New Applique

I like to have some sort of handwork around, in a basket, next to my sofa. It’s nice to have, especially at night, when I’m relaxed, the TV on and a little something to work on. It can be buttons to sew on, or a hem, a kimono to take apart, or the slow process of stitching beads in place and, my favorite, some sort of hand applique. With appliqué, by the time it’s at the hand stitching phase, the decisions have been made, the designs worked out and all I need to do is stitch everything down.

After the Baltimore show and a few other projects I had, I needed something new, preferably an appliqué project. I got myself going and started in on two new jackets.

I cut out the pattern pieces, laid out my skinny bias tubes and small squares, then basted them all in place. Next up, time for hand stitching.

Below, the first one is in black and white with red, a little orange and a bit of pink. I’m just getting going with the hand appliqué. The right side [on the left of the photo] is finished.

And a bit done on the left side. A detail shot showing the strips and little squares, some basted, some finished and one midway, my needle half way along.

The other, with green and purple waves. I was inspired by this amazing fabric, woven so that the stripes stretch and shrink in a wave-like pattern. I laid out my strips to mimic them and added squares for an extra punch.

A detail.

Unless I’m in a rush, my appliqué projects always take a while. Knowing this makes it all the more relaxing. They take as long as they take.

When they’re finished I’ll be sure and let you know!