Trends

Trends come and go and a few stick around for the long haul.  Lately, in my life, I have noticed a trend or a desire to learn the different methods of appliqué.  What I have found interesting is that requests are so diverse.  Quilters want to appliqué for children, try out wool appliqué, make quick felt decor for the home, reverse appliqué for art quilting, etc....  I thought I would outline briefly the six methods of appliqué I am aware of and use periodically in my work.

Raw Edge - I find this best for small projects but can certainly work for any project.  It is sewing without turning or finishing the edges after fusing the motifs to your project.

Fused - This is a form of raw edge with machine top stitching using a decorative or blanket stitch.

Reverse - A type of layering fabrics, stitching on top and then cutting away sections to reveal fabric below.

Machine - Satin stitch or blanket stitch over raw edges.

Felt - A clean edge stitched on by hand or by machine.

Hand - Using needle and thread and a blind stitch to attach turned under motifs.

Applique quilts are such a beautiful works of art.  May you be inspired to tackle one in the near future.

Here is a file from Laura Wasilowski on fusing tips that you may find helpful.

file:///Users/dceduo/Desktop/Preview%20attachment%20Fusing%20Tips%20from%20Laura%20Wasilowski.pdfFusing%20Tips%20from%20Laura%20Wasilowski.pdf214%20KB.webloc

Changing Days

Fall has arrived here in Michigan.  The leaves are beginning to change colors and fall from the trees.  The cider mills are in full swing which means there are apples everywhere.  The chrysanthemums adorn nearly every porch and every town has a fall festival.

I love apples and all the recipes that go with them.  My all time favorite would have to be apple crisp though and so I thought I would share one of my recipes for it with you today.

Apple Crisp

Apple mixture

3 pound bag of apples, peeled, cored and sliced. I always use Gala or Macoun apples.

(the recipe calls for 10 cups of apples, but the 3 pound bag was perfect...no measuring!!

1 cup white sugar

1 Tablespoon flour

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1/2 cup water

Topping

1 cup quick cooking oats

1 cup all purpose flour

1 cup packed brown sugar

1/4 teaspoon baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 cup butter (one stick), melted

Directions...

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Place sliced apples in a 13x9 pan. Mix white sugar, flour and cinnamon and sprinkle over apples and coat them well. Pour water in pan.

In a separate bowl, mix all topping ingredients together. Spread crumble mixture evenly over apples.

Bake at 350 degrees for 45 minutes.

Enjoy these beautiful fall days!

Dee

Ahead of Our Time

Everyone seems to be jumping on the new adult coloring bandwagon.  There are numerous coloring books on the market now for adults as well as the Zentangle books.  It's fun, releases stress, relaxing and a great way to let your mind rest from all the activities and worries of daily life.

As I was perusing a few coloring books the other day in the store it struck me that I have been doing this for quite a few years now when I create or start a new pattern and color it in to see what fabrics I might want to choose.

I returned the book to the shelf and went home and took out my colored pencils.  

If you haven't  previewed different colors by copying your pattern and then coloring it in to make sure you are on the right track for purchasing the fabric then I would highly recommend it.  Besides it is a whole lot of fun.

It's looking and feeling a lot like fall in my part of the world.  Enjoy your days and make the most of what you are doing.

Blessings,

Dee