Wednesday, June 1, 2016

Crafted Applique Blog Hop and Giveaway

Hello all!  I'm excited to be part of the blog hop today for Lara Buccella's new book, "Crafted Applique...New Possibilities."

Lara blogs at BuzzinBumble, and we met via the comments section of our blogs a couple years ago and became friends. She is a genuinely sweet, kind person, and I was honored when she asked me if I would review her book and be part of her book tour blog hop.  

I'm also happy to be able to give away a copy of the Crafted Applique book to one lucky person, so keep reading and leave a comment below for your chance to win!

Applique is something with which I have some experience on a small scale— mostly wall hangings and such—with mixed results.  I've done a bit of needle-turn applique and a few projects using fusibles.  I got a little fed up with fusibles at one point and tried some raw edge applique by just pinning things in place and edge-stitching.  A bit tricky, as you might imagine, and I dread it fraying or coming apart in the wash.  So I was really interested in learning about a new and different technique in Crafted Applique.  

Makes fabric fusible yet flexible?  Non-fraying even after washing, and won't gum up your needle?  Okay, I'm in!

There are some absolutely gorgeous projects in Lara's book.  The one featured on the book cover is my favorite!  The really cool thing is that once you know how it's done, the sky's the limit, and I predict you'll be off and running with your own ideas in no time!  Gotta love a book that not only has wonderful step-by-step instructions and projects but inspires and enables you to create your own right off the bat.

Let's try some simple shapes, for starters, I thought.  I'm often inspired by nature, and this year we've got an interesting thing happening in our backyard—some crows have decided to nest in the tall ash tree next to the deck.  They've been fascinating to watch!  I say "they" because crows are very social and cooperative birds, and taking care of the nest, and the crow mama sitting on it, is a family affair.


So with our resident crows in mind, I found a silhouette to use as a pattern for this mini-quilt, which finished at 10.5 inches square.

I love how it turned out!  It was very easy to prep the fabric, cut out the shape, adhere, edge-stitch, and quilt.  And it's reassuring to know that the sharp details of the feathers and beak won't fray.
 
For my next project, staying with the simple shapes theme, I thought about the effigy mounds that populate the landscape here in southern Wisconsin. Effigy mounds are large raised piles of earth stylized in the shapes of animals, symbols, or other figures.  

The mounds in this area were constructed by an ancient Native American culture known as the Late Woodland, or Effigy Mound Builders, between 800 AD and 1200 AD, likely the pre-Columbian ancestors of the Ho-Chunk Nation.
  
"It is believed that most effigy mounds fall into three classes corresponding to the three natural realms - air, earth and water. The cosmology of many Midwest Native American tribes consider these realms in terms of the upper world (air) and lower world (earth and water). Some of the prominent shapes in this particular grouping include turtles, panthers, canines, buffalo (bear), deer and birds. Long-tailed effigies, such as turtle and panther mounds are believed to be representations of powerful (lower world) water spirit-beings. Often times they are oriented toward a spring or water source."  (Source) 
Represented in my wall hanging is a bird effigy, top left, and then clockwise from there is a fox effigy, turtle effigy, and buffalo effigy.  The wall hanging measures 25.5 inches square.


I quilted this piece in a multicolored thread in a spiral pattern, leaving the appliqued shapes unquilted (thus more mound-like).
Of course in real life, effigy mounds are not as easy to see as a bright batik fabric.  You could walk by or around or over them and not notice unless it was pointed out.  In fact, the back of the piece more accurately represents how they tend to blend into the landscape. Thankfully, many effigy mounds or mound groupings have been preserved and marked, although innumerable sites were destroyed in the early days of agriculture and housing and industrial development.  

I've really enjoyed reading and working with "Crafted Applique: New Possibilities" as a guide and inspiration.  I can't wait to see what YOU will do! 


* * * * Giveaway! * * * *

What might you want to do for your next applique project?  What have you enjoyed or been challenged by in your experiences with applique?

Leave a comment on this blog post for a chance to win a copy of the book, "Crafted Applique...New Possibilities"!   I will draw a winner from the comments on Monday, June 6, at noon Central Time.  Please be sure you are not a no-reply blogger, or leave your email address in your comment if you're not sure, so I can contact you if you win!

Thanks for visiting - and good luck!

