Good morning, everyone, and welcome to the Studiolo! I am so excited to be taking part in the blog tour for my friend Jenifer Dick‘s Modern Applique Workbook today! As an introductory caveat: I will try hard not to finish every sentence with an exclamation point, but those who have read my blog before will know that I can be a little exuberant in the punctuation department.
As my regular readers know, I am an appliqué enthusiast. When others say they haven’t tried appliqué because they are intimidated, I both am a little mystified and feel a camaraderie, since that is the same way that I feel about piecing. For me, appliqué allows a freedom of expression that can’t be beat–you can cut out and apply any shape you want to a quilt top without having to worry about straight (or curved!) seams. Yes, there is the question of how to finish the edges of your appliqué shapes, but Jenifer’s book offers fantastically detailed instructions on one possible solution–invisible machine appliqué.
I’ve been making and designing appliqué quilts using my own raw-edge techniques for about four years, now (if you count the period where I had started but not finished any quilts). For some reason, I always figured that turned-edge appliqué would require handwork. I’m not averse to hand-sewing, but I have come to appreciate the difference in speed that using my machine offers, especially when I have a large number of shapes to stitch down. In this context, I loved learning about Jenifer’s technique for invisible machine-sewn turned-edge appliqué. In her book, Jenifer coaches us through the process of transferring templates to freezer paper to fabric, turning the edges under, and stitching the shapes to the background using invisible polyester thread and a tiny zig-zag stitch.
She also provides a fantastic section on materials that are useful for applique. I am dying to try clear polyester thread after reading Jenifer’s description, and, although I’ve made many successful quilts without starch, I’m pretty sure Jenifer’s book has converted me to a spray starcher.
Although Jenifer’s book concentrates on her turned-edge invisible machine appliqué technique, she also includes a section on different ways of stitching down the appliqués. To me, the variety of techniques and edge finishes is one of the lovely things about appliqué, and so I was happy to see Jenifer describe and include photos of some alternative techniques and machine appliqué stitches. I also really loved her inclusion of some intermediate and advanced applique techniques, including a great section about using bias and straight-grain tape. I also particularly enjoyed the section on preparing layered patterns, and hope to try those techniques in the future.
Throughout her book’s technique and project chapters, Jenifer includes the clear, detailed instructions of a veteran craft book author. In fact, she published several other appliqué books before this one, but they may not be as well known to us modern quilters because of their more traditional content (and the more traditional reputation that appliqué has had until relatively recently).
I asked Jenifer what inspired her to write a book on modern appliqué quilting, and she had this to say:
“I first heard about modern quilting probably about 2009. I ran across it online (like most of us!)….About a year after that, I watched it evolve into a more graphic-design oriented movement and saw what some of the great modern designers were doing…That’s when I started gravitating toward it and my quilts started changing to be more modern. Then in 2011, I published my first modern book – Quilt Retro. I call it modern, but it’s more of a hybrid. There’s some very traditional stuff in there but it looks modern by just tweaking a few things here and there.
“Since then, I’ve found that my style of modern is really modern traditionalism. I’m too entrenched in tradition to turn my back on it completely, but I love the principals of modern quilting. Blending them together is just what I love best!
“The Modern Applique Workbook came about because I saw a need in modern to expand into applique. I have been an appliquer for a long time and developed my method over the years. When I started making modern quilts, of course I incorporated appliqué into the mix and soon realized that not a lot of others were appliquéing modern. I thought here’s an opportunity for modern quilters to expand and open up a whole new area of quilting. I hope they agree and join in on the appliqué fun!”
On a more serious note, I also love that Jenifer touches on copyright in her book. Appliqué presents so many possibilities for the modern (and traditional) quilter, and the wealth of images available online make it so tempting to just grab an image and turn it into an appliqué. At the same time, we always need to remember that an individual is behind the existence of each of those images, and I love that Modern Applique Workbook makes a note of this with regards to modifying commercial patterns. As designers, and customers of designers, we all have a stake in preserving copyright, and it’s refreshing to see this reinforced in a popular crafting book.
I am so thrilled to be a part of this blog tour, especially because it has such a fantastic line-up! If you’re interested in finding out more about the Modern Applique Workbook, check out some of these additional posts.
Feb. 10: Bonnie Hunter www.quiltville.blogspot.com
Feb. 11: Amy Smart www.diaryofaquilter.com
Feb. 12: Angela Walters www.quiltingismytherapy.com/my-blog
Feb. 13: Debbie Grifka www.eschhousequilts.com
Feb. 14: Tammie Schaffer www.craftytammie.com
Feb. 17: Casey York www.studioloblog.wordpress.com
Feb. 18: Deb Rowden www.debrowden.blogspot.com
Feb. 19: Melissa Thompson Maher @ Generation Q magazine http://generationqmagazine.com/
Feb. 20: Shea Henderson www.emptybobbinsewing.com
Feb. 21: Diane Harris @ Quiltmaker Magazine http://www.quiltmaker.com/blogs/quiltypleasures/
Stash Books has generously offered me a free copy of Jenifer’s book to give away to a lucky reader. If you’re in the US, you’ll get a print copy, and if you’re an international reader, you’ll get an electronic version (complete with full-size printable applique templates). Just leave a comment below. I’ll randomly pick a winner a week from today (February 24). If you can’t wait until then to get your hands on a copy of Jenifer’s book, it’s available on Amazon or you can purchase an autographed copy directly from her here!
So cool! Thanks for the giveaway!
This looks a great book – I’d love to win a copy!
This is exciting. I love the look of applique and it sure can be labor intensive. I don’t know that this is any faster and it certainly is a different approach. Thanks for the chance to win a book. Thanks for the great review, too!
