Margaret Brewster

Reverse Appliqué: Revealing Beauty

Most well-known for the innovative (and foolproof!) methods she’s devised for Reverse Applique

Margaret Brewster Willingham, the creative mind at work behind Eye of the Beholder Quilt Designs, is an international teacher and lecturer, pattern designer and author.  Margaret’s quilts are influenced by the dynamic elements of movement, color and design she used for over 40 years as a choreographer of dance as she composes unique quilts full of beauty, elegance, and inspirational color.  For Margaret, quilting is a journey of excellence and a creative act of hope.  Her award-winning quilts and her teaching style invite you into that journey.  Her greatest joy is in passing on skills and growing confidence in quilters new and old, inspiring us each to listen to our own creative voice and to have the confidence to try something new. 

She is most well-known for the innovative (and foolproof!) methods she’s devised for reverse applique – ‘Trace, Baste, Snip and Stitch’, which takes the mystery (and hardship) out of reverse applique. Many of her designs can be completed by either hand or machine, for those times when you just must have it finished quickly! 

Reverse Appliqué: Revealing Beauty

What is reverse appliqué?  What is the difference between appliqué and reverse appliqué?  When was it developed and by who?  How do you do it?  Can you do it by machine or by hand?  Is it hard or easy to do?  How do you quilt reverse appliqué  What is hidden will be revealed! 

The beauty of reverse appliqué is revealed as you stitch, adding dimensional beauty to your quilts by playing with positive and negative space, fabric layering, and color value and contrast.  Expand your creative possibilities and be empowered by the thorough, step-by-step, how-to demonstration of Eye of the Beholder Quilt Design’s easy Trace, Baste, Snip & Stitch methods of reverse appliqué. 

At all trunk shows attendees will get a glimpse into the interplay of color, pattern and design Ms. Willingham uses.  Gain an understanding of the techniques she employs, Trace, Baste, Snip & Stitch and Trace, Snip, Iron & Stitch, to create her reverse appliqué patterns by hand and machine.  Be encouraged to trust your creative instincts as you quilt, adding a touch of elegance to your life. 

“I see quilts as transcriptions of the world around us – in my work I am inspired by the functional elegance of Victorian architecture, from iron grates to grand facades, as well as the natural beauty of creation. In my designs, I want to enable you to bring this beauty and elegance to your own home to create a sense of welcome and hospitality for the people you love.”

 In addition, she designs patterns for commercial and Indie fabric companies, including Island Batik, Banyan Batiks and Batik Textiles, and co-authored her first book in 2018: Christmas RAPPing, Christmas Quilts featuring Reverse Appliqué & Paper-Piecing (with Nan Baker).  She teaches regularly at specialist applique retreats and at festivals, including Academy of Applique, Applique Away on Galveston Bay, Houston International Quilt Festival, Houston Virtual Quilt Festival, QuiltFest, Road to Ca, Vermont Quilt Festival, AQS Lancaster and Paducah, both in-person and virtually.  In 2023 she appeared on The Quilt Show (#3309 on Oct. 22) and taught at AQS Paducah, and KCRQF.  In 2024 she taught at the John C. Campbell Folk School, NC, and returned to teach at AQS Paducah and Houston International Quilt Festival, was the featured teacher at Quilting on the Green, WY, as well as quilt guilds throughout the country. 

If you or your local guild/ shop is interested in booking her for workshops or lectures, please contact her via her website. 

She also takes commissions to make bespoke versions of her quilts, to match your lifestyle and bless your home. 

Email: info@eobquiltdesign.com

Website: www.eobquiltdesign.com 

https://www.facebook.com/pages/Eye-of-the-Beholder-Quilt-Design/404428092950878?ref=br_tf 

https://twitter.com/eobquilt 

http://www.pinterest.com/eobquiltdesign/

http://instagram.com/eobquiltdesigns/