Composition Book Cover - Michael Miller Fabrics' Making it Fun #18

[@dianadiehl]

Dear Rob, At 67, I'm new to fabric, quilting, and sewing in general. In my youth, I eschewed the domestic arts and focused on physics and other sciences. However, now I've discovered the joy of textile art; I started in April of this year (2019), and mostly learned from the Internet. I do everything by machine. I've been watching your "Man Sewing" and "Making it Fun" channels since then and have learned SO much. I love your quirky, SoCal presentation style--it brightens my mornings. This is my first time commenting, so I'm making up for time with a nice loooong comment. I am on a mission to make composition book covers for all my family members this year, and I just love the ones I've made so far--even the ugly ones. They are quilted, appliqued, landscape, abstract, whimsical--again, all design elements created on machine. By ugly, I mean that I've developed my own, signature, FMQ style that I call "Spider on LSD." (That's because the thread patterns resemble the webs of spiders that researchers experimented on back in the 60s--pretty much no matter what FMQ style I try. :) ) Please put my name in for your drawing of Curiosity fabric. It's adorable! I hope that it will be available at Rosie's Calico Cupboard in San DIego soon and for a long time. With sparkle, Diana dldiehl.com

[@wandalinthorne9095]

I haven’t done a lot but what I have done has been by machine. Love this fabric line and I know my 10 year old granddaughter would love it too. She has a wonderful curious mind and she is brilliant and she would love the girl and her fox friend. I would love to make a beautiful quilt for her with this fabric. I love your videos and Michael Miller Fabrics could not have chosen any one better to make these videos. You sure do “make it fun”.

[@dwalk3722]

Thanks for a great tutorial. What a fun way to dress up a boring composition book! I have never appliqued. Very new to quilting and have lots to learn but have done garment sewing most of my life. I am enjoying the precision of quilting.

[@christinaholcomb3537]

Machine. I haven't started applique yet but it looks like a fun new skill to learn!! Love the energy Rob!!! Keep doing what you do. I love all your projects and they always give me great gift ideas for all the fun times in Life!!!

[@Jana-TheCraftyGambler]

I love, love love making fabric covers for the comp books. Every year, before school, I make a bunch of them and I send them to my grand kids. They really enjoy them too. Yes! Thank you, to your wife for everything she does. Teachers are a special breed of people.

[@veldalewis1542]

Thank you for such a great video! Very fun to watch and the directions were great. I already made one using someone else's tips, but it was a bit too large so I had to improvise to make things work. I even added machine embroidery for my name and a little bit of quilting. I will definitely continue to use Rob's method. Great job!

[@audreyspigelmire9368]

Always machine applique and use the embroidery machine a lot too. There are many more ways to do it by machine that would be hard by hand. Love the composition book cover. You brighten my day!

[@ronaldapettrey3250]

WEll I have mostly done machine appliqué but I am learning to do needle turn too. I think unless it is a really special project I will continue with machine. I love the cover. I think i’m going to try to make it as a scrapbook cover for pictures and stories for the grandkids for Christmas. Thank you for the idea!!! I might actually get them done on time between all the other projects and learning how to use my long arm. I tried your reverse appliqué technique. I used it for the back of a quilt I made. I will not being doing that again unless its more like yours. I used it as a label in the middle of the quilt just to try. I did like the proceeder and all just not as a label in the future. I would love to send you a picture of it, just tell me where to send. Thanks again for all your inspiration!!!!

[@victorialopez526]

Hello Mr. Rob! Im pretty new to your channel and I love your videos. I am a retired elementary school teacher so I absolutely love anything relating to reading! Love , love this fabric line and so perfect for making journal covers. It would also be great for making reading pillows! I have only done machince apliques. I would have to drive to Temecula for the closest quilt shop and I am not very familiar with them. I mostly get my fabrics on line. Thank you for your great tutorials. :)

[@normajeanr50]

Rob, I prefer hand applique. I have a few designs that are raw edge (including a Rob Appell patterns) that I have not tried before. I love your videos even if you weren’t giving fabric away!!! Just a quick note to you, Coffee Boy, to prove I am listening! Have a fabulous week. I am going to some quilt shops this weekend and guess what I will be looking for! Yup, MIcheal Miller fabrics!!!!

