American Patchwork & Quilting Radio

Hi everyone!  I'm looking forward to being a guest on American Patchwork and Quilting radio later today.  Host Pat Sloan and I will discuss my new book, A Bit of Appliqué: Easy Projects with Modern Flair, as well as other quilty and sew-y things.

The show will broadcast live from 4 pm – 5pm Eastern time.  You can listen live by visiting All People Quilt’s link.  And I'll be sure to link up the podcast when we're done, in case you'd like to listen later.

You can subscribe to all the previous American Patchwork & Quilting talks in iTunes and listen anytime.  If you need help, Pat has links and instructions for listening to the podcasts on the radio show page of her website.

Cheers!

Mushroom Pocket Apron *free* pattern

I originally designed this whimsical and flattering apron for my book, A Bit of Applique.  It didn't make it into the book due to space constraints, and since I'd already done most of the work, I'm making it available as a free pattern here!

The Mushroom Pocket Apron is reversible, has a very flattering, swingy a-line shape, and, best of all, is adorned with a completely adorable mushroom applique... which is also a functional pocket!  (Thus the very ingenious name.)  So start gathering your giant ric rac and some happy fabrics.

The Mushroom Pocket Apron pattern is available in PDF format here.  It includes full instructions and illustrations, as well as all the pattern pieces you will need.

I think you'll enjoy both making and wearing this delightful project.  If you do, please post a pic on Instagram and tag me (@formwork). I'd love to see what you make!!

Introducing... A Bit of Appliqué!

Yippee!! The release date for my book (Yes, I wrote a book!!) is only a few days away!

A Bit of Appliqué: Easy Projects with Modern Flair starts shipping next week, on July 14. It seems so long ago (yet it was only last summer) when I sent the manuscript and projects off to Martingale. For all that time, and even longer, I had to keep almost all of it secret. It's hard to describe how excited I am to finally reveal this! I have much more to say about writing the book and what it contains, but for now I'll keep this short and sweet... and simply show you a few sneak peaks.

Transform everyday projects -- quilts, pillows, bags, and wearable items -- into one-of-a-kind objects with a variety of hand- and machine-stitched appliqué techniques. Learn bias tape appliqué with the Sound Waves Quilt.

Or reverse appliqué with the Petals Pot Holder and Trivet.

Practice raw edge appliqué with the Circles Baby Quilt or Polly the Penguin Softie.

A Bit of Appliqué contains full size templates and clear instructions with plenty of helpful illustrations.  Here's a sample page from the Garden Skirt section.

If you've been wanting to try appliqué, or feel inspried to further your appliqué skills with one or more of these quick projects, I hope you'll check it out!

Learn more, and see all the projects in the book, in Martingale's shop.  Or find it on Amazon.

Cheers and happy sewing!