Ten year ago, a couple of friends of mine started collecting books of miniature blocks. There were a lot of them on the market, but they all had one thing in common - no instructions! When they started accumulating books and didn’t know how to make them, it somehow became MY problem.Â
You see, everyone in my family is a math geek, so we think we’re perfectly normal.  My friends think differently.  If they need someone to figure a quilt, I get a phone call. Frankly, make me lunch and serve me coke in a frosted glass, and I’m yours! So, they sucked me in and I started writing instructions and figuring out ways that anyone could make these 4 1/2″ - 6″ blocks.  And, I do mean anyone - we started it as a beginner class and have never looked back!

Pieced by Jan Creekmore, Quilted by Cheryl Lorence
 Jeramy Landauer approached me after Spring Market last year and asked me to write a book on the techniques I created to make it possible to obtain perfect results when piecing “little”. “Penny Haren’s Pieced Applique was born!”Â
I am first and foremost a teacher and believe that if we don’t teach the basics, we are turning every frustrated quilter into a knitter. They must know why they are doing something so they can transfer that knowledge to their next project!Â
Therefore, the book consists of twelve different chapters. Each chapter focuses on a different technique and presents a new learning opportunity. Over 200 pictures show how to sew 24 blocks quickly, easily, and perfectly!Â
Learn to create perfect blocks by combining piecing with layered appliqués that make it possible to sew perfect points and curves - by eliminating them! Don’t let the “A” word intimidate you! In this freezer paper method, straight sides and gentle curves can be turned by even a beginner after a five minute demonstration!Â
No longer avoid blocks that have inset points such as five and eight-pointed stars. Indiana Puzzle (a form of Drunkard’s Path) and True Lover’s Knot will be a piece of cake - or actually a “piece of four-patch”!  Learn how even a simple four-patch can be pieced - and then appliquéd - to create stunning results! Just wait until you see what happens to a nine-patch…. a half-square triangle…a pinwheel…the possibilities are truly endless!
And, don’t think that appliqué means handwork. Many of my students chose to appliqué these pieces by machine using a tiny zigzag stitch and invisible thread. When we were getting out our magnifying glasses to see the stitches, I knew they were hooked. Most of these blocks can be appliquéd by machine in less than ten minutes!
The Creative Grid “Square It Up and Fussy Cut Ruler” was designed for this quilt. It is printed with solid squares every inch and drilled holes at 1/2″ increments.Â

The horizontal, vertical, and diagonal lines make it quick and simple to square up any block. You never have to look for the center of the ruler - and the seam allowance is clearly marked around the entire perimeter of the ruler so you don’t accidentally trim off points! Â
These 24 blocks include “fudge factors” - tricks that make it possible for even a true beginner to create heirloom quality quilts with no frustration! Every block is set with a sashing that is larger than needed. After sewing, the blocks are then trimmed down to size.
In most cases, triangles and squares are appliquéd on the foundation blocks to create intricate designs. When these appliqués are fussy cut, you can achieve spectacular results.Â
Center a fabric design within a square, mark the fabric through the holes at the 1/2″ increments to add the seam allowance, and cut. The design will be centered perfectly when incorporated into your quilt! You will be shocked at the results - and the possibilities are endless. Wait until you see what happens when you start playing with stripes and plaids!  Look at the fussy cutting in this quilt - even the borders are fussy cut!

Pieced by Jeanie Downey, Quilted by Cheryl Lorence
Close ups of each block are shown in three different color ways: a traditional Civil War reproduction line by Wyndham; LaBelle Rose by Lakehouse in yellows, pinks and blacks; and Full Sun by Maywood in deep, rich country colors. Many times, you won’t recognize them as the same block. Â
Once you start creating blocks using these techniques, you will never quilt the same way again!  In fact, my friends at Landauer are already working on books two and three! A book with instructions for twenty-four more blocks will be out this fall, and book three will follow as fast as I can sew! They are already designed - in fact, there is a picture of all 72 blocks in the first book so you can see the versatility of these techniques! Make a block in a half-hour or less - you won’t believe how easy it is!Â
Â