And please explore any or all of the blog hop stops to see the way others have been inspired by Crafted Applique.  Here's the schedule:

Crafted Appliqué: New Possibilities Blog Hop - May 1st to June 5th

Sunday, May 1 - Introduce the Hop and post the schedule on BuzzinBumble
Monday, May 2 - Valerie Smith - Pumpkin Patch Quilter
Tuesday, May 3 - Dana Gaffney - Stormy Days
Wednesday, May 4 - Lorna McMahon - Sew Fresh Quilts 
Thursday, May 5 - Mary S. - Needled Mom
Friday, May 6 - Heidi Kuntz - Red Letter Quilts
Saturday, May 7 - Alycia Carmin - Alycia Quilts
Sunday, May 8 - Amy DeCesare - Amy Made That
Monday, May 9 - Sherri McConnell - A Quilting Life
Tuesday, May 10 - Lara Buccella - Sew Mama Sew 
Wednesday, May 11 - Christina Cameli - A Few Scraps
Thursday, May 12 - Melissa Corry -  Happy Quilting
Friday, May 13 - Sarah Craig - Confessions of a Fabric Addict
Saturday, May 14 - Soma Acharya - Whims and Fancies 
Sunday, May 15 - Val Reynolds -  Val's Quilting Studio
Monday, May 16 - Angela Pingel - Cut to Pieces
Tuesday, May 17 - Sandra Walker - Musings of a Menopausal Melon
Wednesday, May 18 - Cheryl Brickey - Meadow Mist Designs
Thursday, May 19 - Judy Murphy - Quilt Paradigm
Friday, May 20 - Yvonne Fuchs - Quilting Jetgirl
Saturday, May 21 - Cindy Pieters - Stitchin' at Home
Sunday, May 22 - Susie Zlogar - Susie's Sunroom
Monday, May 23 - Connie Kresin-Campbell - Freemotion by the River
Tuesday, May 24 - Ruth Bourke - Charly & Ben's Crafty Corner
Wednesday, May 25 - Kaja Zieslar - Sew Slowly
Thursday, May 26 - Ann Brooks - Fret Not Yourself
Friday, May 27 - Cynthia Brunz - Quilting is More Fun Than Housework
Saturday, May 28 - Monday, May 30 ... Memorial Day Weekend in the U.S.
Tuesday, May 31 - Jenn Trott-Zisserson - Quarter Inch From the Edge
Wednesday, June 1 - Paulette Horn - The Way I Sew It
Thursday, June 2 - Sandra Jansen - Studio Sew of Course
Friday, June 3 - Christine Sherman - Triangles and Squares
Saturday, June 4 - Darlene Simmons - Quilt Shop Gal
Sunday, June 5 - Announce BuzzinBumble Giveaway Winners - Lara Buccella

74 comments:

Catskill Quilter said...

I would love to try an applique quilt for a toddler!

Lori Smanski said...

your projects are wonderful. this has been such a fun and inspiring hop.
thanks. I used to had applique while everyone was watching tv. would love to get back into it. also would love to learn machine applique.
quilting dash lady at comcast dot net

Lara B. said...

Paulette, I was so curious what the sneak peak of your applique project would turn out to be. Never would I have guessed Effigy mounds. It amazes me that early Americans could build these when they did not have an aerial view. Also, just imagining how they managed to last all these centuries is also very awe inspiring.

I love your effigy mound quilt and the shapes you chose! (I could not figure out what the long tailed turtle was until I read the description - rather like an effigy mound itself. The way you quilted it is wonderful and does make your effigies look moundier. (I made up that word.)

Your crow mini quilt is incredible too! The pose and shape of the crow has so much life and movement! Both quilts could easily be in art shows!

Thank you for the wonderful review of Crafted Applique! I'm so glad you loved the book and loved this new method. It really does make it easy for your own creativity to burst forth, as you've shown us with this wonderful post!

cjmont said...

i would love to do the moth from the crafted applique book. thanks for the giveaway.

Anna brown said...

Wow loved the crow that black with the yellow orange background was inspiring....... I love applique i wish i had more time to do more.... happyness04431@yahoo.com

Afquilt said...

I want to make an applique quilt for a special little girl :)

patty a. said...

I would use this to add text to a series I have in mind.

Laceflower said...

I've done a few needle turn quilts/wallhangings and am currently designing a large wall hanging with a basket theme - there will be loads of flowers. So any technique that makes this easier is welcomed information.

JANET said...

I am currently adding an applique border on a quilt top I had finished a few years ago, then put away. I did not like it after it was done. I took it out a couple weeks ago and decided it needed a border on it, so hopefully it will get finished.

Martina said...

I would love to make a quilt with lots of appliqued flowers¨This seems to be a great technique to use!

Unknown said...

I just finished a William Morris quilt Morning Glory! My next applique quilt I would love to make Edyta Sitar Seasonal Silhouettes!

legato1958 said...

I really love your applique' projects! The Crafted Applique' technique made such beautiful edges, and your fabrics and quilting made them gorgeous!!
Susie

Mara said...

I like doing Applique projects and I am so excited to try out Lara's new technique I don't like it when the threads fray, and sometimes the substance I use to stick it to the fabric is really hard on my needles, it will be fun to try this new way. grecomara at gmail dot com

babiesdoc said...

