By Diann Eisman
When asked by Dianne Davis to write a tip we could share on the quilt website, my first thought was, “What can I possibly share that all of you gifted quiltmaker’s wouldn’t already know?” But on further reflection, I thought of something I am currently doing. Not anything profound that I’m sure you haven’t thought of—but kind of fun nonetheless.
I enjoy making wool applique pieces. I just finished a fall wool pillow kit purchased in Hannibal a few years ago and wanted a fall backing on it. I had several beautiful fall pieces but none that were large enough alone. For the backing, I cut a piece of muslin larger than needed for the backing and just added strips of those fall pieces. I’ve done this to several items I’ve made before and like the scrappy look while using pieces of fabric I like but are too small for other projects.
I attach strips of fall prints to the muslin that were not big enough by themselves to make a backing. I vary the sizes according to what I have. I cut the muslin piece the same size as the front piece and sew them right sides together, leaving a space for turning. Stuff with fiberfill.
The second piece is a wall hanging. I used the same procedure. But after sewing the strips on the muslin, I just cut the back the same size as the front. On this piece, I just buttonhole stitched around the edges to complete the piece. This method is just a way to use up small strips of pretty fabric without purchasing new fabric.
Photos of my projects are below. Enjoy!