[@juliariley3017]

Hi, Rob... first to say I really enjoyed your son's band. They're excellent musicians and seem to have a lot of fun playing together! Now... Machine applique, hands down LOL I cannot do anything by hand... all notes and letters are computer written because I can't read my own writing! I have a disability in that area so... Machine sewing, appliquing, quilting, writing, mixing... and on it goes. YEA for the Industrial Age!

[@cubonecancraft]

Cute idea and cute fabric. Reminds me of my daughter and I. I am definitely OCD about most things. I’m a new quilter and my ancient machine died part way through my second ever quilt. I would prefer machine applique as it would be more even looking. My hand sewing is terrible. Thanks.

[@ssumner9757]

I machine applied and machine all my b8ndings on quilts! My hands can't work very well these days so its very hard to hand sew anything! Keep your videos coming!

[@jamiebaronet9949]

I love the fabrics...such fun. Appliqué for me is always by hand. I love the entire process of it.

[@deborahdavidson1220]

I love to Machine applique... you are awesome. I found a local quilt shop because of you being on the road to make orders. When I saw that you were in ORCUTT California I soon visited there afterwards and loved the shop. I pass by this quilt shop at least twice a week. It wasn't hard to spend $100. Still hoping to meet you soon.

[@ritajackson1647]

I love your videos! I do both hand and machine appliqué depending on where I am. I enjoy both. And I too am a reading specialist and may make some of these for my kiddos! Thanks again.

[@maggiemulchahey4086]

I have done both hand and machine over the 30 years I have quilted. I prefer machine applique. I leaned machine applique from a young man by the name of Keith. He is an amazing instructor.

[@charityt2411]

Hi Rob, I've actually never tried applique yet. I'm still working on my second top ever. My first quilt top was done in a class at my local shop. I'm loving quilting and enjoy watching you tutorials to learn new techniques. Thank you so much. :)

[@irenecoermann2439]

Hand!!! Hands down! Needle turn! Love it, so relaxing! Thanks for the tutorial, real fun and a great gift idea!

[@normajeanr50]

Rob, I love the honesty you share when mistakes happen because we don’t terrible when we make mistakes. Thank you also for your great sense of humor and making it fun for real!!!! Also, I have made two RARE Bears waiting for feet after your last weeks video. I am loving making the bears too.

[@nancyg1786]

Definitely machine applique...lol! Love the book cover, I'd love to make one for each of my 10 grandkids. Fantastic video as always, you have such a warm upbeat personality, thank you for ...making it fun!

[@debihall1697]

I like machine ... Raw edge is my favorite.. Great video. Thanks for all the work you do for us !!!!!

[@patriciajencks9940]

Machine! Though I have done needleturn by hand... (yikes!!!) New to this area, so haven't found a local quilt shop yet. Due to health, I've been away from quilting for a bit. Love, love, love the new show format! Blessings!

[@iriswidelski8215]

Rob, machine applique is the way to go. Thanks for the fun and great ideas.

[@Kathy-cc7lp]

As a child I hand appliqued, now as an adult I prefer to machine applique. As for your bonus question when I crochet or cross-stitch, I have been known to restitch whole areas up to a dozen times (or more) so it looks perfect to me. I also like to hear about when a "pro" makes a mistake because then they give us tips and tricks on how to fix a mistake. Extra info at no extra cost (meaning no extra video to watch).

[@JoniBarrott]

I've only tried machine applique. Thanks for this great tutorial, I see some gifts in the making. Also what a cute fabric line!

[@mary-annz.reynolds7778]

OMG! definitely machine! I've only been quilting a year and bought a pretty quilt kit online. When I opened it, I found it was mostly appliqué. My bad. So I'm learning appliqué. Your videos help. I'll call around and see who sells Michael Miller fabric here in Arizona as our fabric shop closed this year. I always buy my fabric online. Just in case, I win, I'll name the quilt shop here. Thank you for the video. My 5th grade granddaughter will love this composition book! ❤️🎆🏖️

[@laureenball3939]

I enjoy machine quilting appliqués best. My favorite quilt shop is actually across the country from where I live. Colchester Mill Fabrics in Colchester CT. I always stop into this shop when visiting my daughter in Connecticut.

