I have been playing with our Hoffman Supernova fabrics and have come up with a wonderful way to use them for our Applique Quilt Border and Runner Patterns. I have used our Galway Applique Quilt Border and Runner Pattern. READ MORE >

While most of our patterns involve just two fabrics, this one is a good one to draw from your stash, or scraps, to find the perfect variety of fabrics to fashion your pumpkins and baskets. Ours is pictured in realistic colors, but don't limit yourself. Put some whimsy in your quilt and go wild with prints and colors!

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For any of you who love spending time near the ocean this quilt is for you. When walking along the beach you have probably encountered a couple of these creatures. Living in the Pacific Northwest for more than half of my life and loving to spend time at the ocean it only seemed fitting that we have a pattern that incorporated some of these creatures. We already have

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Have you ever worked with 1/4" bias tape?

You can make your Galway quilt in the usual method of Celtic Knotwork using the Clover 1/4" (6 mm) Bias Tape Maker.

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I know it is still summer and it is very hot where some of you live. We have had a quite a few hot days here in Southern Oregon and it got me to thinking about my favorite time of year, fall... I can hardly wait and it is not even the middle of July.

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Reach for something new

At one time or another we are all guilty of resisting the urge to try something new because we have a preconceived notion about how hard it might be, or that it is somehow inappropriate. Following are just a few examples. Put yourself to the test. What misconceptions may be holding you back? READ MORE >

Here is our list of the many things we like about hand applique.

Chances are pretty good, that because you are reading our blog you are convinced already that applique is fun. You know that creating something beautiful with your hands is peaceful and satisfying. But if you still need some convincing here is our list:

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Are you traveling this summer?

I have to admit one of the best things about travel is the fact that I have time to applique! I do not have as much time as I would like when it comes to appliqueing. It is one of my favorite things in the quilting world.

I was lucky enough to fly to Wyoming

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We often receive questions about which needles we like to use for applique. The answer is that both Nancy, Janice and Connie use John James Milliner (aka Straw) needles in either size 10 or 11. A size 11 needle is slightly thinner than a size 10, and works very well with tightly woven fabrics, and with batiks. Because a size 10 is not quite as thin, it does not bend quite as easily, and is often preferred by beginners. (Speaking of bent needles, we do not fret over bent needles anyway. We think a needle with a slight bend helps to keep the thread from twisting.)

The length of the Milliner/Straw needles aids in turning under the 3/16" edge of fabric when doing needle-turn applique. With

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Which is the easiest pattern to do first?

We are asked this question a lot, and we always have one answer: "The one you like the best."

Why do we say that? Because all applique is made up of just five simple shapes: straight line, inside curve, outside curve, inside point and outside point (valley and mountains).

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