batik applique

I have been having so much fun visiting blogs this week that I haven't had time to post. Now orders are coming in and I have to get busy. I recently dug out my stash of batik fabrics to experiment with Jude's weaving method and decided to do some applique work while I had it all out.

I use a very light fusible web when I cut out all my pieces. I don't like stitching around pins
and since I use a buttonhole (or,rather, a blanket stitch) on all the edges basting everything down is just one more step I can do without.
The batiks are just so perfect for leaves and flowers- they add such texture and color . This piece will become a pillow. This is my relaxing project to work on between all the eyeglass cases and pincushions I have to finish.
I have ideas worked out for two more pillows I need to finish this month- will show them later!

Iris Towels

Just finished these appliqued towels as a special order for someone who's favorite flower is the iris.
One towel is done with blues and purples- a darker palette.
The other one is in paler blues with yellow bands- lighter and sunnier. I used hand dyed cottons for the applique pieces which gives them a nice mottled look. I think I'll do more of these, lots in different patterns, for our upcoming shows.

Dish Towel in Progress

I recently sold a towel with this pattern so I decided to make another! I love the pale aqua color(or is it a pale robin's egg blue?) and the deep rusty red color together. Again I have used a flour sack towel. Next post will be a couple of new pincushions.

More applique towels

When I start appliquing flour sack towels it can become addicting! The towels themselves are such a pleasure to work with, such a nice feel to the cotton. The one above is in more subdued(for me) colors and the one below uses my favorite orange.

I will be posting all these towels on either http://www.manitobagifts.etsy.com/ or http://www.lollishops.com/manitobagifts. I am also working on some farmhouse gift sets which I have already posted two of on lollishops. I'll show them here next time along with some flea market finds.

batiks

My order of batiks arrived yesterday, such gorgeous colors! I use these (plus some silks) for the appliques on pillows,etc. I have a pillow in mind- a pretty deep sea blue hand dyed wool for the background and appliques in all the yellow and orange batiks.I am not much of a 'blue' person, but my favorite colors of yellow and orange go so well with it I use it when I can. My other plan is for a simple, pieced table runner that I hope will somewhat resemble an enamel on copper piece I recently saw. Beautiful! My problem is getting started. I hate to cut into such gorgeous fabric until I'm absolutely positive.