Applique The Sew Quirky Way

Book excerpt: Learn how to do quick and easy applique the Sew Quirky way for fun, sewn projects. This collection of 12 designs for bright and bold machine applique patterns can be used to create bags, pillows, and quilts as well as to embellish clothes. Author, Mandy Murray, has a very unique style and that is reflected in her irreverent, humorous approach to designing, so whether it’s a dachshund in a doughnut or a flamingo who likes to mingle, her designs can’t fail to make you smile. This collection includes 12 projects for homewares and wearables. Choose from a fun floor cushion to an apron, table mats, wall hanging and even a dinosaur inspired applique design for a denim jacket. Mandy uses fusible applique to bring her designs to life and she explains this technique with step-by-step instructions and illustrations at the beginning of the book along with specific advice about getting the most from your sewing machine and using unusual fabrics – she loves to incorporate cork, vinyl and other eye catching fabrics into her designs. Other applique and piecing techniques covered include fussy cutting, layered applique, fabric selection and fabric 'auditioning' so you choose the best fabric for your project; how to get the right tension on your sewing machine and which feet to use, as well how to choose the right threads and needles for the best results. Other subjects covered include how to add hand embroidery and decorative stitches, quilting and finishing techniques and adding embellishments. Mandy also shares her techniques for different stitch styles, and shows you how to get exciting effects with even the most basic sewing machine. And she explains how to create her distinctive applique style using decorative stitches in the stitch library. The full-size applique patterns are included on a pull-out pattern sheet so you don’t need to print them out and stick pages together, and all the applique templates are included at full-size so you can get going straight away once you’ve decided which design to tackle first! As well as the main techniques section there are 12 exciting projects to choose from. Mandy is known for her fun and quirky designs: a dachshund in a donut, an otter on an inflatable and a flamingo who likes to mingle all feature in this fun pattern collection which includes wall art, embellishments on clothing, cushions, quilts and an apron. The projects come together quickly and easily and make the perfect funky present for families and friends.