Source |
Trees, pg. 93 |
Although I was excited at the mention that scraps are great for applique, since as quilters pretty much all we do is create scraps, the later statement that applique fabric must be pre-washed quelled that excitement a bit. I'm a firm anti-pre-washer (mostly due to laziness), and washing scraps is not going to happen. It certainly makes more sense to use scraps if someone has already pre-washed all their fabric, though.
Fall, pg. 111 |
The beginning of the book starts out with an introduction, lists of tools needed and reasons for pre-washing fabrics. I was surprised when I got to the actual freezer paper tutorial; although I had a vague idea of how to applique with freezer paper, I didn't realize that the shape was sewn on with the paper still in (which is later removed from the back)!
Geese, pg. 107 |
Besides using the aforementioned invisible zigzag stitch, the author also gives many examples of other ways to use both straight and decorative machine stitches to applique the pieces down.
Even before making it to the Projects section of the book, I was in love with the Mod quilt pattern that was featured on the inside cover. I felt that it was perhaps a better example of a "modern" pattern than the pattern chosen for the cover of the book.
Mod Quilt, pg. 70 |
I also was drawn to some of the simpler, more organic shapes such as "Flame,""Birds," "Trees," "Geese," "Fall," and "Fish." I would definitely make these patterns and love the graceful curves shown in them.
Birds, pg. 81 |
A few patterns I was not as crazy about--the aforementioned cover pattern "Star Bright," which is just a bit busy for me, "Kisses," which I feel could easily be made with regular piecing, "Baskets," which reminds me of my most disliked traditional pattern, and "Cascade," which is made of simple circles and frankly, shows a lot of mistakes in both stitching and quilting in the picture.
Cascade, pg.101 |
Overall I think the technique described is one I would definitely go back to time and again, and there are more than enough projects I love in this book to make me want to own it.
One lucky PMQG member will win The Modern Applique Workbook at our meeting this Thursday!
Thanks to C&T Publishing and Stash Books for the chance to review and give away a copy of this book.
I hate freezer paper... I use a basting method that I love and I totally agree that the whole pre wash thing is evil....
ReplyDeleteI will also admit that I now want to make you a basket quilt... like a huge queen size basket quilt ... :D
Well your baskets are pretty cute, Rachel! What do you dislike about the freezer paper method?
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