We recently spoke with Jane Townswick, author of Appliqué Takes Wing, Artful Appliqué, and the recently released Artful Appliqué II.
How did you first get started quilting?
Like many people, I discovered quilting in the late 1970s. My first effort was a baby quilt that I made for my next-door neighbor’s first grandchild. That experience taught me that I needed to take some classes in quilting, which I did at our local fabric shop. I loved it, and I’ve never looked back!
You’re the author of numerous books on appliqué, including the best-selling Appliqué Takes Wing and Artful Appliqué. How does your new book, Artful Appliqué II, differ from your earlier works?
In Artful Appliqué, I gave patterns for 9″ blocks. Artful Appliqué II is filled with floral designs in 12″ finished blocks. They’d look good in any color scheme, so whether you’re making a Baltimore Album quilt or something that’s more contemporary in style, these flowers will adapt well to your projects.
What is Scraplique, and what led you to develop this technique?
Scraplique is a term I’ve coined to describe a free-form appliqué technique. It creates unique fabrics that can look like patchwork or wild, crazy, quilt-type designs. It’s done without templates, and the appliqué shapes are created after you stitch each seam. You can make hexagons, triangles, squares, rectangles—almost anything! And if you use a wide variety of lights and darks, you can create beautiful effects of light and shadow in your fabric.
Then, when you’ve created a fabric that’s large enough to hold the appliqué shape you want to make from it, you simply press a freezer-paper template on the right side of the fabric, mark around the edges, and cut out the shape, adding a 3/16″ seam allowance as you go.
You’re known to quilters across the country as a gifted artist. How do you come up with so many stunning appliqué designs?
Thank you for saying that about my designs. The absolute truth is that each time I want to design something, I pray and ask God to give me ideas that will help me express something of His beauty in appliqué. There is only one Creator, so I go to Him, and new ideas always begin to flow through my mind. He never lets us down.
What are some of the new appliqué motifs readers can expect to find in your latest book?
Dogwoods, camellias, calla lilies, Columbian orchids, anemones, tulips, and more!
You’re an author, editor, and appliqué artist, as well as a teacher and former shop owner. What have you enjoyed most about your career?
I love to come up with new techniques for hand appliqué, but my favorite thing of all is to teach.
What do you typically cover in a beginning appliqué class?
We learn to make invisible stitches, anchor a needle onto thread, start and end a line of stitching, and make various types of knots. Then we begin stitching a design from one of my books. In my books, there’s always a list of techniques used in each block, and we go by that. I also include my technique for steep points in every class I teach. Beyond these things, I try to cover any techniques my students ask about or answer any questions they have by actually stitching samples with them if it’s helpful.
How can our website audience get in touch with you to find out more about your workshops?
I can be reached by email at jtown@enter.net.
What would we see if we were to walk into your studio?
Well, without a little advance notice, you’d see the “awful” truth—fabrics all over, tools and notions hither and thither, books scattered around shelves and tables. In short, it’s a glorious mess. I love it!
What do you like to do when you’re not quilting?
I’m an avid reader, so I’ve always got my nose in a book. I keep books in my car, in my quilting bags, in my purse—everywhere I go. I’m also a knitter, and I love knitting Fair Isle sweaters.
What’s one thought you’d like to share with someone who has never tried appliqué?
Start with a class taught by someone whose techniques and designs you really love, and jump right in! Don’t let anything seem too complex or intimidating—hand appliqué is easy, accessible, and loads of fun in any form!
