Jungle Babies Quilt

Jungle Babies is a pattern that I started about 3 years ago.  I picked out all of the fabrics, drew off almost all of the applique shapes, cut them out, and packed it away.  I pulled it out at the ASG retreat to see where I stopped.  I realized that I didn't have the background fabric, but was able to see where I was on the progress and finish cutting out the shapes.
The background fabric was given to me by a friend who thought she had the perfect piece.  Thanks Barbara!  With that fabric in hand, I assembled the quilt top.  Since the applique shapes extend over the borders, I had to assemble the entire top first.
The next step was the draw off the outlines of the applique shapes so I can see where to place the applique pieces.  This needed to be something I could see through.  I had a piece of organza that I used.

Once this is drawn off, I lifted it to place the applique fabric pieces on the background.  When I was sure of the placement, I used my small clover iron to tack it in place.

Once I was sure of all the placement, I used by regular iron to give the shapes a good press and fuse them down good to the background fabric.

I now needed to transfer the details to the faces and other area of the cute little animals. I will stitch over these detail marks and that will bring these little guys to life.

I layered my quilt sandwich before starting to stitch around the shapes and stitch the details.  This way, I will quilt the quilt at the same time I stitch down the applique shapes, a 2fer.
My little elephant is coming to life.  This is how much I got done today before my back said, no more today.  And look how good the back looks!

I will do all the eyes last.  I plan to use a more narrow satin stitch.  I also want to be really well practiced on my satin stitching before I tackle the eyes.  I think it will turn out cute.  Have I mentioned how much I love applique?