Appliqué Books
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Aug
25
A celebrity quilt
Filed Under History, Patterns, Quilt shows | Leave a Comment
My pal Pam Crooks is a pal of Penny Tucker, who writes a delightful blog that you’ll be interested in, The Dedicated Appliquist.
At one of our Nite Needler meetings, Pam told me about a quilt that was making the rounds of the internet, having achieved celebrity status after its debut at the Spring International Quilt Festival earlier this year.
I was fascinated with this concept of celebrity quilts, so of course I had to check out the quilt known as 19th Century Folk Art by Maker Unknown or The English Medallion Quilt.
First glance and small photos do not do this piece justice. Once you see some of the closeups, you’ll be delighted with this forgotten appliqué artist’s sense of design.
Penny’s blog post from May pulls together lots of links about the quilt and about some reproductions of it. Pam sent me one more from Threadbare in Australia.
What are some other celebrity quilts that have “gone viral?”
Until next time,
Kay
Aug
14
Find your method
Filed Under Books, Broderie perse, Designers, Fusible web, Glue stick, Hand appliqué, Machine appliqué, Patterns, Prepared edge, Raw edge, Starch, Turned edge | 1 Comment
I’ve long been an advocate of finding your own method of appliqué, one that’s right for you and gives you results you like. That’s not the same for everyone, and I believe there’s no right and no wrong way, only what pleases you. When quilters stop by my booth at shows and make faces at the “A” word, I tell them they just haven’t found their method.
So I was delighted to take note of a new book by Laurel Anderson called Appliqué Workshop: Mix and Match 10 Techniques to Unlock Your Creativity!
Here’s some information straight from the author herself.
Laurel Anderson:
I wrote this book with the idea that everyone has different design needs and different technique requirements.
The quilter who wants to occupy her time while on a fishing boat or in a doctor’s waiting room will be more interested in hand appliqué or cutting out fused shapes for three-dimensional or fused appliqué. The mother of four with limited time may be delighted with the speed of machine appliqué or the raw-edge technique. The artist who wants creative freedom may mix many methods into one piece of fiber art.
The techniques in the book are grouped into turned-edge, raw-edge and needle-turn appliqué. Each technique has a summery of its best uses. For instance: the Turned Edge with Starch or Glue makes very sharp points on leaves or petals. The 3D Broderie Perse method makes fast and easy daisy petal shapes for wall hangings. It is easier to be creative if you have your choice of many design tools.
 Coneflowers by Laurel Anderson |
The book offers ten appliqué methods, two edge-finishing facings, and several different template ideas. As a bonus, there’s a section on color and a chapter on dying fabric for flower quilts. The pullout section gives six full-size, ready-to-use patterns. The instructions teach several techniques for each pattern. If you make them all you will have tried all the techniques!
The book is available from Laurel’s website, Whisper Color. Laurel says to be sure to send her a message in an email telling her who to sign to book to. (There’s a Contact button on the website.) And while you’re on the site, check out the 100% bamboo batting and Laurel’s latest stand-alone pattern, Winter Amaryllis.
 Winter Amaryllis pattern | Isn’t this gorgeous? |
Thank you, Laurel, for telling us about your exciting new book. I’ll be directing those face-makers to it!!
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Aug
2
Do you already have A Dozen Roses?
Filed Under Books, Designers, Faced appliqué, Patterns, Prizes | 9 Comments
Jennifer Rounds, co-author of A Dozen Roses (our featured book last month), was delighted to read the wonderful comments about the book. She sent me a premium to offer to one of my readers who already has the book (or who has definite plans to acquire it).
 |
Her pattern “Rose Wreath” is a spinoff of the coverlet project from A Dozen Roses that we were all slavering over. The instructions in the book are the foundation for the pattern’s how-to’s so Jennifer says that it’s better to be familiar with the process in order to complete the project.
If you are already the proud owner of the book (and yes, Barbara you’re eligible 
), leave a comment by 7:00 p.m. California time on Thursday, August 5, for a chance to win this beautiful pattern.
The pattern is available at Rosie Quilters.
Next time, a look at More Fabulous Flowers: Mini-Quilts in Dimensional Appliqué by Sharon Baker.
Until then,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Jul
7
Just got a newsletter from Connecting Threads, the fabulous paper and on-line catalog for quilters. They’re celebrating Appliqué Month during July with lots of goodies. Check it out, here’s the link to the newsletter. There’s a free pattern and an appliqué tutorial. Thanks Connecting Threads!
I didn’t know it was Appliqué Month, but yayhoo!!!
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie.
Jun
18
Spotlight on Cheryl Almgren Taylor
Filed Under Blanket stitch, Fusible web, Machine appliqué, Patterns, Spotlights, Threads | 5 Comments
I’m delighted today to turn the blog over to appliqué author, designer, and teacher Cheryl Almgren Taylor.
Cheryl Almgren Taylor
Cheryl: I am excited to be a guest on Kay’s site today and want to thank her for the invitation to be a part of her blog.
