Authors and quiltmakers Daphne Greig and Susan Purney Mark have been working on their “Give & Take Fabric Appliqué” design concept since 2006. This book is the result of their thinking about traditional quilt patterns, commonly constructed with traditional methods, and wondering how they can make these designs using their “Give & Take” appliqué technique. Give & Take appliqué is a method where patterns are created using fusible web. As you cut out the pattern you find a positive image and a negative image. Both of these images are then used to create the blocks. By combining this two-for-one technique you are able to make tricky shapes super easy to appliqué. The appliqué method of choice is of course machine appliqué and you are encouraged to use the decorative stitches on your machine. You will find a comprehensive section on fabrics, tools, materials and techniques. Start small with the table runner project and before you know it you will be creating quilts using long-time favorite block patterns such as New York Beauty, Double Wedding Ring and Pickle Dish with ease. Many of the 12 different projects in this book are fat quarter friendly and all result in spectacular finished pieces

“Give & Take Fabric Appliqué” is a sampler quilter’s workbook about using a new technique called Give And Take Appliqué. Using fusible web and a Teflon appliqué pressing sheet, along with an assortment of preferred fabrics, the quilter is taken step-by-step through the process of choosing design and fabrics, cutting pressing and stitching. The first two chapters deal with fabric fundamentals and tools and technique. Complete patterns for tracing appliqués are enclosed for a variety of beautiful appliqué projects. This book contains a plethora of creative appliqué quilted projects that can be tackled at the reader’s choice or discretion. Stunning full-color photos, clear concise instructions make the projects accessible to the aspiring, determined quilter. James A. Cox, Editor-in-Chief, The Midwest Book Review, Wisconsin Bookwatch, October 2011, The Needlecraft Shelf.

Such a fun technique. I am always up for trying something new yet often it takes too long to do it perfectly. This fun technique brings fairly instant gratification. The play of positive and negative gives a graphic dimension that makes even the least talented at choosing fabrics successful. Try it!

I had the opportunity to take a class from Daphne Greig and Susan Purney Mark at Quilt Market a few years ago where they taught this technique. I love the fact that there’s no waste—what you take from one block, you give to another. So I’m happy to see a book dedicated to this technique. Originally based on the New York Beauty style quilt, they have expanded to designs using the Double Wedding Ring and Pickle Dish! And you can certainly adapt the projects in the book to other patterns. Nice book!