I have never done applique, and after seeing so many wonderful quilts and quilt blocks on this board, I've decided I need just one more thing to add to my list of "gotta get done" things. Do you have a favorite book or website that teaches beginning applique? I know there is a lot out there, but I'd like to know how you all learned. I would very much like to do an appliqued quilt for my granddaughter by Christmas (and with my growing list of WIP's, I'm not sure it would be this coming Christmas! :roll:, but that is the goal)

What type of applique are you interested in? Fusible or needle turned?

If you are considering any type of machine applique, Harriet Hargrave's book: Mastering Machine Applique is excellent.

Amma, I really don't know enough to ask an intelligent questions about it. Is fusible easier to learn with?

And I WILL check out HH's machine applique book. Would my regular old Pfaff do okay with applique? I guess I wonder about the stitching around the curves....

Fusible can be easier and quicker. You are cutting out your designs and fusing them to the block, and then stitch around the edges. If you sew slowly and use an open toe foot you should do fine with any machine, just remember when you stop to have your needle down.
Here are some wonderful tutorials from our board

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/10037.page

http://www.quiltingboard.com/posts/list/5967.page

Needle turned applique, many different techniques and it takes practice to get nice points or curved edges.

I am working on my first applique quilt now and just took a class a couple of weeks ago with Cathy Van Bruggen. She has great patterns for wall hangings.

http://www.cathyvb.com

I first started with a friend with just a practice block to see if I liked it. It is a great skill to learn, but not for everyone. I also like to hand quilt.

I like the hand work of doing needle turn so that I can take it on the trolley and work on it during my commute. I feel so much more relaxed when I get home after just 30 minutes of quilting.

I want to learn more about machine and fusible applique in the future.

Lisa