Book Review: Stash Happy Applique

Stash Happy: Applique by Claire Shaffer is the latest in the Stash Happy series from Lark Crafts.  Within this book are 25 projects where applique makes the design.

The smaller pieces of fabric typically used in applique will send you digging happily through your scrap bin for those favorite little bits of fabric you couldn’t bear to part with.

Some of the projects have you add applique to a store-bought product, while others are made from scratch.  Project types range from home decor to kid- and baby-oriented to bags and other accessories.  Full-color photos accompany step-by-step instructions to make the projects.  Templates for appliques (other than simple shapes) are provided at the end of the book.

A few of my favorite projects include:

Sweet Dreams Tooth Pillow

Three tooth images are appliqued on to the edge of a purchased pillowcase.  The middle tooth is also a pocket where the tooth-for-money exchange can take place.  The simple lines make this equally appropriate for  boys and for girls.

Floating Heart Ornament

The handstitched heart floating in the middle of a clear glass ornament looks to be magic, but it’s actually achieved with the help of a clear transparency sheet.  You can make them from the tiniest of scraps, and give them out to friends and family as thoughtful Christmas gifties.

Kid Art Tryptych

Kids are always so proud when they see their artwork displayed on the wall or the fridge, or anywhere really.  This project takes kids’ art and turns them into a tryptych of stitched canvas.  The wonky lines of a child’s drawing are easily translated into a lighthearted applique design.

Little Miss Mason Jars

A simple mason jar  gets elevated to decorative storage when you wrap the clear glass jars with a quilted and appliqued cozy.  Follow their lead and applique pictures of buttons, thread, and ric rac to use the jars for your sewing supplies.

Modern Mary Janes

A plain pair of Mary Jane fabric shoes become bright, happy fashion accessories when you add some applique.  They show a flower and some dots dancing across the toes, but this would work with any motif.  I especially like the little motif sewn on the heels of the shoes.

I could go on and on about the cute projects in this book, but I’ve got to stop myself here.

But be sure to check back tomorrow.  I have a Stash  Happy giveaway to announce!

Looking for more tooth fairy gifts, trinkets and ideas? Check these Tooth fairy items out on Etsy.