I have loved quilts since I was a small child but never ventured into quilting until 2000. I had been sewing since I was 13 so I had some basic skills down. But I discovered, like many of us, that quilting is a whole new world.
I got into designing because of my grandson Michael and my love of storybooks. I spent 14 years teaching in the elementary grades and loved “read aloud” time with the kids. Several years ago I wanted to make Michael a quilt that would go with his favorite story Going On a Bear Hunt, and this led to the creation of a whole series of quilts that coordinate with childrens’ books. I was surprised and delighted when Martingale & Company (That Patchwork Place) chose to publish my designs in a pattern series entitled Storybook Snugglers.
There were six patterns in this original pattern series from 2007, with two quilt designs in each pattern–one easier version and one more detailed. There are still some patterns available from Martingale.
Monkey Business by Cheryl Almgren Taylor
Last summer my first book Deck the Halls was published featuring a collection of Christmas quilts.
Editor’s note: If you haven’t seen it, check out the post from last November, when Deck the Halls was our featured appliqué book.
Cheryl: Although I love pieced quilts, I am especially drawn to appliqué. Applique enables us to make shapes that are just not possible with piecing, and you don’t have to worry about your quarter inch or matching points! I especially love using batiks and fussy cutting shapes so that the design has shading provided by the fabric. I also like to use a variety of fabrics in the same tonal range when repeating a shape, rather than making everything match. I think it gives more interest to the design. When I’m designing I am almost always telling a story (at least in my head) and my favorite technique is fusible-web appliqué finished with machine blanket stitching.
Wrapped Up in Love from Deck the HallsI know that in certain quilting circles, admitting to a love of fusible web can be the equivalent of admitting you only shower once a week or you let your children eat cereal out of the box while watching Saturday morning cartoons so that you can sleep in late. But I really do love the technique. And although the jury is out on how long my quilts will last into eternity, I know that I can finish more quilts in my lifetime.
An event early in my quilting career also solidified my feeling that there is a time and place for fast techniques. When my first grandchild Taylor was born, of course I wanted to make him a quilt. I envisioned this as an heirloom quilt that would be lovingly treasured, perhaps hung at the foot of the crib as part of the décor and eventually stored away for future generations. I spent nearly a year completing the quilt (it had two ruffles and piping, as well) and I was extremely proud that Taylor received it before starting Kindergarten.
A few short months later, I called my daughter and discovered that Taylor had been sick and thrown up on the quilt. I was horrified and wondered why he was anywhere near the quilt at the time. My daughter, who doesn’t quilt or sew, explained that she believed children should play with their quilts and enjoy them, not save them as heirlooms. Well, there’s certainly something to be said for that philosophy, but as a quilt maker it made me realize that recipients are not always aware of how much time goes into making a quilt and that fusible web fills a need in those circumstances. It’s quick(er), it’s user friendly, and it gives beautiful results.
Christmas Kisses from Deck the Halls
For those of you who have never ventured into the world of fusing, here is some advice I think you might find helpful.
First off, purchasing fusible web can be overwhelming if you don’t know what you are looking for. There is everything out there in fusible land, from fusible interfacing to fusible batting. If you have never ventured into this department before, you can become overwhelmed and confused. And depending upon where you are shopping, the store clerk may not know a piece of fusible web from a French fry. The item you want to purchase is paper-backed fusible web. Brands that may be familiar are Heat ‘n Bond, Wonder Under, and Steam a Seam (as well as many others) and I highly recommend a lightweight product.
When using fusible, remember that if your design is asymmetrical you must trace the pattern in reverse on the paper backing of the fusible product. Also remember to trace each piece separately. If you have a large pattern piece, cutting the center portion out of the fusible will create less stiffness in the finished design. My books and patterns all have a section that gives detailed information on this process.
Another important thing you should know about lightweight fusible web is, that it’s a temporary bond. It must be stitched down around the edges or it will eventually float away. This is not true for all fusible webs—only the lightweight type. However, using a heavier fusible makes a stiffer quilt and I don’t recommend using them.
And now we get to the fun part of fusing—finishing the edges! There is such a choice of fabulous threads out there in different weights, colors, and fibers. It’s awesome! So the first thing you have to decide is what element you want the threads to play in the finished product. Do you want them to recede into the background or pop out as a design element? Do you want them to add some pizzazz or blend in? This is an important design element in your quilt and you will be happier with the finished quilt if you decide how this element should look just the same as you select your color choices.
I have developed some personal choices that work for me, but please bear in mind that I don’t work for these companies, receive compensation from them, or guarantee their products. I’m just sharing my personal experiences with you. My “go-to” thread for finishing appliqué edges is Mettler 50 wt. Silk Finish cotton thread in a matching or coordinating color. The thread is thick enough to make it viewable, but it doesn’t distract from the design. If you want your thread to recede a little more, consider using a 60 wt. Mettler or a 50 wt. Aurifil, again in a matching color. Using YLI silk threads in a 50 wt. can give a beautiful, subtle sheen to edges but since the thread is a finer consistency, you may want to be selective in its usage. If you want your thread to pop out and become a design feature, try a slightly darker hue or be bold with a darker thread choice. Using a thicker 40 wt. thread will also make the stitching a dominant part of the design and some people even use a 25 wt. thread, which will be very thick. It will give you a primitive, country feel. Finally, when you want a little glitz, consider a Sulky rayon/polyester or metallic thread. These threads can bring glamour and pizzazz to your work.
