Monday, September 27, 2010

A Nasty Rumor

There is a nasty rumor going around. I am sure you have all heard it. It has been around for awhile. I have taken on the task of squashing the rumor and making sure that people know the truth. I guess that makes me a crusader of sorts. What is this rumor? You ask. Well it goes something like this. (There are variations) Hand applique is hard, tedious and takes Forever! (It is usually followed by the statement- "I don't have the patience for that.") Let me tell you now, this is in no way true. Hand applique is easy! It is much more forgiving than piecing where all the seams have to match and points line up. There is one simple stitch to learn. It is not tedious. It is actually relaxing. You can stitch while you watch tv or talk. And let me tell you Quilters, it is not slow. I am not a slow kind of girl, even without deadlines. I think it's faster than machine because I can work on a block anywhere. I can't always be at my machine. As for requiring patience, I have been called alot of things but patient isn't one of them.


That being said, I finished an applique class this weekend at Sew Sweet Quilt Shop. We used my French Wrens pattern which is great for learning. Everyone used a different layer cake creating totally different looks. Below are samples of their works in progress. They were a great group to work with. Lots of fun and they caught on fast. When I teach it is not my goal to simply teach someone how to make my pattern. It is to teach them a new skill that they will go on to use for many new projects that they may not have tried before.

I have no idea why the one photo turned. I have fought with blogger all morning. Anyway...

Sew Sweet is a fantastic shop. Super cute, great variety and some of the nicest folks you'll ever meet. I had intended to take photos of the shop but my battery was about dead. Head on over to

www.sewsweetquiltshop.com and check them out.

Happy Quilting, Dawn

20 comments:

  1. Dawn, I have the same problem with the pictures turning sideways at times. Don't know why this happens. May have to try your applique class some time.

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  2. Thank you Dawn for your crusade. I love hand applique. It really does calm me if I'm stressed.

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  3. It took me a very long time to jump into hand applique and when I did I was instantly smitten (I love handwork) I had been told as a new quilter that applique was very difficult and that I should avoid it at all costs. So, I did - I mean they (who is they, anyway?) knew more than I did. When I took the plunge I couldn't believe how much I enjoyed it and sad at all I'd missed over the years. :-) Sadly, I haven't done any hand applique in many, many months. :-( Your post may have inspired me to get busy!

    I'm joining your crusade - Dawn!

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  4. Blogger does that to me too...your not alone.
    I'll never master the art of applique like you...just sayin how it is. :-)

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  5. I love to do needleturn, just don't do s much as I would like. Everyone who's afraid needs to take a class from you, Dawn, I hear you're a terrific teacher. I know you're a great artist and wonderful person that will be patient, teaching others what you love. And like several others said, verrrryyy caaallllming! Glad you are quashing the rumor!!!

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  6. Right On!!
    Loved your post today. I'm patient either, but have a love of applique' and hand quilting.
    your birdie blocks so cute - what a good class of stitchers.

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  7. Love your post, I am qlad you are trying to squash the ugly rumor. I too have problems with photos sometimes.

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  8. Sorry but I am a hand applique klutz and it does take me an incredibly long time to do anything. If it can go wrong, it does. But I'm not a rumor spreader~ don't want anyone to actually think I'm a klutz! ;-) LOL Love the photo's! Have a happy day!

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  9. I agree..hand applique gets a bad rap. It truly is more forgiving than machine piecing and I think it's very relaxing.

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  10. I agree, this ugly rumour needs stopping in its tracks! Another thing I like about hand appliqué is that I can be with my family while doing it, and not down in my cave with the sewing machine!! It makes me feel more sociable!!

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  11. I sure wish I lived close to you, so that I could have taken your class. I don't have a shop within 2 hours of me teaching an applique class. I am REALLY wanting to learn as I have found a BOM quilt with applique. I am looking for a beginner pattern, to start practicing. Any books, methods, or kits you would recommend. I am a wannabe!

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  12. I love how the same pattern makes up in to such different personalities with the different fabrics! I would love to take your class! I find needle-turn applique a bit tricky... I need more practice!

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  13. It's great that you are trying to squash that rumour! I live amongst many who believe that ANY handwork is too difficult and it keeps them from trying new things and new techniques.

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  14. funny, my mom didn't like applique. She did it once but I think she had bad directions, and she swore she'd never do it again (I think it was needle turn, not fuseable. I am so for fuseing until I get better with my hands then I want to try needle turn) so I was always intimidated.

    Tottay off topic, I tried to print out the borders from scribd and they said it was no longer there. Darn computer wasn't working until recently for printing ANYTHING.

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  15. One part of the applique story that I'd like to add...as a previous believer of the rumor that now really enjoys hand applique....it is addicting! Thanks for enlightening everyone; you are definitely right! French Wrens was a great project to practice skills too.

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  16. As another hand appliquer (can't think of anything else that brings such joy as sitting and needle turning!) thank you for your crusade. This nasty rumor has to be stopped in its tracks, lol.

    Karen

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  17. I have learnt to love the portable nature of applique, I used to be a machine only girl but no more! I'm so pleased you're doing another BOM, I was sorry I didn't do your Vicksburg quilt, it was lovely. Kind regards, Rowena

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  18. Lovely appliques. I agree with your statement. Love applique.

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  19. Lots of people having problems with blogger and photos lately.
    Stop that rumor! There are so many different applique methods that makes it easy and fun.
    Love what the class did with your pattern.

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  20. First, thank you so much for sharing your wonderful patterns. I love reading your blog.

    Second, I also am in love with hand applique. I cannot just sit idle without something to do in my hands, weather in front of the TV at night or in the waiting room at the Dr. office.

    Of course, I was always said to be a little crazy because I enjoyed the hand finishing part of sewing clothes for my children too!

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