Penny Haren's Pieced Applique: Introducing Innovative Techniques for Creating Perfect Blocks for Successful Projects
.,." a new technique for appliqued quilt blocks, beginning with a simple, easy-to-piece foundation block, which is then cut and repieced into a more complex-looking block. Haren gives a clear overview of the technique, along with a number of sample blocks that can be assembled into full-sized quilts. ...good addition to ... quilting collections" --Nanette Donohue "Library Journal"Pieced Appliqué ™ is a new technique to create traditional pieced blocks with more accuracy and ease then the current methods. Basically you create a foundation block then add the more intricate parts of a particular block pattern by creating freezer paper templates, cutting the shapes from fabric and then appliquéing them to the foundation block. Quilters can see exactly what their finished block will look like before anything is stitched. Points and curves can be matched and controlled unerringly without machine piecing. The straightforward instructions insure sharp points and curves that are virtually impossible to achieve with traditional methods. The book teaches 25 beautiful traditional blocks showcased in three fabric styles. Full size templates along with how-to, full color photos and diagrams make this book great for all skill levels. $27.95 --Applique Society May 2009Ms. Haren makes quilt blocks that look pieced but are actually appliquéd. For example, she starts with a four patch block that is pieced. Then she cuts appliqué pieces in triangle using two different fabrics. When she sews that in place, it makes the block look like you actually used a tear drop shape with two elongated triangles to make a star block. VERY nice, especially since you can be absolutely sure that all points match EXACTLY. Using a 16 patch, she makes the Bow Tie block and a 9 patch becomes King David s Crown block. The draw back of making blocks like this is that you need to soak the finished block for 20 or more minutes to dissolve the glue used to hold the pieces in place while you sew. If you don t mind doing this and have trouble getting those points to match, this is the technique for you. The book is wonderful to use as it is bound in a wire ring which lies perfectly flat! Why more quilting books are not done this way is beyond my understanding. I have broken more bindings on books than I care to remember just to keep my place open in the book. There are three pages that show all the blocks in the book yes, with a nice color photo of the block. 10 pages of general instructions follow with tips and photos to show you the way. Each block pattern has fabric suggestions, along with cutting and piecing instructions. Full sized templates are given and there are 3 color ways shown with each block as well. Interspersed throughout the book are Technique Notebook pages. These show more photos of how-to along with more in-depth instructions. Once you get through all the blocks, of which there are 25, you will find three photos of quilts made from the blocks. A list of which blocks were used is below each photo. The final pages give directions for a block that can be used to join all the other blocks into a quilt. Now your only problem is which blocks to make into your first of many quilts! --Barbara Rhoades December 2008Pieced Appliqué ™ is a new technique to create traditional pieced blocks with more accuracy and ease then the current methods. Basically you create a foundation block then add the more intricate parts of a particular block pattern by creating freezer paper templates, cutting the shapes from fabric and then appliquéing them to the foundation block. Quilters can see exactly what their finished block will look like before anything is stitched. Points and curves can be matched and controlled unerringly without machine piecing. The straightforward instructions insure sharp points and curves that are virtually impossible to achieve with traditional methods. The book teaches 25 beautiful traditional blocks showcased in three fabric styles. Full size templates along with how-to, full color photos and diagrams make this book great for all skill levels. $27.95 --Applique Society May 2009Ms. Haren makes quilt blocks that look pieced but are actually appliquéd. For example, she starts with a four patch block that is pieced. Then she cuts appliqué pieces in triangle using two different fabrics. When she sews that in place, it makes the block look like you actually used a tear drop shape with two elongated triangles to make a star block. VERY nice, especially since you can be absolutely sure that all points match EXACTLY. Using a 16 patch, she makes the Bow Tie block and a 9 patch becomes King David s Crown block. The draw back of making blocks like this is that you need to soak the finished block for 20 or more minutes to dissolve the glue used to hold the pieces in place while you sew. If you don t mind doing this and have trouble getting those points to match, this is the technique for you. The book is wonderful to use as it is bound in a wire ring which lies perfectly flat! Why more quilting books are not done this way is beyond my understanding. I have broken more bindings on books than I care to remember just to keep my place open in the book. There are three pages that show all the blocks in the book yes, with a nice color photo of the block. 10 pages of general instructions follow with tips and photos to show you the way. Each block pattern has fabric suggestions, along with cutting and piecing instructions. Full sized templates are given and there are 3 color ways shown with each block as well. Interspersed throughout the book are Technique Notebook pages. These show more photos of how-to along with more in-depth instructions. Once you get through all the blocks, of which there are 25, you will find three photos of quilts made from the blocks. A list of which blocks were used is below each photo. The final pages give directions for a block that can be used to join all the other blocks into a quilt. Now your only problem is which blocks to make into your first of many quilts! --Barbara Rhoades December 2008