Applique the Piece of Cake Way!

I've decided to tackle Applique!

I have this beautiful pattern from Lori Holt from Bee in My Bonnet
that I'm eager to work on. Only problem is that I REALLY don't want to learn on that quilt.

Applique is something that has always intimidated me. So I've decided to draw on all the experts.

• Becky Goldsmith and Linda Jenkins



• Pat Sloan



• Kay Mackenzie

I've started with the DVD Becky Goldsmith & Linda Jenkins Teach You to Applique the Piece O' Cake Way

I've watched this DVD all the way through twice now in the last week. The thing thats great about a DVD is that I can actually see what they are doing as they take you through applique Step-by-Step.

I REALLY needed this visual. I've never really been exposed to applique, except to see the wonderful results. Their style is so calm and relaxed, just watching them I felt the tension and apprehension fade away.

Plus at the end there is a bonus section that includes a Gallery of their quilts. The fun thing about the gallery is that you get a little story about each quilt. Then there was a bit at the end I found fascinating where they just talked about how they met, how they got into business together, how they divide and run the business and more. These little tidbits I find so very, very interesting!

With the help of this DVD I really feel for the first time I can actually DO Applique!

Next I'll tackle Pat Sloan and Kay Mackenzie!

The Fabulous World of Printing on Fabric

I was recently looking over my New Years Resolutions ~ or should I say, sniffling over them and my dismal progress.

Well, perhaps I'm being a bit dramatic. I tend not too take things too seriously as a matter of fact. However, I was planning on learning MANY new techniques this year, at least one a month. And that has just not happened!

However, I finally got my rear in gear and grabbed a DVD off my bookshelf I've been eyeing lately. It's called Lynn Koolish Teaches You Printing on Fabric and is part of the At Home with the Experts series which I absolutely adore!

I hadn't even taken the cello wrapping off, so it was just like getting a brand new gift. Now I must say this DVD is just jam packed full of information.

I love this DVD! I have absolutely no experience at all with printing on fabric. But with Lynn Koolish's calm, reassuring manner and clear step-by-step presentation made these techniques instantly approachable and non-threatening.

Lynn takes the viewer through the entire process at just the right pace. Instructions begin with very basic information about printers and inks, and progress all the way through how to electronically manipulate and enhance your own photos to create unique quilts and other projects.

She even demonstrates how you can scan objects to use in making wonderful collage-style works of art. Now, I really feel that I could jump right in and begin having fun and getting creative.
The DVD also includes a tour of Lynn's studio ~ which I love, a gallery of quilts made using many of the inkjet printing techniques you just learned, and a printable Quick Start Guide PDF with tips, techniques, and Photoshop Elements basics. The guide is a great accompaniment for people who like to have things written down as well as the visual lessons.

Now you know I am a big fan of DVDs for learning, so I highly recommend this DVD to anyone who wants to learn about this fascinating process.

I can't wait to start putting all my new knowledge into practice!