Instant Angel Appliqué
Just add wings!
Simply Quilts : Episode QLT-501 -- More Projects »
Mary Lou Weidman, author of Everyday Angels in Extraordinary Quilts, joins Alex Anderson to make quilts inspired by angels.
After asking 50 quilters to create an angel from the same pattern, Weidman received 35 variations including, "Airline Flight Attendant" (figure A) and "Golf Quilt" (figure B), which she incorporated into her book. Inspired by Weidman's challenge, Anderson created her own quilt (figure A) based on her Simply Quilts production team.
In preparation for making your own angel appliqué quilt, make a list of ideas starting with a theme, then select colors that inspire you. For fabrics, Weidman likes those with graphics featuring spots, dots, circles and contrasting values. Weidman brought three different quilts with varying values (figure B) to show how quilt design value works. TIP: Complementary colors are opposites on the color wheel.
While there are a couple of different ways to make templates for appliqué, Weidman opts to copy her pattern onto the dull size of freezer paper using a Sharpie permanent marker (figure C). Here's how.
1. Cut out the template and then press it to the right side of the fabric. This will allow you to see what the design will look like (figure D).
2. Cut out the fabric, leaving a 1/4" border around the template. Stack the pieces, lay them out onto the background and baste them into place (figure E). The basting technique allows for portability of the pieces for those quilters on the go.
3. You can easily transform any character pattern into an angel by adding wings. To do this, fold a piece of freezer paper in half and sketch a heart-shaped design (figure F). Cut it out. Unfold the pattern and place onto fabric as desired to achieve the best wing effect. Proceed by ironing the template to the fabric, then cutting out the fabric leaving a 1/4" seam allowance.4. Personalize your design by adding more appliqué or embellishments that help tell the story of your quilt.
Resources Everyday Angels in Extraordinary Quilts
by Mary Lou Weidman (ISBN: 1564772268)
This title is out of print. Consult local libraries, used book stores or click
here for Amazon.com's book search.
Quilter's Angel quilt pattern
Mary Lou Designs
Website:
www.MaryLouquiltdesigns.com
Guests Mary Weidman
Author and quilter
Mary Lou Designs
Website:
www.MaryLouquiltdesigns.com
Also in this Episode
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