KimS

I'd like to start a simple applique project to take on trips, doctor's appointment and such. What is a good pattern for a first timer to try?

JNCT14

Check out CraftyBear's Applique Club thread. I also found that making patterns from children's coloring books was a good way to create a simple pattern - the lines are dark and easy to trace and they are simple for beginners.

Shirls4sons

I really like this method also. Many ideas in coloring books.

crafty pat

I also use coloring books and other books and pictures from old quilting books. You just have to be careful to get artist permission if it is copyrighted. You can get in a lot of trouble otherwise.

woody

There are heaps of gorgeous patterns here free, http://www.fatcatpatterns.com/

ka9sdn

Woody, thanks for the link!

KimS

Wow! Thanks!

Sunnie

Woody, I went to this site to view the great patterns and then detoured to The Family Dirt page. What a hoot! This lady should write a book she tells such great, funny stories. If you need a laugh read a few of them.

dunster

I think the 2-fabric applique quilts designed by Nancy Chong of Pacific Rim Quilt Company are excellent for learning applique. I wrote about them and showed some of mine here - http://www.quiltingboard.com/picture...q-t144873.html

Drue

Check out "Sew Special Designs" by Joni Pike.
[url]www.Sewspecialdesigns.com
I have done 3 or 4 of them and they are quick and easy. It takes longer to embellish them the way you (I) want them than it does to stitch/ applique' them!
This is a top I recently made and since this pic I have quilted it and added buttons for eyes, noses, embellised the collars and the flowers and etc.