Back in June I took a “raw-edge” appliqué workshop with Barbara Beasley. It was organized by my dear friend, Laura, and we had a great time (thanks Laura!)
Barbara is an amazing talent!
And if you’re not familiar with her name, you will probably recognize her by her work. Here are just two of the many pieces she has posted on her website: http://www.barbarayatesbeasley.com/. Many of them are for sale!
Each student was to bring a picture of either flora or fauna, a photo enlargement, fusible web and a lot of fabric. Her technique was very interesting and the results in just our 6 hour workshop were wonderful!
My friend Evelyn (of Quilt Sissies fame 🙂 ), chose to do a special cat. She was amazed at the amount of blue in the picture – for a cat that wasn’t blue.
Laura decided to portray her cat in unexpected fabrics.
I can’t wait to see some of these finished!
I chose to do our grand-dog, Moseley. He’s a very pretty Australian Shepherd (photo courtesy of my daughter-in-law Betsy).
Here’s my “Moseley in progress”
and here’s Moseley!
Next I need to find the right background. I cut him out and placed him on a number of different fabrics and I’d like your opinion on which to use, or suggestions for other options.
Please comment in the box at the bottom of this post to vote for your favorite, or offer other suggestions. If you don’t see a comment box, click on “Appliqué Animals” at the top of this post and scroll back down to the bottom.
I love taking classes and learning new techniques. This was a fun class and a great technique. Here’s a challenge to anyone in that class. If you finish your piece and send me a picture, I’ll be thrilled to post it on my blog!
Nancy Hansen says
Definitely fabric#1.
Ethel white says
I like background 3
Sharon Wantland says
Number 3
Julie says
#3
Jackie Iannarelli says
I agree. #3
Nancy Thone says
#4!
Judy says
Why not piece something as Barbara did in her cat pic? Without the column maybe.
Camille says
#3
Nancy says
Number 3
Randee says
I would vote for Background 4 as it brings out the dog. #3 is also pretty good but he doesn’t look like a water dog. Each background makes him look different.
Dorothy says
#3
Patt Nieman says
#1 I like the contrast.
Jan A Hartwig says
I so wanted to take that class but chickened out. Not going to miss it the next time there’s an opportunity. I vote for number 4 because he stands out the most on that. I like number 2 because it looks like a kitchen floor but he stands out better in background number 4
Patti Schmitt says
Definitely #3!
Lynn Rusch says
I like 3 the best but 4 is also nice. Definitely not 2.
Nancy Wisniewski says
#2. It goes with his bandana, which gives him that country vibe. Fabric also reminds me of the country and quilts.
Karen says
#3
Kim G Holt says
#3
Susan says
#3
Eileen says
I like background # 3
Karen Moore says
Jeez, I like each one. You could do a series!! I think #3 may be my favorite.
Jeanette Gillespie says
#3
Cheri says
The dog is wonderful!
Background choice: #2 or #3.
The dog gets a little lost with backgrounds #1 and #4.
Mary Tobolski says
#3
Carolyn says
where does Moseley like to be. The background that suits him is the one to choose
Caroline Satber says
#4
Caroline Satber says
# 4
CATHY BORNEMAN says
FABRIC 3
Sharon J says
Choice three
Nina Edelman says
I would choose #3 as I feel all the others distract in some way from the main event. I had two Aussies ( fabulous breed) and was pleased to see yours in fabric!
Linda L says
I like #3. No matter which one you choose, Mosely is handsome. You chose well!
Louise Haddon says
I like 2 for a casual look or 3 for a more formal look.
Julie says
#3
Donna says
#3 makes him look like he’s outdoors in the sunshine and really happy!
Kris Janssen says
#3 brings out his color and makes him appear to be happy and possibly playing on a beach. Tough decision, tho.
Barb Herreid says
#3 as it really establishes the dog as the focus
Cathy Swinkowski says
Background 3
Janiece Goin says
#3
Gloria says
Oh, #3! He’s playing on the beach!
Bernadette Martin says
I like #3 also.
1 & 4 aren’t too bad either.
Bern
Cari Janssen says
I like background three. Would love the opportunity to take tha class.
Betsy says
I’m in the minority, but I really like #2, I think because it is not the usual background fabric and is fun.
Norma Benz says
I like the feeling of #2–the applique is so life like.
Sue says
I like #2 with #3 as a runner-up. I think #2 seems more dog-like!
Mary Jane says
#3 it looks like the ocean and sky behind him….how happy that
would make him!
MaryAnn says
I think #1. It makes him look like a lovable dog. #3 is to beachy for me. He looks like a wood-sie dog.
Tomi Fay says
I like #2. I like to think of the dog in the kitchen, expectantly waiting for you to give him his dinner.
Linda Valiga says
I was in the class with you. I like background three. Love it. Linda
Kim says
I like #2 the best!
Lynne says
I think #3 is perfect! Grass and sky would be good too.
Debbie says
I like #3 best, #1 second. Moseley looks fabulous
Jane says
I like background #3, he really stands out and seems like he is outdoors. And he is not competing with the background so much. I also like #1, it creates an overall warmth and richness.
Crystal Gaeth says
I prefer #3 because it makes the picture look like a painting and also more natural.
Renee Defenbaugh says
I like #3. Looks like he is outside.
Lisa Inlow says
#3 shows the pic the best
Evelyn says
I liked #3. I plan to work on mine next week at Joan’s.
Karon Fuller says
They are all very good but I think #3 would be my most favorite.
Karon Fuller says
I like them all but I think #3 is my most favorite. Thank you for this opportunity to make this suggestion. He is awsome.
Joyce Hach says
I like #2–it more unexpected, although #3 is also nice. Tough to choose.
Debbie H says
Chris….My vote is #3 😉
Laura Krasinski says
# 2. And then # 3. I’m working on an owl this weekend.
Maggi says
#1 gets my vote! What a great project.
Susan A says
I vote for three….what a wonderful workshop..amazing results
Faye Grover says
I like #2 or #3
Patricia Rychlowski says
They are all good but 3 would be my favorite. What a fun project.
Gloria says
I like number 3.
Barb Byron says
#3….. Aussie’s are great swimmers…. keep the Geese out of our yards…
Deanna Jaloviar says
I will pick #3, but I also like # 4. #4 makes it look like he is out in Nature.
Seamsmith says
Background #3
Jodi Grzeczka says
Hi Chris, I am to late to vote on the background, but I LOVE the picture of Moseley. I have to ask, how is this different from Replique? I’m curious! I loved your class, always wanting to learn more!
clkquilt says
Hi Jodi, This technique requires fusibles, so the finished project will have an added stiffness. It is also a raw edge type of applique, whereas Replique covers the edges of each piece with satin stitching. When an animal has a lot of color and value changes in its fur, the satin stitching can get rather clunky looking, so I do like Barbara’s approach for those quitls. Replique is still my go-to technique when I want the quilt to be snuggly or I’m doing a picture where the satin stitching will add to the effect. Both techniques have their place :-).
Linda says
#3 definitely!!