Hi everyone:
Do you ever have those days weeks when you are less than inspired and can't seem to find the get-up-and-go to do anything? Oh yes, the meals get made, the laundry is done, but when it comes to quilting... I've been having one of those days weeks. I have so many patterns and projects on the go and deadlines to meet that I don't know where to start. I guess you would say that I'm overwhelmed. At least this is the excuse that I am currently using! What to do? Anything! Once the first step is taken, everything seems to flow along and obligations don't seem quite so burdensome.
So, in keeping with this philosophy, I am starting to catch up on some of my book reviews. Today I'm looking at two books, both dealing with embellishing your projects. I'm not really an art quilter, but I do love collecting embellishments - buttons, trims, lace, doilies - and never quite know what to do with them. These books have given me many ideas.
Photo courtesy of Martingale |
First, let's look at Exploring Embellishments: More Artful Quilts with Fast-Piece Appliqué by Rose Hughes. The six projects in this book use various types of embellishments and use Rose's "fast-piece appliqué" technique in constructing the background. This method is similar to reverse appliqué in that you layer the fabrics and then cut out certain areas to let the base fabric show through. This method can be applied on any size project. In addition, Rose uses couched yarn to delineate the cut out portions. See, you need to collect more fabric and yarn for projects like these!
Excerpt from Exploring Embellishments Photo courtesy of Martingale |
The Truth about Cats and Dogs Photo courtesy of Martingale |
Photo courtesy of Martingale |
UFO Fun! from Sew Embellished! Photo courtesy of Martingale |
Wearable adornments from Sew Embellished! Photo courtesy of Martingale |
Do you consider yourself an art quilter, and if so, what are your favourite embellishments?
2 comments:
Great reviews Kim. These books look like fun.
I'm more of a traditional quilter, but have acquired a good appreciation of art quilts and enjoy making them too.
SewCalGal
www.sewcalgal.blogspot.com
Thanks, Darlene, I don't consider myself an art quilter either, but just like to stick extra things on my quilts sometimes. I'm thinking that the buttons, doilies, yo-yos, etc. might work well with hand embroidery projects.
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