There are some of us who just can’t seem to ever have enough fabric. It ends up filling our shelves, getting tucked into baskets and drawers, overflowing from closets, and then some. The Stash Happy series answers that inevitable question many crafters face: what will I do with all of these scraps? So far we’ve embraced our stash passion with Patchwork and Felt so far. Now we turn our stitching attention to the accessible and versatile technique of appliqué.
With just a little bit of fabric, a few stitches, and Stash Happy: Appliqué you can create beautiful handcrafted items. Try a wide variety of techniques, including frayed raw edge, turned edge, needle turn, satin stitch, open zigzag, trapunto, and reverse appliqué. A thorough basics section, complete with step-by-step photos and helpful illustrations, provide plenty of hand holding and tips that even the most experienced stitchers out there would appreciate.
Then it’s time to jump into the projects. Embellish store-bought items in need of a makeover (like cute Mary Jane shoes, a lampshade, or café curtains). Or make 100% original creations (like a fashionable tote, adorable little gnome doll, or a fabric wall portrait of your own house).
The appliqué motifs themselves also cover a huge variety: From kid’s drawings and text to coffee cups and pretty paisley. There’s truly something for everyone. Yes, even you.
And don’t just stick to quilting cotton (although there’s plenty of ideas for that) in your appliqué explorations. Try your hand at working with felt, flannel, jersey, linen, muslin, even wool or silk suiting.
Projects include step-by-step photography and templates, making stash busting not only fun but easy.
Stash Happy: Appliqué is a colorful and creative exploration of the stash busting challenge that will have you looking at your fabric collection in an entirely new way. Come back here in future weeks for exciting Stash Happy series giveaways and free projects.
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If there’s one thing I love more than creating clothes that I’ll actually wear, it’s transforming something that I once loved so I’ll wear it again. That’s why I’m so inspired by this project from Katherine Shaughnessy’s new book New Crewel: The Motif Collection. Just download the project instructions and the motifs, and you’ve got everything you need to update last summer’s favorite skirt with some lovely crewelwork!
