![applique quilt](https://community.annthegran.com/uploads/CSBlogImages/sewblest/jo-quilt-main.jpg)
Sometimes, the best side of the fabric is the back. I found that out while making a throw quilt for my daughter. It was based around a Catkin panel by Julie Paschkis. I love her folk/carved block-style approach to her fabric designs. My daughter loves cats so it was perfect.
![Julie Pachkis Catkin block](https://community.annthegran.com/uploads/CSBlogImages/sewblest/catkin-block.jpg)
The surrounding blocks were appliqued using tone-on-tone paisley prints (green, grey, and creme), each pulled from colors in the blocks. One used an applique paw print. The other used an applique skeleton fish. In the center, a cream paisley appliqued with a red marbled heart.
The creme looked wonderful on the green, and great as a background for the heart, but was much too bright when used for the skeleton fish on the grey paisley block.
![](https://community.annthegran.com/uploads/CSBlogImages/sewblest/paw-prnt.jpg)
As often happens with such projects, I'm in the zone, it's 10 p.m. and, even if it were open, the closest fabric store is 20 miles away. While contemplating my dilemma, I played with the cream paisley print, willing it to work with the background. I turned it over and there, on the back, was the perfect, soft, delicate, natural paisley.
![](https://community.annthegran.com/uploads/CSBlogImages/sewblest/fish.jpg)
Closeup:
(This was a test stich-out, so the satin stitches aren't perfect: I needed to adjust the tension!)
Just when I was feeling pretty ingenious, I was in a local fabric store and overheard the owner telling a customer the very same thing she learned at a conference. A fabric representative told attendees to always turn the fabric over and look at the back. The shop owner took what was otherwise a hideous fabric, turned it over, and it looked like a batik. Shaded fabrics are ideal for applique embroidery, either as a base or as the applique, and it was half-off.
This technique doesn't work with all fabrics, it depends how they are printed, but it is certainly worth a look!
Debbie SewBlest