forward to future video entries.
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The house renovations are fabulous. Your video is terrific. And you are apparently indefatigable.I would agree with the idea of an intro where you tell about what you plan to video. If the pattern is from one of your books, I would love a heads up at the beginning so I could make extra notes in the margins. I have numerous of your books and love your work. Your videos may well be the last push I need to start a project. Thank you so much for your great blog.
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I think your video is just about perfect.
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The video was very clear and easy to follow! I can’t hardly wait for the next one:) It’s wonderful for those of us that haven’t had the opportunity to attend one of your workshops. Also the house looks fabulous! Kudos to your family.
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This video was like sitting in class and the greatest part is I can watch it whenever I want to. Watching your hands makes it so much easier to understand what you say. I agree an intro video would be nice – and identifying which project you are doing would also be nice. But this method can be used with all applique so it’s not a deal breaker!
Must feel so nice to get back to normal especially knowing such a big job is finished!
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Ditto Mary Ellen’s comment
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Thanks Becky for the online video. I’ve got most of your books and the video from a few years back and am working on the applique sampler which is nearly finished. This video and the ones to follow are even more helpful and I am looking forward to future videos, and hope that you include a lesson on stitching with good closeups because getting a consistent stich is my biggest problem and I just don’ know why.
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I know I’m late chiming in but I’ve just started reading your blog and have been looking back.
I love your videos. The thing I like about them is that they are done from the viewpoint for actually doing the work rather than from in front looking at it upside down!
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Im glad you are enjoying the videos!
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