Stash Happy: Applique: 25 Fresh Projects for Fabric Lovers [Paperback]

Cynthia Shaffer (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: April 3, 2012 | Series: Stash Happy

Got stash? Great, because we've got super-cute ideas for using it! This third entry in the popular Stash Happy series showcases appliqué, and it features plenty of techniques and unique project ideas. First, a short basics section helps novice sewers get up to speed. Then the fun really begins, with projects that range from embellished store-bought items (like cute Mary Jane shoes) to 100% original creations. Even the motifs offer lots of variety, including kid's drawings, coffee cups, and pretty paisley. How-to photography, templates, and tips speed crafters along their way.

Editorial Reviews

Review

“All scraps, buts, notions, and leftover fabrics take on transformative powers with appliqué in Shaffer’s latest edition to the Stash Happy series. The book abounds with brightness, joy, and creativity while providing knowledgeable advice on creating and customizing a variety of projects. The basics are carefully described, along with an appliqué sewing kit and templates to prepare crafters. Multiple techniques are employed and well explained in the creation of gifts, home furnishings, and items for adults
and children. Lines often have a hand-drawn quality, and although some of the projects have unfinished seams, they never feel raw but, rather, homey and comforting. The overall style of the book matches the projects in its clean, simple, and precious design, with instructive, bright, colorful photographs. Shaffer’s outstanding color combinations and innovative color schemes make this book a pleasure to flip through. Enticing and encouraging for novices and experts alike.” --Booklist

"The latest in Lark's cheery “Stash Happy” series focuses on projects using a variety of appliqué techniques. A brief introduction covers the basics, and the selection of whimsical projects, most small enough to make in one day, allows crafters to use up accumulated scrap fabric. Crafters interested
in exploring the basics of appliqué with small, simple projects will enjoy this collection." -- Library Journal

 

About the Author

Cynthia Shaffer is a quilter and creative sewer who earned a degree in textiles from California State University, Long Beach. She is the author of Stash Happy: Patchwork, and her designs have also appeared in numerous mixed-media, quilting, and paper craft books and magazines such as Art Quilting Studio, Somerset Studio, and Green Craft. Cynthia lives in Orange, California, with her husband Scott, two sons, and beloved Boston terriers. For more information, visit her online at cynthiashaffer.com or cynthiashaffer.typepad.com.

Product Details

• Paperback: 128 pages
• Publisher: Lark Crafts (April 3, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 145470280X
• ISBN-13: 978-1454702801
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 0.4 x 10 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (7 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #268,758 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #89 in Books > Crafts, Hobbies & Home > Crafts & Hobbies > Needlecrafts & Textile Crafts > Applique

More About the Author

Cynthia Shaffer is a quilter and creative sewer whose love for fabric can be traced back to her childhood. At the age of 6, she learned to sew and in no time was designing and sewing clothing for herself and others. After earning a degree in textiles from California State University, Long Beach, Cynthia traveled for a few years, working for Club Med, designing and building costumes for the evening entertainmant. With the travel bug somewhat satisfied, Cynthia returned home and started her own company. For 10 years she was the president and designer of her company that specialized in the design and manufacture of sportswear.

Numerous mixed media, quilting and paper craft books and magazines have featured Cynthia's work. In her free time she enjoys knitting, crocheting and photography. Cynthia lives with her husband Scott, sons Corry and Cameron, and beloved boston terriers, Harper and Berklee in Southern California.

For more information visit her online at www.cynthiashaffer.com or www.cynthiashaffer.typepad.com

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Be Creative with Fabric! June 14, 2012

By Story Circle Book Reviews

Format:Paperback

I already have plenty of stash: fabric stash; yarn stash; and things-I-might-be-able-to-use-someday stash. So it was with great delight that I received a copy of Stash Happy Applique for review.

I was not disappointed. I never review a craft or DIY book without actually making something that is in the book. So after exploring the book, which includes 25 projects for fabric applique, I decided upon three projects I would like to explore more fully. Time for Tea Cafe Curtains, Fresh and Shabby Pillow Houses, and Woodsy Gnome Doll appealed to my tastes (and my collections!) the best, although other projects such as the Kid Art Triptych and Flower Power Pendants are also both appealing and unusual.

