Take-Away Applique by Suzanne Marshall

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Front Cover Take Away Applique

Back Cover Take Away Applique

Click here to read some judges comments!

From the back cover: Award-winning quilter Suzanne Marshall shares with you many of her winsome bird, animal, and flower patterns and her simple and sensible approach to applique. In a charming addition to anyone's library, this self-taught quilter traces the development of her approach to design. If you have ever wondered how judges think as they study contest entries, you will enjoy reading the judge's remarks, pro and con, accompanying photos of Suzanne's prizewinning quilts.

If you like applique, you are sure to find patterns to win your heart from among the nearly 50 pages of motifs and block patterns. Three wall quilt patterns are also included, along with a chapter on designing your own applique blocks. A question and answer section addresses the most frequently asked questions that Suzanne has received about her unique technique. Look closely for the delightful bugs in the "Don't Bug Me" quilt on the cover.

What's 'take-away applique' all about?

A multi-pieced applique pattern becomes a cinch using the unique take-away applique method. Watch all of the applique pieces come together perfectly without the struggle of background markings or transparent overlays.

Where does Suzanne get ideas for her quilts?

Many design inspirations for Suzanne's award-winning quilts are included. For example, see how a Sicilian mosaic floor gave Suzanne the idea for Bed Bugs.

What did the competition judges have to say about Suzanne's quilts in the exhibits that she has entered?

All of the judges comments are included in the book--even the bad ones!!!! Here are the comments for Suzannes quilt, Miracles:

NEGATIVE COMMENTS

  • visual pencil lines
  • border tends to overwhelm center medallion
  • don't feel borders relate to center section, especially the middle one
  • binding should be filled with batting
  • piecing could be more precise (See the first positive comment)

POSITIVE COMMENTS

  • precision piecing nice (So who's right?)
  • quilting shows up wonderful on back
  • quilting design fits and fills all areas
  • embroidery on birds adds to effect
  • visual appeal great
  • excellent use of limited color palette
  • dimensions in gray very good
  • embroidery enhances design
  • circles and curves handled extremely well
  • elegant overall appearance

What does Suzanne's husband, Garland, have to say about her quilts? Garland's comments are included in the book. Some show his intellect, his thoughts about quiltmaking, his disagreement with the judges, and in a few cases he rebuts what Suzanne says about him! He definitely has his own little stories to tell! Here's a comment he made after a 'story' told about Silver Gull Beach:

THOUGHTS FROM GARLAND:
"This is a particularly favorite story of the quilters who hear Suzanne's lecture. Perhaps they recognize some common quality with the men in their lives. As it is diffucult for me to believe that this quilt was constructed under my nose without any suspicion on my part, I must be more pre-occupied and less perceptive than I thought."

Are there patterns in the book?

YES, YES, YES! Details from many of Suzanne's quilts are included as well as the pattern for Bed Bugs, Don't Bug Me, and many from Earth Watch. Example patterns are available on-line.

What do other people say about Take-Away Applique?

"I wish to thank you for writing such a wonderful quilting book. Even though you do discuss your quilting techniques, I find that the true joy of this book is how it inspires. I reached a point in quilting where I was stagnant in my thought process. Thank you for breaking my 'quilter's block.'" - Bev Huelsman

Take a close look at this book:
"Anyone who has ever shyed away from applique should look closely at Suzanne Marshall's book Take Away Applique. Suzanne's clear step-by-step explanations could unlock the mysteries of this art form for you as it did for me. Her lovely naturalistic patterns, which include flowers, butterflies, caterpillars, hummingbirds, and many many other charming creatures, make practice a pure joy. Suzanne is an award winning quiltmaker who shares with us the judge's comments about her quilts. We get a close-up look at what judges look for and how "subjective" judging can be. I LOVE this book, the format is so friendly, honest, open and encouraging. With this book anyone can master applique adn learn to make beautiful quilts that will please and bring joy to the harshest of all quilt judges....yourself." - Michelle Sargent

How can the book be purchased?  

TAKE-AWAY APPLIQUE can be purchased from the American Quilter's Society or from Amazon.com. Better yet, order a copy from Suzanne herself, and she will send you a swatch of fabric from her newest quilt along with an autographed copy of the book. Contact her at suzannemarshall@mindspring.com

Table of Contents:

INTRODUCTION....8

Chapter 1: THE BEGINNING....11

Chapter 2: THE TRANSITION AND BEYOND....19

Chapter 3: THE YUKATA SERIES....67

Chapter 4: LAP QUILTING....77

Chapter 5: DESIGNING A QUILT BLOCK....81

Chapter 6: TAKE-AWAY APPLIQUE....89

 Pattern - Venetian Bird Wallhanging....91

 Pattern - Love Birds Wallhanging....101

Chapter 7: APPLIQUED PATCHWORK....109

 Pattern - Appliqued Patchwork Wallhanging....112

 Design Your Own Appliqued Patchwork Block....117

Chapter 8: PATTERNS AND IMAGES....121

Chapter 9: QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS....169

INDEX OF QUILTS....174

ABOUT THE AUTHOR....175


Updated April, 2003. © 2003 by Suzanne Marshall. All rights reserved.

 

 

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