|
|
Applique quilts abound in quilt history going back to colonial times in America. Today the applique technique is used in a wide range of designs from traditional album quilts to abstract fiber art. The technique is quite simple, attaching one fabric to another by layering, rather than piecing. The design advantage is easier curves to sew and allows for more realistic images than patchwork.
I have been sewing applique quilts since 1980, usual with an animal or floral theme. I made quilts for my new nieces and nephews. Incorporating animals in my quilts has been a theme on and off for several decades. Floral designs, some set in squares, others free form, have also been sewn for several decades and I have only scratched the surface.
I prefer the free form nature of creating and have always favored those quilts. Spontaneity can capture a bit of spirit in it's beauty that well planed out quilts may lack. Applique can be seen as painting on the surface with fabric and bringing a new quilt into existence never seen before. It can be very satisfying to the quilter after spending untold hours to know this is a unique piece. The uniqueness could be in the fabrics and colors or design or a combination.
The applique has either a raw edge turned under or not, and sewn down using a variety of sewing stitches. In my own work I use both techniques. Usually my circles are hand sewn with edges turned under. It certainly takes more time than a raw edge circle to sew but I find it soothing first creating the turned edge circle and hand sewing it to the top.
Applique patterns can be anything you can imagine from aliens to zoo animals to landscapes, to traditional floral designs. The choices are endless. Consider what draws you when you look at applique quilts. Is it the design or the color or the theme? Allow your imagination to soar.
|
|
|
