Applique is a big part of my work. I use multiple styles within the raw edge and turned edge machine applique methods to help achieve the look I want. I am currently writing a book about this and working up samples to go with the book. This book will deal with how I decide which method and style I need. I have as many as four or five styles of applique on some of my quilts. I sometimes have joined machine applique with machine embroidery and come up with some interesting results.
In The Storyteller, my Hoffman Challenge quilt from 2013, I embroidered the tree trunk off quilt on brown fabric, using my own digitized tree trunk, and cut it out with about an eighth of an inch turn under and appliqued it onto the quilt with turned edge machine applique. This gives the tree trunk almost a 3D appearance.
The tree was embroidered and then appliqued.
The sun and island are a combination of piecing and applique. Sharon Schamber calls this piece-lique, and Carol Bryer Fallert calls it appli-piece. Whichever you call it, it is a technique that is wonderful for certain looks that are difficult to achieve any other way.
turning the back over freezer paper and starching the turn- down.
gluing the sun into place ready for stitching.
Then there is the stitched raw-edge applique. This can produce many different looks, depending on the stitch, thread, and stitch size one picks.
Stitching down a broiderie perse cutout from the Hoffman challenge fabric.
And here’s the quilt. Some of you may have seen this quilt in person since it was shown throughout the year of Hoffman Challenge 2013.
The Storyteller…this picture shows a little distortion from the camera lens, but I assure you it is nice and square and flat. This quilt is currently on sale in my shop for $1050.00. It is 38.5″ x 37.5, which is a nice size for a home or office wall.
I hope I can finish my book in just a few months, but realistically, it probably won’t be ready until mid 2016.
Sew happy everyone! Try your hand on applique, however you do it.
After years of trying, I’m finally getting the hang of needle turn applique. I like the portability of the project. I also like all other kinds of applique too! It is good to have several ways to accomplish a particular style. I guess I don’t have a favorite yet!–Terry
Terry, I do not do needle turn…it hurts my hands, but I think I can get a near duplicate of the look with my turned-edge machine applique. I don’t think there needs to be a favorite, since each style gives a slightly different look and can be used for different things. Merry Christmas!