I want to make a dresses quilt for a aphla phi even with black and one red dress.
I have made a version of this quilt before but was alway unhappy with the applique results

sharongalliatgmaildotcom

Nancy J said...

Through this blog hop, I have seen so many stunning designs, different interpretations, and as I so enjoy making big bags with outside pockets, would like to do a pocket with flowers on stems, green leaves, and use Lara's method .A wonderful book to have and treasure, a very generous give-away.

Jocelyn said...

I have not done much applique but would love to try Lara's technique. Thanks!

kupton52 said...

I have some beautiful tulip fabric I'd like to fussy cut to try Lara's technique on.....my sofa is cryout out for new throws pillows

Kathleen said...

I'm not sure what I will make but it will most likely be something for my little grandbaby girl. Thanks for the opportunity to win!
kakingsbury at verizon dot net

Sewgirl said...

I have a really cool pieced background that I want to do a forest scene with....just afraid of all that raw edge fraying....currently it's sitting as a UFO. Love your crow. I have always been attracted to their jet black feathers against a neat background like you gave them. Thanks for sharing the giveaway!

PugMom said...

I would do a pug quilt of course!

Karen Rowland said...

I would do a silouette of my lab.
sweetpeamarie2003@yahoo.com

fabricstasher24@gmail.com said...

I would like to applique a camera onto a quilt for my Daughter.
fabricstasher24@gmail.com

Knittingdancer on Ravelry said...

love the crow mini quilt and the other applique quilt

Linette Greene said...

This has been a very fun blog hop, one of the first I have particpated in. So fun to be introduced to all the new blogs I have never visited.

I am excited by the possibilities of Lara's technique. I am NOT a lover of applique--that is MAKING applique. I adore the looks of applique, especially the elaborate designs of Toni Whitney, McKenna Ryan, and a local designer, Monique Kleinhans. I think I have the name spelled right. I have one pattern that is of the Jammers in Glacier park, and the Weeping Wall, and another that is Lake McDonald in Glacier Park. and there is a pug applique pattern my husband really wants me to make for him....

tac73 said...

I am really wanting to make a robot quilt for grandson and also robot applique for his t-shirt.

virgdale said...

Really want to try this technique on my next project.

Lisa England said...

I love the look of applique and have used a variety of techniques. I've been happy with the results most of the time, but I always avoid raw edge applique on things that must be washable. I am looking forward to learning Lara's technique so I have another option. This looks like such a great book!

NancyA said...

I love McKenna Ryan's patterns, but was afraid of all the little pieces--until now. I think I might tackle one using this new technique.

Richard Healey said...

Those are amazing. I have done only a little applique but what you show makes me want to try some more. The FMQ by the way is amazing in its detail.

Heidi said...

Yay! It is your big reveal! Your work looks amazing, I LOVE the crow, and how well it quilted.

Connie Kauffman said...

I want to Applique leaves

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

I am so intrigued by this book........I need one!
glen

Kathy's Korner said...

I love your projects! I have not used batiks but love the look. You may have inspired me to use batiks on my next applique project and, of course, I will try Lara's method. Thanks for the opportunity to win a copy of her book.

Katy M said...

I love using Applique to decorate children's clothes and quilts 😊

barbara woods said...

Would love to win, thanks

OhioLori said...

I would use some applique on our Granboy's Quilt! His folks did his room in Whales & Nautical things! :)

Thank you for chance to win your Give-a-way!! :D

Kathy E. said...

Hi Paulette! (new follower here!) I am in NE Iowa and remember visiting the Effigy Mounds when I was a kid. Very mysterious and interesting place! Lara's technique makes the shapes and your crow perfect templates for applique. I'm thinking of using it to applique names on quilts or make a mini-wallhanging with flowers and I know those skinny stems need special attention to avoid fraying!

GranChris said...

Your applique is wonderful but your quilting is also terrific. I need my quilting to be half that good.

Anita said...

Wonderful applique and exquisite quilting.

My next appliqué project would probably be a block from the Splendid Sampler.

moosecraft said...

Looks beautiful and durable! I'd be very interested in learning this technique!

Kathleen C said...

Your crow is wonderful. They're remarkably smart birds according to a PBS show I saw last year.
I do a lot of needleturn applique and love the peacefulness of doing the repetitive stitching. But I definitely want to learn a newer, faster way to create applique, and this giveaway looks perfect. Thanks very much.

Kaja said...

I have been looking forward to seeing what you got up to with this technique and am not disappointed. I love the ideas you have for simple, strong shapes: the crow is very effective and I like the effigy mound creatures too. I had never heard of these before so have been happily reading up - fascinating. Your batiks make a great background too; I'm particularly keen on the lovely yellows you paired with the crow.

Gill said...

I love your crow quilt - I'd love to make something similar!

