The Ultimate Appliqué Reference Tool

If you want to learn how to do hand or machine appliqué this book teaches it from scratch, at least if you are already either a quilter or have some other sewing hobby. A lot of the text is from the author’s own point of view, and there is much said about being bold and saying “I can”. I am not a quilter myself and it was interesting to note how different the creative process is between confecting a (presumably heirloom quality) quilt and making clothes. The appliqué journey goes from getting ready for the creative process by taking photos, keeping a journal etc and thinking about choosing the right fabrics. There is a look at the equipment you will need (don’t be alarmed, I have done this for years and don’t own even a quarter of all this) and then instructions on how to do the various different methods of hand and machine appliqué. This is certainly an in-depth look, and there are plenty of staged photographs to show what the work looks like as you go. Further chapters take a look at designing quilts and quilt blocks, and I would suggest that the person who would get the most out of this book is a quilter rather than a dressmaker. There are some shapes to use in your own work, although there is also a section on copyright and doing your own work rather than appropriating somebody else’s. Finally there is a useful list of definitions and another with recommended websites and books. If you are wanting to create something special to be handed down through the family filled with special memories, then this book is full of useful information.

If you cannot find a good range of sewing and quilting materials locally try for a list of suppliers.

Annie Smith’s quilt pattern company, SimpleArts, has evolved from a small family business to a global online presence, reaching more than a million households. She teaches appliqué techniques at national and international quilt guilds and lives near San Jose, California.