The Pokeberry Quilt
Thursday, December 07, 2006
Why do I applique?
I made the statement on my group that applique changed my quilting forever, have been pondersing that statement ever since. I made lots of quilts before I discovered primitive folk art, those early quilts were just quilts for me, they didn't really speak to me or for me, when I started making primitive quilts, I found that side of my creative self that I could only express with applique, shapes and designs that layer my thoghts into fabric. Working with my hands in a slow, methodical expression of creativity that machine stitching fails to provide. A slow process by hand that lets me connect to the textures of fabrics, that renders a picture like a painting of fabric or replicate a picture that someone else must of dreamed about, or a scene that inspired them. I enjoy that process and expression.
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You said it. It is so much more cosy to sit and applique by hand than by machine. And it gets more pretty done by hand
ReplyDeleteYou express yourself so well Nancy, and I relate to all the reasons you name. There is just something special about appliqué - particularly primitive appliqué. All those piecers who call it the "A" word just don't understand the joy they are missing.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right. While I enjoy sewing at my machine, there is just something special about the feel of the fabrics going through your fingers as you work with it. I always have something available for handwork -- you never know when you'll have even a moment to put a couple of stitches here and there.
ReplyDeleteAs a lover of handwork I sincerely appreciate what you said. I discovered that I can applique by hand and do a nice job so I have a huge new love affair going with my needle and thread! LOL
ReplyDeleteThank you for your post, Nancy. You have a beautiful way with words.
ReplyDeleteI have just started needleturn applique and just love it. I love picking the fabrics that will make a picture, I love handling the fabrics, and love the intricate stitching. I do need to get back to my sewing machine.....but my recliner is so much more comfortable than my sewing machine chair. :-)
Cathy