Jean Tuthill said...

I haven't done much applique, but this makes it look so easy. Please enter me in your drawing, and thanks for being so generous!

Unknown said...

I am just learning to applique and would love a copy of this book! thank you for the chance to win.
Mary - mburnette912@bellsouth.net

Sew of Course said...

I absolutely love what you have made! Both the crow and the effigy mounds have turned out so well. I had never heard of effigy mounds before, so thanks, too for the explanation on that.
Don't enter me in the giveaway, I have the book (and I am the next stop on the hop)...

mumbird3 said...

Awesome Crow! I would love to applique more with better results!!! Thanks for the chance!

Marly said...

I am going to make a toy basket for a new-born baby and would like to appliqué silhouette figures onto it. I would love to use this new method as my appliqué results so far have not been entirely successful.

Unknown said...

Very informative blog post. Thanks for the giveaway chance. I'd love to try this technique. I'm never confident with my raw-edge applique that it will stay put. refusestofear at yahoo dot com

Carol said...

I'd like to make a table runner, maybe with utensils appliqued on it. I find needle-turn to be very challenging and a bit frustrating, so I usually resort to raw-edge, which is certainly easy, but doesn't provide as nice of a result.

selleck said...

One of the gals in my Modern Quilt group had everyone make a square for her of what our housse would look like after our recent earth quake. I find needle turn satisfying.

Alice Ronne said...

I'd like to try some nature/organic shapes, maybe leaves. Following the blog hop it seems like this is an excellent method. akronne17@gmail.com

Terry Aske Art Quilts said...

I love appliqué and I'm always interested in finding new and improved methods and techniques.

Heide said...

Love Lara technique! have used it a few times now on smaller projects and it works great. You crow is stunning, love the black on the orange fabrics.

LadySchep said...

I have some wall hangings in mind to display some of my favorite Bible verses. I've found that I've both enjoyed and been challenged by applique in the past, so I'm always eager to learn something new!

Vicki in MN said...

I do machine applique on table runners and wall hangings and would love to learn Lara's technique so I hope I might be the lucky one to win!

mangozz said...

I would love to make an applique sewing machine cover. chocolatewiskers@aol.com

Needled Mom said...

Your applique looks fabulous. My grandparents lived in Wisconsin and I remember visiting the mounds. Lara is such a sweet person. Her technique is brilliant.

I want to make a growth chart with her applique method.

Emily C said...

I would love to make a dolphin wallhanging.

Béa said...

I love applique and can't wait to learn this new technique !!!

Sandra said...

I have done 3 different types of applique.

Raw edge - using wonder under then a small zigzag around the edges.

Turned edge - Freezer paper and starch
- Needleturn

I let the type of project determine which method I use.

Would love to give this book a good home.

syvisser@gmail(dot)com

Seacoast Quilter said...

A non-fray raw edged applique sounds great. I look forward to learning this new technique.

Sally said...

Love your mound effigies, clever idea I might have to borrow. thanks for chance, I'd love to learn this method

Kathryn said...

I'd like to try this with letter shapes for a grandchild's quilt.

Anna-Marie said...

Would love to win a copy of this book, am very intrigued to learn how it's done!
annamariehlustik@googlemail.com

lauraluvsloons said...

I want to try this with any intricate applique shape like swirls and flowers - any shape too difficult to turn the edges on.

rainjerette said...

I really like your effigy quilt! Especially the back :) I enjoy applique, and have an idea to make some pillows for my mom with celtic knots. Thank you for sharing with us!

LJ said...

What fun this hop has been. I don't know that I've ever been so intrigued by a book or a method before. I definitely hope to use this magic on a baby quilt in my future.

Lee said...

I have been loving this blog hop! The crow on the yellow is fabulous!

Patty said...

love the applique! The book looks quite fun

Sandra Walker said...

Paulette, thank you for teaching me something on my 'computer-free Sunday' (ya I broke my rule for Lara, but she's special). I have never heard of an effigy mound before and it fascinates me, as does most history of peoples. I love the mounds and chalk figures only fully appreciated by air in England, for example...I think your quilt is a beautiful rendering (especially leaving the mounds themselves puffy). I was also immediately drawn to your beautiful quilting. Like the crows, too, and you have given me a new appreciation for them; I usually have found them most annoying and mean to other birds...must rethink some of that! Wonderful to visit you. :-)

Dody said...

I want to learn more about applique!

Unknown said...

I LOVE your crow 10.5 inch x 10.5 inch quilted panel. Could you make these to sell? I would be interested in buying if so. Thank you. Amanda.

Paulette said...

Thanks for your nice comment, Amanda. Your email is set to "no reply" so I am responding here in the comments. This was a one-of-a-kind project I made from scrap fabrics. I'm happy you like it though. It's one of my favorite things, too!