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Celebrating the Desert Jewels Collection by J. Michelle Watts

December 13, 2024

A Quilting Tribute to Southwestern Artistry

At Westfield Laser Design, we take immense pride in collaborating with talented quilt artists to bring unique and meaningful collections to quilt shops. One of our standout offerings is the Desert Jewels collection by J. Michelle Watts, a series of 20 exquisite applique blocks inspired by the timeless beauty of vintage turquoise and silver jewelry.

This collection is more than just a set of designs; it’s a tribute to the artistry, culture, and history of the American Southwest. It invites quilters to infuse their creations with the rich spirit of turquoise stones, which have long been associated with balance, harmony, and good fortune

A Design Inspired by Southwest Beauty

Michelle Watts, the creator behind Desert Jewels, has spent decades immersed in the culture and landscapes of the Southwest. Drawing inspiration from Native American beadwork, Spanish tinwork, and the breathtaking natural beauty of the region, Michelle channels these influences into her designs.

Her Desert Jewels collection mirrors the intricate craftsmanship of turquoise and silver jewelry, reimagined as quilt blocks. Each applique block serves as a canvas for Michelle’s love of the Southwest, offering quilters the opportunity to create pieces that echo the artistry of these cherished traditions.

Versatility in Every Block

The Desert Jewels collection features a variety of blocks and patterns to suit projects of all sizes and styles. The collection includes:

A striking 32” x 32” Medallion Block that serves as the centerpiece for larger projects.
Six 16” x 32” Rectangle Blocks and thirteen 16” x 16” Square Blocks, offering versatility for different layouts.
Patterns for table runners, small and large sampler quilts, and more.

Quilters can use these blocks to craft table runners, pillows, wall art, large quilts, framed pieces, or even adornment for wearable art like jackets. For those seeking a contemporary twist, the blocks can be attached to artist stretcher bars to create unique wall decor.

Thoughtful Details for Quilters

At Westfield Laser Design, we know that convenience matters. That’s why each Desert Jewels laser-cut kit comes with everything needed to bring these stunning designs to life. Kits include pre-fused, laser-cut applique pieces, background fabric, full-size placement guides, helpful hints, and detailed instructions.

These meticulously prepared kits save time and ensure precision, allowing quilters to focus on creativity and design rather than tedious cutting and preparation.

About the Artist: J. Michelle Watts

Michelle Watts is a celebrated quilt artist with over 40 years of experience. Having lived in the Southwest for nearly four decades, Michelle’s designs reflect her deep connection to the region’s vibrant culture and natural beauty.

From Native American weavings to Spanish architecture, Michelle’s influences are as diverse as they are meaningful. Her work has earned national recognition, including a cover feature in Quilters Newsletter Magazine and multiple awards at quilt shows across the country.

Michelle’s commitment to sharing the beauty of the Southwest through her quilts and wearable art has inspired countless quilters worldwide. She continues to teach, lecture, and design, bringing her passion for quilting to new audiences.

Bringing Desert Jewels to Your Shop

The Desert Jewels collection by J. Michelle Watts is a perfect addition to any quilt shop’s offerings. With its rich cultural inspiration, versatile design options, and high-quality kits, this collection invites quilters to explore the artistry of the Southwest and create pieces that resonate with beauty and meaning.

Quilt shop owners interested in bringing this collection to their customers can contact Westfield Laser Design to learn more. Let the Desert Jewels collection inspire your customers to create something truly extraordinary.

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Mixing Traditional and Modern Quilting Techniques with Appliqué

March 13, 2025

The E volution of Quilting For centuries, quilting has been a cherished craft, blending artistry with practicality. Traditional quilting techniques have been passed down through generations, preserving history and storytelling through fabric. However, modern innovations, particularly laser-cut appliqué, are transforming the way quilt makers approach design and execution. By integrating classic methods with contemporary precision-cut appliqué, quilt shops can offer their customers a unique and efficient way to create stunning pieces.

10 Beautiful Appliqué Concepts for Spring

February 28, 2025

Spring is the season of renewal, bringing fresh colors, lively patterns, and endless inspiration to the quilting world. For quilt shops and quilting professionals, seasonal appliqué kits present an exciting opportunity to engage customers and offer new, exclusive designs that reflect the beauty of spring. With Westfield Laser Design’s precision laser-cut appliqué, quilt shops can provide high-quality, pre-cut appliqué kits that save time, eliminate cutting errors, and enhance creativity. Here are 10 stunning appliqué concepts that celebrate the vibrancy of spring and can be customized into unique kits for quilt shops.

Turning Your Quilt into a Work of Art: Tips for Incorporating Intricate Appliqué Designs

February 13, 2025

Creat e Stunning Quilts Quilting is more than just a craft—it’s an art form that combines creativity, skill, and storytelling. Whether you’re creating a piece for a loved one, an exhibition, or your own enjoyment, incorporating intricate appliqué designs can elevate your quilt into a true masterpiece. At Westfield Laser Design, we specialize in providing precision laser-cut appliqué pieces that make adding complex patterns not only achievable but enjoyable. Here, we’ll explore how to integrate these intricate designs seamlessly into your quilting projects.

