Ella Demchuk

Summer and vacation time are synonyms to me, but I already can feel that I wouldn’t be so happy if I will go empty-handed. So, I decided to prepare a few applique blocks to work with. The only problem is that I have no idea what I like in this area; I have never done or even consider such a thing. It did not really help to goggle quilt photos without seeing any recommendations from quilters.

Can you help me to find the best quilt patterns which you already love?
For sure it has to be pattern for turn under hand applique and somehow standard blocks like 12”… Please!

quiltingcandy

I did an Irish Chain with hearts in the center. It was easy to piece together the blocks and then I did the heart applique. It traveled well.

quilterella

How about a Sunbonnet Sue? There are so many ideas, that, we cannot really pick for you. There is the free colouring pages that you can copy for your ideas and patterns. I understand about not going empty handed, I take my grandmother's flower garden with me or my needlework. I hope you find something to take along with you.

Pat625

It isn't applique, but I set up a travel kit for hand work yesterday. I spend many hours waiting at doctors and picking up kids from their activities, and hate to waste the time. I prepared the basic squares for a cathedral window, and now I can sit and do all the hand sewing while waiting. I put it all together in a food storage container, so I can just grab it and go, or I can leave it all together in the car.

KR

For my first traveling appliqué project I made a small wall/doll quilt with a heart on each block....something simple and a great way to learn curves and V's.

Maybe look for holiday-themed patterns and make mini banners for each holiday of the year?

woody

I have just started working on an Affairs of the Heart quilt, I love all the different blocks.
http://www.amazon.com/Applique-Maste.../dp/157432859X
There are lots here working on the quilt, so there is always someone here to help. I enlarged to blocks to 10" instead of the 7"in the book and I have started with the ones with not too many pieces first.

JNCT14

I have done hexangonal table toppers using Baltimore Album designs. The centers are great for hand applique then I just finish the borders on the machine. They can be easily hand quilted as well if you get tired of applique. Here are some examples.

Another idea is to hand piece your blocks rather than machine them. I did a Celtic Illusions completely by hand and am now doing a Drunkard's Path.

Same issue - on vacation or at a football game or at cheerleading competition - I always have a bag loaded with some type of hand project.

Quilt-Till-U-Wilt

Have you checked fatcatpatterns.com. Lots of applique there.

Tartan

I think I might look for a smaller appliqué project unless you have a really long vacation. A nice appliqué wall hanging that you might actually get finished on vacation will keep you working on it longer. I always have good intention of working on hand work but if the project is too big, I get discouraged.

nycquilter

I absolutely love Florine Johnson's roosters--Raj, Ralph, and seven others. I've done about seven of them already while commuting to and from work on the NYC subways. Instead of quilting them, I framed them and love, love, love them.