Aurifil Artisan - August Challenge

Let's make a quilted throw pillow featuring applique!

Oh I had so much fun putting together this months Aurifil Thread Artisans Challenge! This months theme was applique! I used Martelli Notions Dachshund Template Set and added some adorable details for this "Halloweenie" pillow!

My Fabrics

I had these adorable fabrics from last season and knew they would be perfect for my project! These are from the Boolicious Collection by Maude Asbury for Free Spirit Fabrics! How adorable are these donuts and cupcakes! Now do you see why they were calling my name! Yummy yummy!

Martelli Notions Dachshund Template

I recently became an affiliate for Martelli Notions and can you image my excitement when I saw that they make a dachshund template set?? Oh the projects I will create with this!!! The dachshund template set comes with 2 sizes of pups!I decided to use the smaller pup for my 12"x20" pillow. I ordered my insert from Amazon, I love it because it's nice and full and was perfect for my project!

Let's Applique!

I have an upcoming blog article and tutorial for you all about applique, but I'll cover the basics today! I use HeatnBond Lite Iron-On Adhesive for my applique projects. I used the Martelli Notions dachshund template to trace my pup onto the adhesive. Because I wanted my pup facing to the left, I turned the template upside down. Remember when creating applique shapes, everything is in reverse when you are tracing! I cut out a few of the cupcakes and donuts from my fabrics and used them individually on the pillow! I also found a cute witches' hat to applique as well! After finishing with my appliqued fabric, I turned my attention to the pillow! I quilted the background fabric and batting on my Juki using Aurifil 50 wt in White. I wanted a quilted look, but didn't want it to distract from the applique!I didn't want the traditional blanket or satin stitch with this applique, so I decided to do a bit of what I will refer to as freestyle applique stitching! I used my regular presser foot (not a free motion foot) and quilted in and around all of the details! I just wanted to have fun with this project and I really accomplished that! These beautiful Aurifil threads certainly made the applique POP! I used Aurifil 40 wt in Black, Orange Mustard, Variegated Silver Fox and Graphite! Perfect matches don't you think?

Final quilted pillow touches!

I finished up my pillow with a quick envelope pillow back and some adorable binding as the perfect final touch!

The final project!

This was certainly a fun and quick Halloween project! I can't wait to try my hand with more applique!! Tell me what you think of the pillow and the technique I used!

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