The Ultimate Applique Guidebook: 150 Patterns, Hand & Machine Techniques, History, Step-by-Step Instructions, Keys to Design & Inspiration

As a brand new quilter and new to applique, I purchased this book after picking up another of Annie Smiths books on applique at joann fabrics.I learned here about a quilt design journal, several ways to applique, yo yo's, and a wealth of resources.This book has 150 patterns and several layouts. I feel it was a good buy and i would recommend it.

This is a great book for beginners or experienced quilters. Highly recommend

The applique book had the information I was looking for, interfacing tracing and ironing, attaching by sewing, all information to get the job done

Liked it so much that I've started a new quilt with the designs.

I was so excited to read the title, The Ultimate,Applique Guidebook. Terrific,another source for needleturn applique, I thought.But after it arrived I could'nt find anything for needleturn methods. Then lo and behold, on page 46 under Hand Applique, the author states "I am still no good at needleturn applique." But she begins that same paragraph by saying,'There is only one method of hand applique that I can wholeheartedly recommend,and that is the one my friend Holly Mabatas of EAT CAke GRAPHICS developed and taught me. TTHE ULTIMATE GUIDEBOOK should be named, THE LIMITED GUIDEBOOK OF WHAT ANNIE SMITH KNOWS.

It has a trove of info..for both appliqué and quilt design...with tried and true tips...plus so many appliqué design templates. This is my ‘go to’ book for appliqué. So glad I found this.

Nice book,easy to read and utilize

I loved this book it was very helpful and can be used for both machine and needle turn applique. I am rather new to applique and the instructions were easy to understand and read. Plus beautiful patterns and will be easy to transfer to your fabric it is a must for new new quilters wanting to learn applique

As this book was described as the "Ultimate Applique Guide" I took it to mean that it would cover all the various methods of doing applique, as well as the various sewing machine feet and threads you can use. In fact, this is more of a description of one way of doing applique, quite traditional American in style and in particular, the authors way of doing it. Unfortunatey, this is not what was wanted at all. Also, about half the book is the authors line drawing of her designs, quite traditional again. What I wanted was to use my own designs, not traditional flowers and forms at all, so these were completely superfluous to my needs, but took up a lot of space in the book. Hence I am returning it, and having to search for another book. However, having said that, if you want to do traditional Baltimore applique and want a particualar way of doing it to make a soft finished quilt, I have no doubt, this is the book for you.

This is a book published in the USA. As the author says it is 'a sourcebook of design elements', but it is more than that. It also an instruction book on how and where to start with these beautiful Balitmore Album quilts and hell any other quilt too! The best thing is that the chapters are colour coded so you can dip into a chapter easily. This is a book for beginners as well as revision for the more experienced quilter. I can't think why you would need any other book except perhaps for more design ideas on applique blocks, of which, I also have 'Nancy Brenan Daniel's - 101 Applique Blocks'. Descriptions are clear concise and well demonstrated in clear pictures.In the book you find that the author spends a short chapter on the history and what 'Fine Applique is'. The author advises on how to record your inspirations or creativity when it inspires you. Usually we think of these things when we are driving, in the shower/bath or trying to sleep or we see something. She laughs, as I do, when people say ' I couldn't do an art/applique class. I don't know how to draw or sew!' I agree with the Author when she says that ALL things that we learn are in classrooms and its practice, practice..... As positive as these statements are, she takes away your 'walls' and encourages you to have a go. So take a photo, keep a design journal record of the colours patterns you see or file of cutouts and be inspired by this book! There is also a note (which was a relief to see) on understanding Copyright.There are chapters on 'choosing your fabric' with a prompt on 'value' as well as 'hue', what works and doesn't work so you can make better choices for yor design. There is an extensive list and descriptions regarding basic tools; for machine applique and for hand applique supplies. Of course you do not need everything! But the list will help you understand or remind you what is available and what it does.The different methods of applique are then tackled which also covers how to stitch curves, outside points, beginning and ending. All photos are in colour. the way the examples are shown, its very clear where you should stitch without having to read. Fused pieces of applique are also fully covered. There are the basics for designing blocks and quilts. Also how to finish and complete your quilt.The Author gives you three small applique projects to get you started and build your confidence. These range from a simple Jacobean Tulip wall hanging to something very much more complicated with an appliqued border. She supplies clear instructions on how to use the paper pattern for the applique shapes anbd elements. As she says 'all the applique designs in this book are meant to allow you to play and come up with your designs' and much later design your shapes yourself if you want to. The designs covered are multisized Flowers (stacked, tucked, combinations, single petal); Leaves (simple, piped, spiny, specfic leaf shapes ie oak, acanthus, maple, vine) Containers; Aanimal/Insects/and Ffowl Friends; Fruit; Stars and other patriotic elements - Royal design elements (edwardian horn, mayan feathers,fleur-de-lis, artichoke, cockscomb); and Medallions. So a really good basic selection!Half this book is the black outlined pattern pieces listed above to mix, use, de/increase in size, reverse as you wish to use for your own quilt designs. There is a small colour sample picture to show the finished result in the top corner of the page in an example of a colour combination. At the back is provided a paper pattern insert for you to use of these outlines. Hoorah!So I hope this was helpful. I am glad I bought this and hope it will be useful for you too!Happy quilting

Very pleased

Great book. Thank you

Good item with plenty of selection for study at a later date.