This book is not only a source of inspiration and practical guidance but also a lovely addition to any coffee table. The appliqué pictures are beautifully crafted, with a soft, “ethereal watercolour” appearance that invites readers to linger over every page.

 

Beautifully Detailed and Immersive

The book’s design is captivating, making it easy to get lost in its pages. Each section feels like an invitation to explore appliqué art in a more creative, painterly way, elevating the experience beyond mere technique.

 

Informative Early Chapters

The opening chapters are packed with detailed guidance on key materials and equipment, and even touch on unique techniques like over-dyeing fabrics. This wealth of information ensures that readers have a strong foundation before diving into projects, and it’s one of my favourite aspects of the book.

 

Step-by-Step Creative Process

Abigail provides clear instructions for setting up a scene, cutting templates, and selecting threads for free-motion stitching. I love her suggestion to leave template edges unhemmed for a slightly frayed, vintage look—it’s a small detail that adds real character to each piece.

 

Full-Sized Templates for Convenience

At the back, you’ll find ten pages of full-sized templates, which I personally appreciate as a wonderful resource. I recommend photocopying these instead of cutting them out, preserving the book while still enjoying the benefits of pre-made templates.

 

A Fresh Take on Free Motion Quilting

While I already enjoy free-motion quilting and appliqué art, I learned so much from this book. Abigail’s projects are truly small masterpieces, showing how to repurpose scraps of fabric into beautiful, expressive art. This fresh perspective opens up new possibilities for using fabric in creative, artistic ways.

 

Project Highlight: “Cottage Garden”

The “Cottage Garden” project has especially inspired me, and I’m already gathering lace trims and fabric scraps to try it out. This project, like many others in the book, encourages sewers to personalise their creations, adding unique touches from their own fabric collections.

 

Excellent Value for Money

Priced at £14.99, this book is a fantastic addition for anyone looking to deepen their skills in appliqué art. It may not be best suited for complete beginners, but it’s perfect for those comfortable with their sewing machine and with some experience in free-motion embroidery.

In summary, this book is a beautiful, well-priced guide to appliqué art, ideal for anyone ready to take their crafting to the next level. A delightful, must-have addition to any sewing library!