Cross Applique

My husband and I still live on our farm in Taylor County, Iowa; however, we are pretty nearly retired from the work on the farm, since it is mostly rented out.

I have a machine appliqué business that I have operated from my home since 1985 as an independent contractor.

At first, I worked for college students, mostly by doing lettering on sweatshirts.  About 10 years ago, I began working for some display product companies that sell total booth displays to large businesses, such as banks, pharmaceutical companies, colleges, etc., which attend trade shows.  For their trade show displays, the companies set up long tables across the front of their booths which were adorned with tablecloths. The companies wanted a design, usually a logo, company name, etc. on the front 28" drop of that tablecloth that would draw attention to their booths and leave a lasting impression on the customers.  I designed and did the custom appliqué for the tablecloths. 

Since these orders are sporadic and somewhat seasonal, there are times when I am not busy.  However, it seems that my sewing machine and I both do a better job if I work on a regular basis.  Therefore, to fill in those inactive times, I have developed a line of "Home Accessories" which I decorate with machine appliqués.  I love developing the designs and would like to market these appliquéd home accessories.

The first product I am promoting is my Decorative Throw Pillow, which features appliquéd farm and wildlife silhouettes. These pillows add a nice touch of decoration to any room.   I plan to continue making them and occasionally to develop another new design.