Customer Reviews

Appliqué Your Way

5 star:		(11)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I was struggling to decide if this is a three star or four star book. It has some downsides, but it got me crafting straight away and having fun, so I have to give it 4!

Mostly, I liked this book. The designs are simple and straightforward to use, and have a quirky, modern appeal. In fact I used the Whale shape from the Nantucket Skirt straight away, to make an embellished t-shirt for a toddler. The templates are full-sized so there's no need to run to the copy machine before you get crafty.

The projects are a mixed bag though, some I loved and others... not so much. There is an amateurish look about them. A few looked like they hadn't been ironed before the photo was taken. I like a "crafty" aesthetic, but I think this can be achieved without looking shabby.

The projects do run a full range of applique styles and while shabby is not inspiring, at least it is not intimidating! I felt I could jump right in and make something that looks as good or better myself.

In summary, great book for a crafty college student with or without a sewing machine, who can get away with looking deconstructed and hunt through thrift stores. Also recommended if you don't mind paying for a few cute projects. Not recommended for those who like slick polish in their craft.

This book has plenty of fun and stylish projects and is just so charming, it's a delight to use. Beginners will find the projects easy to do and accessible and the instructions and techniques easy to follow, but even advanced crafters like me will enjoy it. I sure I'm not the only person who doesn't really need instructions, but likes to keep project books around to jumpstart the crafty creative juices. The projects and ideas shown are so likeable, hip, and colorful this book is such a fun and enjoyable source of inspiration. The book is put together in a practical, clever way that makes it easy to use when your hands are full and would make a great introduction for anyone new to applique and a very nice piece of crafty visual candy for any die hard crafters!

This book has so many fun ideas. I picked it up in a shop that also had the authors products which made it even more inspiring. I can't wait to get started on some coasters. The instructions are straight forward, simple and easy for a beginner like me and has given me the confidence to start working on my own designs with these techniques.

Got a perfect fabric motif or scrap of handmade lace you can't bear to part with but too small an amount for big projects? This book has some great ideas for using these items in unexpected ways. I really loved the Enid Collins inspired bag (featured on the back cover) and obi-style ribbon sash. Four chapters include Tools/Techniques, Wearing, Decorating, and Giving. Full-size patterns are included - finally a book that doesn't require scanning and enlarging templates before using them. Much of the finishing is hand sewn, making the book good for beginners who might not have a machine. It is definitely more focused on taking store bought items and making them your own instead of say sewing a skirt yourself and then decorating it. I really like this aspect because I find I just am not a good enough sewer to make things completely from scratch.

Many of the motifs can be transferred between projects. And fabric choice is everything - the author goes for a really colorful aesthetic, but there's plenty of room for the crafter to cater to her own tastes. There's a pair of lovely wool trousers with embroidery and pinkish applique that would be great for a casual outing with friends, but done in a more subdued color scheme would be perfect for an office job. If you are on the fence about buying, use Amazon's Look Inside feature to see the Table of Contents and format. I did and it convinced me that the book would be well worth the great price Amazon is offering.

I've always found applique to be kind of mysterious, but this book was wonderfully helpful both in technique and with creative ideas. Not only am I inspired to dive into my closet to refresh tired clothes, but for the first time ever, I want to create things for my house, like the fetching Doily Trivets. Katye Terry's style is original and also approachable, two things that don't often combine. Plus, I will no longer be tossing scraps of fabric from other projects, it feels great to actually have something cool to do with them. This is a really beautifully designed book with gorgeous photographs that act as wonderful eye candy.

This book puts me in a good mood every time I open it. The only problem I'm encountering is deciding which project to try first. All of the projects in the book are adorable and stylish. I have so many cute fabrics stashed away on my shelves, and now I have plenty of ideas of what to do with them.

This past week my 12 year old niece and I picked up this book after being enchanted by the many whimsical projects inside. We've been inspired by the projects , but also to take the templates provided and create appliques on our own projects as well. This book will make your heart sing with inspiration if you are the type of person who spends hours on [...], loves to create your own unique looks and is interested in jumping into the world of applique without all the complicated language and instructions that comes with quilting. Together, my niece and I have already completed out own 'Butterfly Swarm Sweater' and we are delighted with our creation. I cannot wait to make the apple bag pictured on the cover!
The book itself is spiral bound with a handy pocket in the back to hold applique patterns (it comes with all the patterns needed to complete the book projects). The photography that graces each page is beautiful and helps the projects to come to life. I can imagine that this book may not be for those who have a background in applique already who create their own patterns. I recommend this book to all those who are on the first legs of their journey into the world of applique and for those of you, like me, spending the week with a crafty companion!

First, I must confess, I don't sew, I don't plan to to start sewing any time soon, and yet I still love this book. Why? Because it has gorgeous and colorful photography that to me is very inspirational in regards to color combinations and to jump start ideas when art journaling and scrapbooking. To me, the layout of some of these projects translate well to other mixed media projects. Not the intended purpose of the book to be sure, but I still highly recommend it. Like another reviewer stated, this book is truly eye candy.

I bought this book at Barnes & Noble last weekend. It is totally worth the money. Instructions and supply lists are well written and easy to follow. Photos of the finished projects and some instructional photos are great quality and helpful. The best part is that the patterns are included. ALl you need is some fabric, thread, etc. and you are ready to applique.

Great book for demonstrating all steps involved in applique. Comes with a variety of multipurpose patterns.