[@mad_gar2672]

Absolutely love machine Applique. I’m addicted and I just started this year and can’t stop. My favorite quilt shop is Four Pines Quilting in Claremont NH because they always help with my color coordination and measurements. 😂

[@lesliem2041]

Jealous of your quiet house! Love this project and will be making a few of these for my kiddo who heads back to school next week. Thx for the great ideas and the giveaway opp! I’ve never done appliqué but will give it a try soon

[@mavinator3]

I love your energy and smile when you do your “Zen thing”. I totally get it having taught elementary school for 33 years. I think I will make some of these covers as teacher gifts for my grandchildren’s teachers!

[@alethaewing1464]

Hi! So excited to find your videos. This is the first one I've seen. I've only ever tried machine applique; I enjoy piecing. My 'local' quilt store is Jordan Fabrics in Grants Pass, Oregon though I live in Portland. Thanks!

[@jellicosews85]

Good little project. Machine applique for me. Love the look of raw edge.

[@slcspagirl]

This line is so curiously AWESOME!!! 😎 I have 15/20 grandkids in school this year, so WE would have a lot of fun choosing cover fabrics and making these. MACHINE APPLIQUÉ all the way! 👍 ***Thank you so much, Rob, for your efforts to make quilting and sewing fun. 🙏 ps. I also have to keep things tidy on my work!

[@bonniestalhiem8025]

Machine...I've been taking some online classes and having soooo much fun learning the ins and outs of my machine and just what it can do! 👍🏻👵🏻

[@linnyrae2u]

Great tutorial! The grands are just getting ready to head to school. This will be a great "send off" gift from Gram. Thanks! As for applique, machine unless it's very small.

[@carlasim1647]

Rob thanks for the awesome tutorials, love your energy, you always make it fun, Thanks again

[@darqvalquerie1444]

These fabrics are so darling! Machine for sure for most. Sometimes I like to do it by hand if it’s to fine for me to see under the machine. I love appliqués ❤️

[@Vintagekindagirl3]

I love this tutorial. The pen position is wonderful. My answer is....... machine only. My hands don’t work for handwork AND I love to do thread art on my machine! And my fav quilt store is domesticity in Baltimore.

[@heathersundstrom7476]

Machine only! My hand sewing is lacking! Thanks for the fun tutorial. The fabric is wonderful.

[@37debbiek]

I love hand applique because I can take it with me and work on it anywhere. Great tutorial.

[@annie_the_mad_quilter]

I've done both hand and machine applique', but due to arthritis in both hands, I've truly come to appreciate doing it by machine!

[@Deejeansonne]

Machine is my go to! Love watching your videos, you make things so easy! Tks for sharing

[@rltejkl]

Hand. Love the peacefulness of slow sewing!

[@suesmith5033]

I love to applique. I both machine and hand applique but have to say hand applique is my utmost favorite.

[@lindadavis8082]

Rob, I’ve used the colorful fold over elastic (meant for binding baby clothes) in the past for a pen holder on my book cover ! Have done both hand and machine appliqué but do prefer machine for the speed & durability!

[@belyndamulloy33]

I have not done any applique yet. It is on my basket list. But I think I will try both to see which one I like the best. Thank you for the tutorial. Great job as always Rob!! Rah Rahs in Lubbock, Texas.

[@ingridf.2710]

I love applique by machine! My son is leaving this autumn to study at the university. This will be a great gift for him. My favourite Shop ist Quiltmania in Kupferzell in Germany.

[@JacquieMc1]

Machine applique!!! Doesn't hurt my hands as much. Love this video.. will try to make a cover for my granddaughter

[@10Bayberry65]

Hi Rob! My first appliqué project was machine but now that I’ve gotten into hand sewing and embroidery, I think I prefer hand appliqué. 😊 I feel like I have better control of my stitches with hand work. Love my beautiful wooden tools you made! No 2020 Road2CA classes for you? Thanks for all you do!

