Customer Reviews

Artful Applique: The Easy Way (That Patchwork Place)

5 star:		(8)
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3 star:		(1)
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Over 130 pages of great instruction and realistic photos that show that anyone who takes the time can do applique. Not only are the designs that you can Xerox for patterns crisp, but the instruction is easy to read and follow. And the photos are exact size, so you see what you will get when you are done.

I liked the book because it also says that we can choose our own material, which suits our own desires, where some books say you have to have this or that type of material made by this ir that maker, and you end up running all over the place and come home discouraged and throw your hands up and say *&%#@+ and vow never to try and do applique again.

This is the book that can help you become less discouraged and a success at a wonderful art form.

Make your applique a work of art through Artful Applique The Easy Way which features detailed project instructions for sixteen blocks filled with flowers, birds, and wreathes. The focus on easy applique includes tips for streamlining and patterns for quick use. Superb introduction to easy applique techniques & projects.

This is a must buy book for those interested in applique. I have many applique books and count this among the very best.

"Having been a die-hard patchwork fan for many years," begins Jane in the introduction, "I thought there was very little reason for appliqué quilts to exist -- until Nancy Pearson's "Techny Chimes" stopped me dead in my tracks." I'm right there with you on that one, Jane. I have a picture of Techny Chimes in my inspiration scrapbook.

"Beautiful hand appliqué is as individual as a fingerprint," Jane continues. This is a valuable sentiment, encouraging individuality and de-emphasizing the need for exact copying and perfection, which IMO takes away from the pleasure of the work.

In the book Jane presents many unusual (to me) and innovative techniques for creating motifs -- partial stitching, modified cutwork, and unit construction. (Just goes to show how different brains work differently.) These methods enable tiny, rich details that still have turned edges.

The appliqué information also shows how to achieve precision where precision is important, and individual, artful results where precision is less important.

Leaves don't have to be green, did you know that? I know that, but I mostly forget it when I reach for my fabrics. You'll see some stunning results in the book's gallery of quilts where the quilters have reached past the green box.

The gallery includes many beautiful quilts made by Jane and her students. The author then includes 16 appliqué blocks, each one with complete skill-building instructions. It's easy to see why this one is still in print after many years, it's a classic.

Kay Mackenzie
Author, Easy Applique Blocks: 50 Designs in 5 Sizes (That Patchwork Place)

I love this book! I've played with needle turn applique for a few years and this book just opened up a whole new world of techniques to me. I have this book and Artful Applique #2. If you're debating between the two, get this one first and then splurge on #2 later! Townswick's techniques have really helped me to improve not only my needle turn skills, but have helped in my design process. The tips about using freezer paper for placement really are great for getting your design to land on the exact area of fabric that you want to use. This is a must have for those wanting to improve their applique know how.

Every little trick you need to do beautiful applique work is in this book. While the techniques are demonstrated in a particular wall hanging, they are just as applicable to whatever applique project might suit your fancy. I bought the book to fill in the sketchy instructions which came with an applique kit, and thanks to Ms. Townswick, my very first attempt looks very professional.

I was very pleased with the service and product received from this vendor. It was fast. I was buying this for a member of my quilt bee and she was also very pleased.

Another excellent book by Jane Townswick. I am looking forward to expressing my artistic side in beautiful artwork. This book is very helpful with tools needed and forms of application. I am very impressed.

Very well illustrated. Projects are beautiful and any appliquer would be happy to have this referece book. Lots of hints and very helpful to this novice "needle turner."