adding a little applique can be a good way to breath new life into something that you haven't used or worn in ages - maybe even something that you have considered tossing or donating.
i have one copy of kayte's new book applique your way that's up for grabs for one of my blog readers! but you're going to have to let us know what you have that's lying around your house or shoved in the back corner of your closet that's in desperate need of a little applique.
please leave your answer in the form of a comment - comments will close at 9pm (pacific time) tuesday january 12th. kayte and i will then select our favorite.
make sure to include your email (will not be published) so i can contact the lucky winner (US resident only).
good luck!
UPDATE: thanks everybody for you comments - we loved them all. it's going to be hard to pick out favorite! winner to be announced soon.
AND THE WINNER IS.... christina! and christina happens to run a super sure etsy shop that you should check out!
i also wanted to let you know that katye has started an applique your way flickr group where you can post photos of projects you make using her book!
(p.s. don't forget to read my little interview with kayte in the previous post!)
What needs applique at my house? I can think of a hundred things I would like to have applique on, pillows, dishtowels, skirts... but what I would really like to change the look of is this blanket my husband keeps on the couch to keep him warm in the winter. I hate that thing and would desparately love to throw it out, but I do believe there is a possibilty after thinking this all through that if there was some applique (OK, a bunch of applique), it might be pleasant enough to keep there and look at!
Posted by: Amy | January 07, 2010 at 07:50 AM
I think it would have to be a cardigan...that has seen better days - but I cant seem to throw out. It fits just right, you know? Adding an applique would make it last a little longer, right? Oh yea, and my dogs bed, where he has worn holes from laying in it too much. He's a lazy bones like his momma. :)
Posted by: adrienne | January 07, 2010 at 09:07 AM
Kids' clothes!
Posted by: Pumpkinbear | January 07, 2010 at 09:25 AM
Somewhere in my cupboards is my "worry blanket". It's a deep red satin comforter that was handed down to me when I was in high school. I call it my worry blanket because in years past, when I was worried and fretting, I would sit and stitch on the blanket, fixing holes and split seams and sometimes just embroidering a little. Been worried lately; maybe I need to get out that blanket and focus on adding little appliques to this (at this point) vintage source of comfort!
Posted by: Heidi | January 07, 2010 at 09:30 AM
This looks so fun! I'd love to make my own version of an Enid Collins purse as well, this book would be a great inspiration to bring new life to some of my thrifted purses. :)
Posted by: christina@pmv | January 07, 2010 at 09:43 AM
I have a denim skirt that needs a little...updating. I know Ms. Terry has outdone herself!
Posted by: Heather | January 07, 2010 at 10:46 AM
I've been planning to try something crafty with my plain but highly functional backpack. Perhaps something floral . . . Hmmm....
Posted by: yvette | January 07, 2010 at 11:40 AM
I have a plain denim tote bag in dire need of some applique!
Posted by: Stacia | January 07, 2010 at 04:07 PM
I have a felted purse just crying for some applique.
dicity
Posted by: Diane | January 07, 2010 at 05:59 PM
I have an old chair that I've had forever and recoverd (badly) once before. It is in my garage waiting for it's next incarnation (it has a nice shape, what can I say!?). It would be fun to make patchwork fabric with appliques to recover it with.
Posted by: dawn | January 07, 2010 at 07:18 PM
My black cardigan sweater with the sparkly buttons could use some applique.
Posted by: MelodyJ | January 07, 2010 at 09:27 PM
We live in a fairly remote part of the world where shopping is a very limited experience! I only recently started sewing appliques onto my childrens t-shirts to make their clothes a more fun. I can buy boring plain t-shirts from the store and apply an gorgeous red aeroplane from some material I sent away for. Then I started on table runners. I am self-taught and actually sat down at the lap-top this morning with my cup of tea to see if I could find out how to applique a design onto a skirt for myself. I got distracted by reading your blog and couldnt believe the coincidence!! My skirt has a hem coming down and needs some love but I really want to make something special for myself now.
Posted by: Tamsin | January 09, 2010 at 12:55 PM
What a shame this wonderful prize is only for US citizens! Downunder (Australia) we love applique too!
Posted by: Flora | January 09, 2010 at 05:21 PM
I am newly married and currently live in an enormous apartment complex with no personality. I am not aloud to paint the walls and I would really love to make a large fabric wall piece that would serve as "wall paper" in my living room to give it some character. I am envisioning a large piece of felt with applique birds and sticks!
Posted by: Mindy Sue Meyers | January 09, 2010 at 06:06 PM
i am so sorry flora but with the high cost of shipping out of the US we were unable to open this up to people outside of the US.
thanks for checking out my blog!
Posted by: cathy of california | January 09, 2010 at 06:12 PM
I have a bunch of blank onsies that need some loving. The wee one is due in 3 weeks and will be dresed in very plain onsies if I don't get some help. so help, please! =_
Posted by: Danielle H. | January 11, 2010 at 07:05 AM
I have a pile of things that would love some sprucing up including tons of t-shirts I have of all colors, old pillow covers that may get dumped to goodwill, doggy t-shirts that could use some personalization, hand towels for holiday events (would make great gifts!) and anything that's fabric! :-)
Posted by: Jodi | January 12, 2010 at 08:13 AM
I would love to applique on my childrens clothing. I have two boys, noah & Kohen Chase, and a 10 month old little girl named Parker. They never have cute boy clothes and I have always wanted to learn how to applique to liven up their clothes!!!
Posted by: Reina Ramos | January 12, 2010 at 09:52 AM
Pillow cases for my special out of town guests.......
Posted by: Carey Watters | January 12, 2010 at 10:02 AM
I really need color in my life. I realised recently how boring my clothes are. Few patterns, too much black. It's worse than just boring, it's a reflection on how I gave up caring and got scared. I spend so much time trying to blend in I think. I don't have the budget to buy new clothes, but seeing this post here made me think I could brighten up my dead boring black winter coat that I wear everyday... And remind me I am creative. I used to embroider my jeans! What happened? *little whimper for the loss*
Can I enter the contest as a US citizen who is abroad? I get stuff sent from home all the time. Anyway, here's to a more colorful year to everyone!
Posted by: heather | January 12, 2010 at 04:43 PM
thanks heather for your comment! sorry but we can only ship the book within the US.
Posted by: cathy of california | January 12, 2010 at 06:51 PM
I shall like to put faces on things with little face part appliques. I have a cloth doll with a face that needs a do-over.
Posted by: Jenny | January 12, 2010 at 08:23 PM