[@denisek5208]

I SO need to make several of these book covers. 👍😀 really enjoy machine applique but trying out more hand work.

[@gayleallen-grier8959]

Machine applique. My favorite quilt shop is Bernina Sew and Quilt in Chattanooga, TN. Nice tutorial on the composition book cover!

[@ericboyle1754]

Definitely a machine appliqué person here. Great job on the project. Love your channel and the fabrics.

[@lesleygilbert1945]

My friend's daughter is called Paris - I have some Paris fabric and promised to make her a book cover for the new school term - your tut came just in time - thanks :)

[@hollybromley47]

I just did my first applique quilt -- a baby quilt for my newest grand daughter. I did machine applique and it turned out great. I never even thought about doing it by hand....hmmmm, maybe another skill I can learn?

[@annbrassell3013]

I haven't done much applique, and it has been machine stitched. Love your program!

[@jackiehill6022]

I use both methods depends on the style of design I am working on. Really enjoy your energy you project in loving what you do. I find If you love your craft you will create more.

[@cindyherget5196]

MACHINE ALWAYS! mom taught appliqué and free motion machine embroidery for years I never had a formal lesson from her but I would tag along and do my best to make the projects I sat in her sewing room for years and hovered and watched her skills and she did eventually show me many tips and such. I still have one of my first appliqué class projects early 80s, a cow my mom taught in a class, I did the kit she made up. I also remember a duck appliqué I did. I prefer everything by machine “Sew much sew”..... my 7th grade home-ec .. teacher was upset that I used a class sewing machine to appliqué my felt pieces onto my sewing project pillow.... everyone else sewed the pieces on by hand and were graded on it. She demanded that it wasn’t fare to the other students what I did she wanted me to re-do my project, and she attempted to flunk me on the project.... My mom went to bat for me.... I got an A+. Mom said most likely because I out skilled my teacher.

[@annebrister5468]

I like machine and by hand applique. Great tutorial. Thank you

[@CraftyRoxx]

Love this tutorial!!! This marries my two addictions, notebooks and sewing! The Fabric Shop in Gander Newfoundland. I have done both hand and machine applique, i like machine applique because its faster.

[@hsusanaugustyn6157]

Would love to hand applique but too impatient to finish , so machine it is. Love this fabric line with all the little foxes.

[@terenaschoenberger]

Machine for sure, if I don't have to do it by hand so much the better.

[@lindalosier5989]

Love the tutorial!! Applique is not my favorite thing to do but if I did it, I would use my machine because if I attempted to hand applique, it would never get done.

[@annedirks4501]

I like the speed of machine appliqué. Absolutely adore those foxes 🦊

[@ibkatleen1]

Love your videos, especially the ones of you on vacation. Answer to today’s mystery question is: It would have to be machine appliqué for me. The only hand sewing I do is finishing the binding. Great giveaway.

[@PrideElementary]

I can't wait to make some of these journal covers as gifts for my quilting friends! I've never tried applique, but when I do, it'll be machine applicque for sure! :)

[@raynaclaremckee9067]

I just tried this and made a beautiful cover for my Bible 😍

[@lynnknapp677]

Haven't had a chance to try applique yet, but when I do, it will be with a machine!

[@sherikirkendall3452]

Hi Rob, my favorite is machine appliqué. The book covers make great gift too. Favorite quilt shop: Bluebird Quilt Studio Thanks for all the fun videos

[@beverly9325]

I love applique but I only do it by machine. I love having the different options for stitches with the machine

[@ladyt1277]

Love your videos! I prefer machine appliqué. My local quilt shop is Quilt Patch Fabrics Stallings NC. And, yes, I’m OCD too.

[@robinsiler6645]

I do machine appliqué. My hand stitching is not the best. I love being able to use fancy stitches for some of the appliqué. I did a leaf vine pattern on some flower leaves I recently did. Windy Moon Quilts, Reno, NV & Sparks, NV

[@tamibooth1327]

Machine applique is my preferred method. Once the kids are older, I may have time to try hand applique.

