Applique has got to be one of the funnest quilting techniques. Possibilities are endless for what you can create, and the effects are stunning. Yes, there's lots and lots of patterns out there, but you can get inspiration anywhere.
I'm going to share with you my quilted wall hanging journey, I want to create a lovely piece to hang - cos I love colour!
I have no trouble coming up with ideas, but I do have some difficulty in executing them, either not enough time or I get too frustrated when an initial attempt doesn't work...and improvising on a blank canvas can be problematic - everyone has limits and faults right?
A few years ago I purchased this book by Tula Pink - "Coloring with Thread". The book came with electronic files (pdf) that you could print and use for stitcheries and projects. Gorgeous.
I chose the Double Bunny design, it's not only fun but it highlights William Morris's influence in Tula Pink's beautiful designs. And I thought it would suite the range of fabrics I have.
I increased the image scale to a wall hanging that will end up 27" x 32" (approx 70cm x 80cm). Not too big but big enough for some applique fun.
Here is the wall hanging concept - applique center with a border to frame it.
I've started mapping the fabrics to the design, and am really happy with it so far - painting with fabric! You can do this with any image or drawing, just ensure you read the small print and are aware of what you can legally do with the image. Of course, if you are clever and creative enough to draw your own - all the better!
Next time I'll go through my preferred materials and will make a start - yay! Hope you join me and pick up some useful info on the way.