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Monday, June 19, 2017 Filed in: 2 Fabric Applique | Applique Borders and Runners | Hawaiian Applique

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?

Quilters are all gray-haired old ladies. This one is too obvious, but it points out how stereotypes linger in the minds of people who don't know better, and may stop us from doing fun things. As a quilter you know that quilters are young, old, male and female. Your age or gender should not stop you from starting something you want to do. Don't put off for retirement what you can do today.

Machine applique is faster than hand applique. This one may be more controversial. From our point of view, hand applique is definitely faster because it is portable. Machine quilting can only be done while sitting at a machine, which means we can't be machine appliqueing at the doctor's office, on the airplane, at the beach, or spending time with the family! Yes, it takes longer to form a stitch by hand than by machine, but for us the quilt top is finished faster when it is portable. Consider, too, that speed is not always the goal. The rhythms of handwork are soothing and even therapeutic. Need a calming influence in your life? Try hand applique!

Cotton batting is best. Well, best for what? Thin cotton batting has become the go-to batting for the majority of quilters today. But the various features of polyester, silk, cotton and bamboo batting mean that we should consider the look and use of our finished quilts when deciding which batting to use. Today we even have fire- and heat-resistant batting when that is important. If you've fallen into a rut, explore new things.

Needleturn applique is hard. Only if you have not learned how to do it. With just five simple shapes (straight edge, inside curve, outside curve, point and valley), once you know how to do them you can do ANY applique with ease. Ready to learn? We know a good teacher.

Hawaiian quilts are difficult to make. Only if you have not learned how to make them. Each step in making a Hawaiian quilt is easy, and Hawaiian quilts are made one step at a time - just like any other quilt. When you don't know how to do something, it is mysterious and can seem hard; but as soon as you know how to do it, the mystery is gone and the process is doable. You already know where you can learn the steps to make your Hawaiian quilt a reality.

Quilts are only for beds. A misconception held by non-quilters. All quilters know that quilts can be hung on walls, worn as garments, used as tablerunners and placemats, carried as bags...and what else? Use your quilting skills to make something different.

What misconceptions do you have that are keeping you from trying something new? When you are considering something new, remind yourself that perfectly average people have done this before you. You are at least average, so you can do it, too!

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