CONTACT

Phone:

956-686-0398

Email:

sales@lasercutapplique.com

WHY IS WESTFIELD LASER DESIGN SO POPULAR?

Westfield Laser Design is renowned for its high-quality Pre-Fused Laser Cut Applique Kits, which have become a favorite among quilters and crafters alike. Our Pre-Fused Laser Cut Applique Kits simplify the quilting process by offering precision-cut pieces that save time and enhance accuracy. This commitment to excellence ensures that every project created with our kits is both beautiful and flawless.

Our Pre-Fused Laser Cut Applique Kits are designed to inspire creativity and ease in every craft project. The popularity of our Pre-Fused Laser Cut Applique Kits can be attributed to their versatility and exceptional quality, making them the top choice for both hobbyists and professionals. Discover why our Pre-Fused Laser Cut Applique Kits are a staple in the quilting community and elevate your projects with our innovative solutions.
WHAT IS APPLIQUE?

The word applique comes from the French appliquer, “to put on.” It is most commonly used in quilting as embellishment for quilts, but is becoming more popular in making home decor and apparel. Often cutting applique is considered an arduous, time consuming process due to the intricacy of detailed designs and the level of detail was often limited to the cutting skill of the quilter. However, laser cutting removes the time and skill required by providing perfectly cut pieces.
WHAT IS FUSIBLE?

When we say pre-fused, we mean that your appliqué pieces have a special backing attached. This backing allows for you to tack/lightly adhere each piece to your background to ensure it stays in place while putting together the full project.After considerable testing we have found that SoftFuse Premium works best with laser cut applique. SoftFuse provides good adhesion of the applique piece to the background fabric while still providing a supple feel that is less stiff than other fusibles we’ve tested. SoftFuse is soft enough that you can either hand or machine sew the applique. SoftFuse will not gum up your sewing machine.
IS THE FUSIBLE PERMANENT?

Fusible is not permanent and edges of the applique may begin to peel if not sewn down or otherwise adhered to a surface. The purpose of fusible is to tack the pieces in place while putting a project together.
WHY LASER CUT?

Laser cut offers precise cutting of pieces in minimal time.
WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO COMPLETE A PROJECT?

Most projects require a background (fabric, canvas, wall), scissors for snipping small connections that keep pieces together during transport, an iron (any iron will do) for tacking and a way to adhere the fabric to the background more permanently once project is complete.
CAN I HAND SEW MY PROJECT OR DO I NEED A MACHINE? WHAT IF I CAN'T SEW?

You can certainly sew your project by hand or by a machine. The fusible does not affect the needles, making either option possible. You can also avoid sewing by using other craft forms for final adhesion such as decoupage or clear paint on wood or canvas backgrounds.
WHAT IS A QUILT BY NUMBER (QBN) TEMPLATE AND HOW DO I USE IT?

Quilt by Numbers (QBN) is a collection of kits that provide a freezer paper template that is reverse cut allowing you to perfectly position each piece as it is shown on the cover of the kit. Simply iron on the template to your background, place each piece in the corresponding cut out, tack the applique in place and peel the template off. It’s sew easy!
IS A PATTERN INCLUDED?

Because applique is pre-cut, we do not include a pattern. However, we do include a placement guide or template and instructions how to use the kit. You have all the instructions you need to complete the project without having to buy a separate pattern.
DO KITS INCLUDE BACKGROUND FABRIC?

Some of our kits do include background fabrics and others do not. Please check the product page for each kit for specific details about the contents of the kit.
WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE KIT?

Kits include applique pieces with fusible, background and binding fabrics when relevant, a step by step instruction guide, and placement guide. We also offer a template and color guide with our Quilt By Numbers Collections.
ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL MATERIALS REQUIRED?

Thread, backing or batting, which can be required for sewing into a quilt or wall hanging.
WHAT IF I IRON DOWN MY APPLIQUE PIECE BUT NEED TO MOVE IT?

The fusible is not permanent, so you can peel the piece off carefully and adjust. Tack it back down with heat.

Celebrating the Desert Jewels Collection by J. Michelle Watts

Mixing Traditional and Modern Quilting Techniques with Appliqué

10 Beautiful Appliqué Concepts for Spring

Turning Your Quilt into a Work of Art: Tips for Incorporating Intricate Appliqué Designs

CONTACT

WHY IS WESTFIELD LASER DESIGN SO POPULAR?

WHAT IS APPLIQUE?

WHAT IS FUSIBLE?

IS THE FUSIBLE PERMANENT?

WHY LASER CUT?

WHAT SUPPLIES DO I NEED TO COMPLETE A PROJECT?

CAN I HAND SEW MY PROJECT OR DO I NEED A MACHINE? WHAT IF I CAN'T SEW?

WHAT IS A QUILT BY NUMBER (QBN) TEMPLATE AND HOW DO I USE IT?

IS A PATTERN INCLUDED?

DO KITS INCLUDE BACKGROUND FABRIC?

WHAT IS INCLUDED IN THE KIT?

ARE THERE ANY ADDITIONAL MATERIALS REQUIRED?

WHAT IF I IRON DOWN MY APPLIQUE PIECE BUT NEED TO MOVE IT?