I am a first time reader of your blog and now I’m hooked. Today I am becoming a follower to get inspired. Applique has seemed intimidating, so I’ve only done it sporadically. I think reading your blog will inspire me to try something new. Can’t wait to start.
What a cool book! I love the projects you’ve featured here and I believe this book is now a must-have for me. I haven’t done too much applique but I think that’s about to change! Thank you for the opportunity to win. LOVE your blog!
Sounds like a great book. Thanks for the chance to win.
Great giveaway! I’m looking forward to one day seeing YOUR name on a book cover!
This looks like an excellent book!
I’m just beginning to explore modern appliqué, and this book would be a great help. Thank you for the opportunity to win!
Can’t wait to get my hands on this book. Looks like fun
The Flame wall art quilt is beautiful! svonfumetti at yahoo dot com
I’ve done very little applique but plan to in the near future. This book would be the motivation I need to try some new things.
Love the look of these appliqued quilts, and the possibility of learning a new way to do them. Thanks for the review and the possibility to win Jenifer’s book.
This looks like a fantastic book. I would love to win it. Thanks for the great descriptions of things in the book.
I have a bit of an applique fear but it does give you a lot of freedom. Maybe this book would be helpful.
I appreciate your review & truly am enjoying all the blogs. Great job to all you ladies.
lovely quilts in this book. I like the fact it adds applique to the modern movement.
I love appliqué but have always done it by hand. I would love to try by machine. Thanks for the blog tour and and for the chance to win
I love a bit of applique added to a pieced project — it really adds some interest. This looks like a great book, thanks for the chance to win.
I find appliqueing can be so artistic as you have the freedom to go in any direction. I’m thinking that one of my next projects will include some traditional blocks along with applique and embroidery. Jennifer’s book looks like it would be so helpful. Hoping to win a copy. Thanks for the great review and giveaway!
I’m one of those that is intimidated by applique but I want to branch out and tackle it. I’ve saved some patterns over the years just in case I ever get brave enough. I think I’m ready to take the leap. Thanks for the chance to win this book.
I really like the Flames
thanks!
I recently discovered the joys of applique (both hand and machine techniques.) This book looks like a lot of fun!
I would love to learn to applique correctly! I’ve tried several times, and I just don’t get it! Would love to have a good book to really explain different techniques to finish off the edges.
I can’t wait to get my hands on this book!
I’m eager to see what this is all about! Those are beautiful quilts. Hard to believe that they are done by machine. I’d like to learn that!
I would love to win a copy of this book-it looks like a great one! Janet
Great review! (Note my exclamation point.) I’m very intrigued about the “turned edge” machine applique.
I really like those flames!
Count me in, I love what I’ve read and seen so far! Thanks
tdkcarpenoctem@hotmail.com
Love the flames! Putting this on my book list.
I would love to learn machine applique and learning all of Jennifer’s tips. Thanks for a chance to win.
Awesome review of the book. thanks
I have been wanting to learn more about applique and this book looks like it could be my answer. Thanks for a chance to win it.
I love the look that applique brings to quilts, but I haven’t tried doing an as yet. I would love to win Jenifer’s book. It sounds like a technique that I would like to learn!
I’d love to win this book. I could use help in adding applique to my quilts.
Thanks for the chance to win a copy! I am hoping to win!
Sounds like a great book! Thanks for the chance to win!
I agree, appliqué is very freeing. Having several different techniques available helps to make it all work. Can’t wait to learn Jennifer’s technique.
Learning applique is high on my list…. this looks like just the ticket! Thanks for a chance at a great book!
Great projects, so fresh. I have recently been drawn to making some modern quilts. This book has so many neat projects and helps to get my feet wet. Thanks for your comments and the giveaway.
Blending two of my favorites: applique quilts and quilts with modern design. I hope I win a copy of this inspiring book.
That looks like a great book!
I am teaching myself to applique. I would love to have a copy of this book. crystalbluern at onlineok dot com
Beautiful quilts! Thanks for a chance!
Wow, what a great review of her book! I hope I win one! I am following the blog hop and finding such talent! New follower here. I cannot wait to try out some of her techniques! I am one of those piecers!
I ♥Jennifer dick’s applique patters! would love to win a copy of her new book! thanx for the opportunity to do so.
Wow, this book looks so COOL! Love the new modern quilts, and the applique is very intriguing. Thanks so much for sharing your blog!
Thanks for sharing this book. It looks like there is a wealth of information!
This looks like a great book. I’m glad I found the book tour. Thanks for the review and chance to win.
Where can I get the invisible thread the author uses?
Jenifer recommends Sulky Premier Invisible thread, although she also mentions Superior Threads Monopoly as a good brand. You can find them at sulky.com and superiorthreads.com
This book will be a big help in improving my applique skills. Thanks for the drawing.
This book sounds like it would be a great resource to learn new applique techniques as well as improve on what I’ve already been doing.
I’m interested to see how Jennifer can fill a whole book with just applique! An easy, no-fail method is what I’m looking for!!
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Thanks for the chance to win! This books looks so awesome
Looks Wonderful! Thanks!
This book would help me a lot with my applique!
Love the quilts! Looks like a beautiful book!
The quilts are great! I think I would love this book!
It’s a great book and copyright is so very important.
I’d love to try my hand at invisible machine applique. I usually do needle turn.
This book has great looking quilts in it. I would love to add it to my library.
This looks like an exciting new book. I love traditional appliqué of all types and and starting to branch out into more modern quilts. I just found out about a modern quilt guild in our area and will be attending my first meeting next week.
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