I started with the Time for Tea Cafe Curtains, which I modified to suit my own needs. I wanted a valance, rather than cafe curtains, so I made one with off-white burlap. Templates are included in the back of the book. (Note: some patterns require the patterns to be enlarged.) I would recommend cardstock on which to print the templates, to make the pattern pieces a bit sturdier. The directions called for paper-backed fusible web scraps; having none, I bought ½ a yard of fusible web--and it was more than enough for this project, and the matching kitchen towels I made later.

For the most part, the directions are excellent. Some previous sewing experience would probably be a good idea--understanding the terms used, and knowing your sewing machine's capabilities would make the projects easier to execute. But if you are a beginner with a bump of curiosity and enthusiasm, go ahead and give some of these patterns a try! The teacups pattern did NOT include a template for the adorable drifts of steam coming off the cups, (as seen on the cover of the book) but I just chose a pale blue fabric, ironed on the fusible web, and drew free-hand steam, and it was easy-peasy.

Whether you're a beginner to sewing/applique or an experienced sewing-crafter, do read the "basics" section first, so you will be sure to have the necessary supplies on hand. Like baking, it is hugely frustrating to start making something and find out halfway that some of the ingredients are not at hand. This section is very thorough, with detailed pictures and a variety of finish techniques and hand sewing ideas. Reading it first will fire your imagination, and help you envision how you want your finished project to look.

I have only cut out the pieces for my second project, Fresh and Shabby House pillows. I am making 3 of them, in colors and fabrics to match the Amish quilt in my bedroom. I am really excited about them, because the pattern is not given for the exact finishing of the fronts of the houses; these are your choice, a cafe scene, a garden, or whatever tickles your fancy. (Shaffer shows close ups of her creations, for ideas) Delicate machine stitching or the decorative stitches provided on some sewing machines will make each house an original, to enjoy or give as a gift. The third project is a dream--that is, it is still in the dream stage; selecting fabrics and felts that suit my vision for the project and the gnomes I want to create.

Hope you enjoy the creative possibilities that Cynthia Shaffer provides. I sure did!

by Laura Strathman Hulka
for Story Circle Book Reviews
reviewing books by, for, and about women

6 of 8 people found the following review helpful

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely applique projects! April 12, 2012

By CuteEverythingcom TOP 1000 REVIEWER

Format:Paperback

Stash Happy: Applique is filled with ways to utilize the-oh-so common growing stash of fabric. I really appreciate the techniques used in applique, I see it as a low stress way to sew, as it can be such a free form and creative process with no rules or limits. And since I always seem to have lots of scraps on hand, applique is an ideal way to use them.

There is a wide range of ideas in Stash Happy: Applique, from embellishing clothing and household items to gifts, quilts, art and more. All kinds of materials can be used in applique and they can be applied in several different ways, including satin stitch, open zigzag, trapunto or reverse appliqué. I appreciated how there were lots of large photos of each project clearly showing each step, in addition to the general info and how-tos.

I thought that the mason jar cozies not only provided a lovely decoration for the jars, but they also include an applique which depicts the objects held within: buttons, spools, etc. Plus, they would look adorable in my craft room! Applique can be the means to "modernize" a pair of plain, black Mary Janes or make a simple, yet delightful, tooth fairy pillow, complete with a pocket to tuck the tooth -- and the money! Stash Happy: Applique has so many fantastic ways to help deplete your stash pile!

There's a Free Project from Stash Happy: Applique, an adorable Tic Tac Toe Board, on the Lark Crafts website.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful

1.0 out of 5 stars Not what I'd hoped for... October 22, 2012

By KarenM

Format:Paperback|Amazon Verified Purchase

The cup and saucer appliques featured on the cover were the patterns I bought the book for, so I guess I didn't waste my money in that respect. However, there is nothing else in the book that I will ever use. The patterns are too artsy or cartoonish for my tastes. I like patterns that are more precise in detail.