Remembering Applique

Much of my work is bold and seen from afar so speed & strength are priorities over detail & prettiness. I use glue and tape and staples and if I do sew, it’s fast machine stitch. So I started attending the monthly Lo-fi sessions run by Craft Mafia after I started making my Wotnots in an attempt to refocus on the more refined skills involved in crafting. The past couple of months have involved applique…

February:

For Valentine’s Nico aka Ophelia Button taught paper roses and heart shaped applique. We backed the hearts with bondaweb and attached them to our napkins/pillowcases using a hot iron. We used embroidery stitches to reinforce and embellish the hearts. I used this as an opportunity to brush up on my blanket and chain stitches. Not sure if I had done chain stitch since my primary school sampler which still has pride of place on my Mum’s wall.

March:

The next month, Sam from Ministry of Craft taught reverse applique which I really enjoyed. It is quick and effective. Looks far more complicated than it is which is a win win in my book. Basically you sew it all on in one go and then chop the patterns into it. I matched the felt trim and beads to the colours in the patterned base fabric. We used felt for the top layers as it doesn’t fray. I chose to use more of the same remnants as for my hearts for my apple motif bag. Really pleased with the result and definitely going to use this technique again.

I have been going to the LO-fi sessions for a year but not been able to attend every month. You can see more things that I have made here. I have even run a session myself teaching my Wotnots style of Christmas decorations and brooches. If you want to join in, they are held on the first Tuesday of the month and there is a small charge for materials. However, places must be booked as space is limited. For more details and to book contact Nico.