Guest Author - Tamara Bostwick

Chenille? You are probably wondering what chenille has to do with quilting. Well, Nannette Holmberg in her second book about faux chenille combines the chenille method and quilting with beautiful results.

In a nutshell, faux chenille is created by layering fabrics and sewing channels on the bias (45 degree angle to the straight of the grain) and then slashing the channels open. The fabrics fluff and ruffle into chenille after washing without ravelling because they were cut on the bias. You know how you always cut satin or grosgrain ribbon at an angle to keep it from fraying? This is the same concept on a larger scale.

The best fabrics to use are 100 percent cottons and rayons. You can layer as few as three fabrics and as many as six or eight depending on the types of fabrics and the weights. The beauty of chenille that Nannette illustrates so clearly in this book is that you can use your imagination and create wonderful combinations of fabrics.

The quilt effect is created by placing cut applique shapes on top of the fabric stack and stitching them in the same manner. The result is an impressionistic look similar to a Monet painting.

She also introduces other new techniques including weaving using ribbons or fabric strips, using specialty fabrics such as silk or lame, and creating a "confetti" look with random scraps of fabric and ribbon.

This book is 112 pages packed full of wonderful information from a complete introduction to the faux chenille technique and its use in making home decor items, garments, stuffed animals, and of course, the quilts. She includes numerous patterns that can be enlarged to full size. I especially fell in love with her pillow patterns for the four seasons using the applique technique.

You can purchase this book at Amazon by clicking on the image above.