So far, I've really focussed on pieced quilts. I have done a very small amount of machine appliqué, but didn't particularly enjoy it, not least because my sewing machine doesn't have a great buttonhole/blanket stitch. I do like the look of appliqué though - you can do things with it that you just can't with piecing.
This little fox is from Kajsa Wikman's book, Scandinavian Stitches. In the pattern in the book, you use a kind of free-motion machine embroidery to appliqué the fox to the background, but I chose to hand stitch it using two strands of embroidery thread and a blanket stitch.
Oh my gosh, I LOVE that orange Madrona Road print! You can see that my stitches aren't perfect, but I like the naive quality the chunky stitching adds to this already whimsical fox.
So, what do you reckon I should do with this little piece? I will probably make a bigger quilt with more appliqué, but I would like to keep this for myself as my first work of this kind. I've thought about turning it into a cushion, or a mini quilt. I feel like it needs some more, bright, colours - maybe a crazy pieced border. I'd love your suggestions!
Have you tried something new lately?
