Fabric choices are really really important in applique.  The type of fabrics you choose will determine the style, texture and depth qualities of your applique design when finished.

I do not use fabrics that are preprinted with landscape etc., images or by painting/inking in these types of details.   I can achieve far better, and more sophisticated, results with my hand applique by choosing fabrics that have texture plus highlight & shadow color layers for the applique images.  This creates the depth and painterly qualities I love so much.  Appliquers paint with fabric so you need to look at fabric differently and determine what the style of the quilt will be.  Is the quilt utilitarian, whimsical or painterly?

"Stonehenge" by Sunshine Cottage for Northcott

These fabrics are new, and I have ordered my share <she says sheephishly>.  I know, it was very selfish of me to conceal these from you and consider my hand slapped and I will make up for it with a link down below.  There are many more colors in the line adding to more possibilities.  Do you see how these fabrics allow YOU to control the artistry instead of appliqueing a printed picture of a rock, stone, or whatever, that is fussy cut from a landscape print fabric?  Huge difference in visual interest and depth.  There are no “rocks” to cut out, just texture and color to play with. 

Studying and using fabrics like this is what steps up the visual quality of a quilt.  You do not have to be an expert either.  I actually find that if I place my template without even thinking where, I get really good results without even trying.  Fabric like this makes it impossible to fail and no art degree needed.  What you decide to tell your friends about your “talents” is up to you. 

I wished I had had these fabrics when I started this quilt.  Aren’t they fabulous????  I still have more stonework to do and these obviously will transition well with the fabrics already used, which is great since I have been working on this like……f-o-r-e-v-e-r.  

Can you see how these would add some texture?

I can also see these fabrics used as a pieced Traver-tine tile background for applique.  So many possibilities and it is rare that a line comes out that is not covered all over with large loud trendy designs and yet (probably not on purpose) perfectly designed for applique.   You know those fabrics where if the print wasn’t there it would be soooo perfect?  It happens too often to me.

I can hear you asking, “where did you get it?”.  OK, I will tell you and I hope I don’t need any more because I haven’t seen this at any other place online, or even brick and mortar yet. 

Here is the link to the fabric “Stonehenge” found at Fabric Shack Stores who I order from often and they have great prices too.  I have never had a problem and they send little gifts with each order.  Stress free fabric shopping with lots of choices.  Oh yes.

Hmmm, maybe I should have ordered more?  Uh oh.

©2009 Sandra Leichner