Uploaded July 2026 | Updated September 2026, 1 day ago
Ever wanted to turn your vacation photos into a quilt? In this episode, Maureen O'Connor (The Opinionated Quilter, Quilters Heaven, Northbrook IL) shows you how to turn ANY image — a photo, a coloring book page, or something you find online — into a custom fusible applique pattern. She walks through her real project: recreating a stunning floor tile from the Duomo di Milano cathedral into a quilted pillow for her sister.
In this video you'll learn:
✅ How to size and print any image as a usable applique pattern
✅ Why "artistic license" matters — simplifying complex designs without losing the look
✅ How to test your stitch settings before sewing your final piece
✅ Using quilting rulers (even in unconventional ways) to center and shape applique pieces
✅ Zigzag vs. satin stitch — which to use for curved applique edges
✅ Adding batting for dimensional, 3D-looking applique
🎁 GIVEAWAY: Win a beautiful fabric bundle! To enter: Like this video, Subscribe to the channel, and comment "love you bundle" below.
📍 Quilters Heaven is located in Northbrook, IL.
Downloadable Patterns: quiltersheaveninc.com/shop/Patterns--Downloadable.htm
Instagram: instagram.com/theopinionatedquilter
Ever wanted to turn your vacation photos into a quilt? In this episode, Maureen O'Connor (The Opinionated Quilter, Quilters Heaven, Northbrook IL) shows you how to turn ANY image — a photo, a coloring book page, or something you find online — into a custom fusible applique pattern. She walks through her real project: recreating a stunning floor tile from the Duomo di Milano cathedral into a quilted pillow for her sister.
In this video you'll learn:
✅ How to size and print any image as a usable applique pattern
✅ Why "artistic license" matters — simplifying complex designs without losing the look
✅ How to test your stitch settings before sewing your final piece
✅ Using quilting rulers (even in unconventional ways) to center and shape applique pieces
✅ Zigzag vs. satin stitch — which to use for curved applique edges
✅ Adding batting for dimensional, 3D-looking applique
🎁 GIVEAWAY: Win a beautiful fabric bundle! To enter: Like this video, Subscribe to the channel, and comment "love you bundle" below.
📍 Quilters Heaven is located in Northbrook, IL.
Downloadable Patterns: quiltersheaveninc.com/shop/Patterns--Downloadable.htm
Instagram: instagram.com/theopinionatedquilter