[@angelajarvis6955]

Machine.. I've only done it a few times, would like to learn more and practice more... love ya and your vids!!

[@chrissyadriana6213]

Machine anytime reverse appliqué I love even better So pleased I found your channel back again Love video thank you c

[@loraplymire431]

Machine is what I am learning to do. I'm still new to quilting only 1 to 1 1/2 years. But love the fabric! Michelle Quilt Shop in Hughesville, MD.

[@sandrakurczak2164]

Machine applications are the way to go .Rob your doing a great job keep up the good work.

[@aquiltybirdstudios]

Hand applique for me hands down. I like the seamless look as well as the process of hand work. Sew Fun, in A town.

[@carolfuchs2774]

Hi Rob, I do both applique methods. I like hand to relax and machine to make quick scrappy look. I love this project!!

[@TheKayaker71]

My mom is a hand applique-r - but for the few times I have done it I went with machine. In the odd event I win those awesome prints - I could use a darned good excuse to take mom back out to The Patchwork Plus Quilt Shop in Marcellus, NY ... I left 2,000,000 things there on my last visit!!

[@peggyoconnor3810]

Definitely machine applique and yes OCD! Lol Fun back to school project and super cute fabric!

[@arleneperrine3649]

Both...hand as time allows and machine to "get 'er done" when time is essential. Fun project today!

[@gramz55now]

I just love your new show, followed you before and glad to of found you here.. Machine applique and my quilt shop is Lone Star Quilts in Bryan Texas

[@cathyk5504]

I machine applique. I really didn't like it when I first started, I was afraid of it. But it is like half square triangles, you do it enough and you fall in love with what you can make.

[@mariamcphail]

Applique.... machine. I really enjoy smaller projects the most but have done one large quilt. Favourite quilt shop... Sew Divine in Edmonton, Alberta.

[@Alma-xl6df]

I love hand appliqué watching football at the same time it is very relaxing and you can get the kids involved they can say I helped do this and they are learning at the same time doing it togather

[@debbiejessee4004]

I do both but I love the look of the hand applique the best!

[@ohquilter1291]

Machine applique is my go-to due to "man" troubles - Auther-ritis 🤣 Because I'm about 5 blocks away & the only independent shop near me doesn't have much selection, Jo-Ann's is my favorite local shop.

[@cindymcfarland4686]

Definitely OCD! I cannot tolerate any length of thread sticking out. I don't even like the lengths on my automatic cutter on the machine so I rarely use it. Nice tutorial! I like to applique - by machine only!!

[@danaschaefer6473]

I am new to the world of applique, but i think my fave is reverse applique by machine. My fave small quilt shop is Jackman's Fabrics in Fairview Heights IL. (They have 2 locations now!!)

[@lisan.1849]

Love the project this week. Hope to make a few for my kids and myself! I hand applique but have not done any in a while. Want to learn to machine applique too. Maybe a future project (hint hint)?

[@maryandodellchristenson9742]

Machine! Recently found your channel and so very fun!

[@anna-karinolsson537]

Hi and thanks for sharing with us al. I do both depends on what prodjects I'm doing. Love them both. If my reumatic fingers cant do hand applique I do by machine. Gonna be fun se whats coming next in youre videos.

[@ceciliasiler4284]

I am in the process of appliquing a pattern with nutcracker's. First time for me. I am thinking about straight line machine applique to finish the pieces.

[@glendagarde8434]

I love to hand appliqué small and machine appliqué larger designs Love the ideas and fabric Christmas Gifts ... I’m inspired

[@barbaracastle1690]

I prefer machine appliqué when I appliqué. I love to look at hand appliqué, but don’t like to do it. And I loved the book cover!

[@renitatrujillo521]

Love your videos. My favorite is machine applique.

[@GrampiesCorner]

I like to do both hand and machine applique. Being disabled I cannot often sit at my machine to long, so hand applique affords me the chance to sit in a more comfortable chair and still be productive.

[@kathykaplan497]

I love this! I love applique and I machine it all the way! My favorite quilt shop is Quiltique in Handerson NV.

[@tinageorge8759]

Another great tutorial Rob, thank you!!!! 💚