Welcome to Grannie 'G' Applique!

I am asked all the time if a Grannie ‘G’ pattern has to be done the way the instructions describe. The answer is NO!!!! Refer to the definitions above, and the key word FIXED.

Everyone has their own set of skill levels and interests. Maybe you are a young parent with limited time, or you have a very demanding job that takes a lot of time, but you still want to applique. You need a technique that will allow you to finish a project in the limited time you have available. Go ahead and do a fusible project. No it won’t have the soft touch that a hand turned project will, but there are ways around that issue as well. The same applies to Raw Edge, Starch & Press, Templates. Each technique has its advantages and disadvantages.

Another person may like and have the time to do the hand work. In that case there are several different techniques out there. DO WHAT WORKS FOR YOU! I have friends who design applique patterns the same as I do. We all use a different technique, but in the finished product it is all but impossible to tell which technique was used. If you are getting the results you want with a particular technique by all means stay with it. I do Basted Needle Turn Applique because that is what I LIKE TO DO.

Then there is the physical issue. This applies to everyone. We are all getting older. (One of those truths in life.) Along with age come certain limitations. Like an intimate relationship with the Ritus Boys. Arthur and Burr as well as their brother Tendon Itis. So sometimes there are techniques that are physically impossible. Now what do you do? Give up on your most enjoyable activity? No. Find another way to do it. With some patience and practice you can get fabulous results with any technique.

Last but not least Patterns. Any applique pattern can be used with any technique. That is not to say all patterns are equal, each designer has a technique of choice and designs their patterns accordingly. So if you select a pattern for instance that is made up of just templates and your preferred technique requires a full size pattern you will have to use the templates to make yourself a full size pattern. The reverse is true if you prefer templates, you will either have to cut up the original pattern or trace each element separately for templates. Most importantly though is this thought. A PATTERN IS JUST A PLACE TO START let your creative juices flow and make that project your own.

For some EASY APPLIQUE patterns check out the link below to Grannie ‘G".

Until next time enjoy.