I hope this advice is helpful and has inspired you to launch into a new appliqué project. I can only say that if you’ve been afraid to try fusible web before, give it a try. It’s a very user-friendly technique.
Happy quilting!
Cheryl
Kay: Thank you Cheryl! It was a treat learning more about you, and your appliqué wisdom is much appreciated. We’re “like this” in so many ways. Can’t wait to see what you do next!
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
May
11
“A woman is like a tea bag.”
Filed Under Articles, Patterns | Leave a Comment
That’s the way a fantastic tea-themed blog post starts out, over at Quilt Inspiration! Find out why Eleanor Roosevelt thought so in this comprehensive article all about tea, teapot quilts, and teapot fabrics.
Oriental Teapot by Verona Flint and Kay Mackenzie
Quilt Inspiration is written by Marina and Daryl, a team of quilt lovers and “idea collectors.” There are many other fascinating themed articles as well on their exceedingly nice blog, so fix a cup of tea and relax awhile.
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
May
2
Random.org chooses #2
Filed Under Patterns, Prizes | Leave a Comment
In case you were ever curious about how I draw winners for giveaways, here’s how it goes. WordPress tells me the number of comments there are on a post. I check to make sure there are no duplicates. Then I go to random.org, which has a random number generator. I plug in the first number (1) and the last number (the number of comments) and voila! it spits out a number like lightning. I use this number to count down the comments in order and determine the winner.
Deb G. of Maidens, Virginia was Lucky #2 for the Sew Crazy giveaway. She says it will look great hanging in her sewing room and she promises to send us a picture.
Coming soon… a look at A Baker’s Dozen from the staff of that Patchwork Pace.
Until then,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Apr
27
Sew Crazy after all these years
Filed Under Fusible web, Machine appliqué, Patterns, Prizes, Raw edge | 14 Comments
I had a few blocks left over that weren’t right for my new book for That Patchwork Place. It’s fun to have a pile of untapped potential!
Meet my newest little pattern, Sew Crazy.
Yes that’s right, it’s our favorite little sewing machine kept company by easy crazy-patch borders in a 15 x 15 mini-quilt. I used fusible machine appliqué on this one, but of course you can use whatever method you like.
I’m giving one away, but there’s a condition… if you win you have to make one in the next 6 months and send me a picture for the blog! Leave a comment before 7:00 p.m. California time on Friday, April 30, to enter the draw. U.S. and Canada only please.
Sew Crazy is available on the patterns page at By Kay Mackenzie.
until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Apr
26
Holly Mabutas of Eat Cake Graphics just posted an adorable free Santa pattern on her blog Sprinkles of Thought.
Like all of Holly’s artwork, the pattern’s special and wonderful. Be sure to take a look at all the quilt patterns and rubber stamps at Eat Cake Graphics. You’ll be glad you did. I keep telling Holly’s she’s the next Mary Engelbreit, Susan Branch, and Debbie Mumm all rolled into one.
If you like scrapbooking, be sure to subscribe to A Sprinkling of Samples, which shows what ‘bookers have done with Eat Cake stamps. So creative, and a feast for the eyes.
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
Mar
29
Animal company
Filed Under Patterns, Quilt shops, Quilt shows | 2 Comments
I was in Sacramento for three days for the Quilt, Craft, & Sewing Festival. I had so much animal company!
The show was at Cal Expo, a great big huge events and State Fair grounds. As soon as I got there I knew there had to be some horses around and I was craning my neck for stables or any other sign of equine presence. The next morning I saw the harness racers breezing around the track!
This one had his stablemate along for the jog. Either that or they were both warming up, I don’t know, but when I was a kid I read every Black Stallion book there was and sometimes the horses had friends.
I kept thinking about The Black Stallion’s Sulky Colt and it really took me back to childhood.
Now bear with me, I’m gonna get this to tie into quilting.
My first quilt teacher used to say, “A man on a fast horse would think it looked pretty good.” Now these men weren’t exactly on the horse, but they would still think that all of our quilts looked great!
As soon as you came in the door to the show you were treated to this sight.
That’s Rochelle herself from Rochelle’s Fine Fabric and Quilting, who came all the way from Port Orchard, Washington, with scissors in her head. And she didn’t even have a headache. What a gal.
My booth was directly across from The Rabbit Hole Quilt Shop from Chico, California. They had a trunk show from the Big Fork Bay Cotton Company. Look at all these splendid animals that kept me company during the show!
Little Sacramento dogs get to go with their humans lots of places. During the show, I saw a cockapoo in a European shoulder bag, a Yorkie in a sling, a poodle in a purse, but the only one I got a picture of was the pom in a pram.
Until next time,
Kay
By Kay Mackenzie
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