Scrapbooking, Quilting, Needlework, Arts & Crafts

Applique Patterns

Applique patterns can be used in quilting to create award-winning quilts, as the author of this article attests ...

My mother has spent many hours of her life sewing. When we were children she would make clothing for us. Her favorite thing to do was to use different applique patterns. She would sew outfits for my sisters and me that would be different colors, but would have the same applique patterns on them. Once we were older and no longer wanted to dress alike my mother started using the applique patterns to make quilts.

She started using simple applique patterns on the first quilts she made. As she began quilting more she began using more elaborate applique patterns. Her quilts were works of art. We encouraged her to enter one of the quilts in the local county fair. At first she was reluctant to do this, but she eventually entered the quilt for judging. The judges were so impressed with the detailed applique patterns that she was awarded the grand champion ribbon. This meant that she also would display the quilt at the state fair.

My mom was very excited about making the trip to the state fair. This fair draws close to a million people during the ten days that it is opened. Mom had to bring her quilt to the fair the day before the exhibits opened so it could be judged. The judging at the state level involves being interviewed by the judges about the specific project, as well as quilting in general. My mother was quite nervous about this because she knew that many of the other entrants were professional quilters. Mom thought the interview went well. She was not told how her quilt would be ranked because this was done once all the quilters were interviewed.

We went back to the fair for the opening day. We were looking at all of the beautiful quilts that were entered for judging. They were displayed in many different ways. Some were hanging others were folded or draped. We could not find the one my mother had completed. We were about to ask for help when my dad spotted the quilt. It was placed in a glass case that was reserved for the grand champions. My mother could not believe that she had one another champion ribbon.

This was the first of many quilts that my mother has won ribbons for. Since that first entry she is considered one of the finest quilters in the state specializing in applique patterns. She has also had some national exposure with her quilting. This recognition has truly given her added self esteem and confidence that she carries to all areas of her life. It is amazing how cutting out applique patterns can change a person’s life.

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