Rob Appell – Page 2

February 4, 2018February 2, 2018

Pineapple Peek-a-boo Reverse Applique

We love following trends. In the 70s it was bell bottoms and disco. The 80s brought perms and acid wash to the masses. Grungy jeans and flannel were all the rage in the 90s. And today? Well, it’s all about pineapples!

Pineapples are everywhere in fashion and decor. I’ve seen lamps, socks, earrings, and even a little pineapple-shaped dog house for your pampered pup. The whole world is in love with these golden fruits, and it’s no wonder; pineapples represent sunshine and warmth and far-off adventures.

This week I’m making a reverse applique pineapple quilt using fantastic batiks and my trusty Shark Applicutter. This project is so cool, it will be rocking that tropical vibe long after the pineapple trend has sailed away. Click HERE to watch the tutorial.

January 14, 2018January 12, 2018

State Map Appliqué Quilt

There’s nothing cooler than a map – especially if it’s a location you know and love. You can point out a spot and say, “That’s where I first picked up a surfboard.” and “There’s my old college town.”

I’m a California guy through and through, but Missouri is my home away from home. So this week I’m putting together quilts dedicated to each of those great states – and I get to show off some fantastic precuts in the process. Join me and I’ll show you how to appliqué an awesome homage to your favorite state, too!

January 7, 2018January 5, 2018

FMQ Skills and Drills: Circle Grid Motif

If you love exact measurements, rules, and instructions, it can be hard to let loose with Free Motion Quilting. How do you know if you’re doing it “right?” Where should you stitch next? How many swirls is the right number of swirls?

Luckily, the Circle Grid Motif is the perfect mix of creativity and structure. You’re working on a grid, so all you have to do is swoop from point A to point B. And swoop by swoop, your FMQ confidence will grow – and your quilt will look awesome. Click HERE to watch the tutorial!

December 17, 2017December 15, 2017

Quilting a T-Shirt Quilt

Leaving a quilt unfinished is like shaving only half your moustache. It’s like mixing up cookie dough and never baking the cookies. It’s like planting an apple tree and letting the apples fall to the ground unpicked. What a waste!

If you’re going to spend the time and effort to construct an awesome quilt top, do yourself a huge favor and finish it so it can be used and enjoyed! This week I’m demonstrating how to baste and quilt a t-shirt quilt. (You can learn how to make the quilt top HERE.) Click HERE to watch the tutorial. I think you’ll find the finishing touches can be the best part of the entire process!

December 10, 2017December 8, 2017

How to Square a Quilt

You did it! You successfully pieced, sandwiched, and quilted a cool new project. It’s looking great, but before you finish it off with binding, there’s one more step you just can’t skip: squaring the quilt.

This week I’m demonstrating how easy it is to achieve perfect straight sides and 90-degree corners. Click HERE to watch the tutorial and learn how to take your quilts from “good enough” to first-class!

December 3, 2017December 1, 2017

Slice and Swap Quilt

Quilters are an interesting bunch. We start out with fabric that is flawless and new, and then we slice it to smithereens. Seems kind of kooky, I know. But trust me, we know what we’re doing! Because when those little pieces are sewn back together in new and interesting ways, it’s not just fabric anymore; it’s art.

For my new Slice and Swap quilt, I’m chopping up an amazing batik layer cake. And when I stitch it back up with a simple little sashing? Magic! Click HERE to watch the tutorial.

November 28, 2017November 28, 2017

Cork Wallet FREE Printable

You may know that Rob is crazy for cork! After he created his first Streamline Cork Wallet this spring, he started dreaming up ways to keep using it! He’s made a Foldover Bag and has a few more projects in the works, but he just couldn’t stop creating cork wallets. The cork fabric is water resistant and wears very similarly to leather, making it a great choice for projects that get a lot of wear and tear.

While back in Hamilton to film a round of Man Sewing tutorials, Rob made a guest appearance on Missouri Star Quilt Co.’s Facebook Live, and shared a quick tutorial for a wallet made completely out of cork! This project is a quick and easy present for that special guy in your life just in time for the holidays!

Click HERE for the FREE Cork Wallet printable.

Watch the Facebook Live tutorial below!

November 26, 2017November 24, 2017

Simple Fur and Flannel Throw

My Simple Fur and Flannel Throw is the ultimate DIY gift. It’s useful, it’s super classy, and it’s as soft and cozy as a pair of polar bears cubs. And here’s the best part: it’s a cinch to make.

Shannon Fabrics has an amazing faux fur called Llama Cuddle. It’s a little finicky, but I’ve got a few tips to whip that silky-soft fur into shape. Click HERE to watch the tutorial!

November 12, 2017November 10, 2017

Traditional Stained Glass Appliqué

Have you ever tried to make a grilled cheese sandwich with an iron? Used a butter knife as a screwdriver? Hammered a nail in the wall with the heel of one of your wife’s good pumps? Sure, you can “make do,” but life is so much easier when you’ve got the right tools for the job.

This week I’m working on appliqued stained glass. This is a super fun project, and with the right tools, it really is simple! To create black “lead” lines, I’m using heat activated Quick Bias Tape. It follows the curves of the design with ease, and my Clover Mini Iron allows me to tack it down exactly where I want it. (Of course, I’ve got my favorite stiletto tool to help with precise positioning.) Finally, I use a twin needle to stitch both edges of the “leading” in one fell swoop. Easy peasy.

Click HERE to learn how to do Stained Glass Applique the easy way!

November 5, 2017November 3, 2017

Heidi’s Hexis Quilt

When you tune in to Man Sewing, you see only me and my sewing machine. But if I were to flip the camera around, you would discover an entire team of creative geniuses working together to make Man Sewing a success.

Today I’m working on a quilt that was designed by my good friend Heidi. As a talented member of the Man Sewing family, she is always coming up with cool project ideas. Click HERE to learn how to make Heidi’s Hexis Quilt!