Some of you may have already experimented with the techniques of making Chenille, and a few of you may have even become pros at it. For those of you who aren't familiar with it, however, let me take a moment to explain what the "chenille" process is. You start by layering a stack of at least 3 not pre-washed fabrics together. Then you quilt these layers together by machine by sewing rows of stitches that are a 45 degree angle from the fabrics' straight grain. (These rows are sewn a consistent distance apart, ranging from 1/4" up to 5/8" depending on the fabric you are using and/or style of finish you desire.) Once all of the rows are sewn you cut between them, cutting through all the layers of fabrics but the bottom layer, which is your foundation. When laundered then, the cut rows of fabrics "bloom" into "chenille." What kinds of fabric you use, how far apart your rows get sewn and in what directions, and what you can "do" with Chenille, are all subjects of Nannette Holmberg's exciting book, New Directions in Chenille.

Let's begin with what you can "do" with chenille. I'll admit, I wasn't exactly crazy about chenille until I wandered through this book a bit. Then I came upon the "Old -Fashioned Chenille Rug" on page 91. The technique for making that rug in combination with all of the wonderful colors and clever patterns I'd come across in the book in getting to that point got my brain a churning, and now I'm anxious to start experimenting with "chenille" myself. So, what can you do with chenille? You can make vests, jackets, wallhangings, stuffed animals, rugs, pillows, handbags, and yes, even quilts! Holmberg's book provides wonderful examples of all of these, and includes instructions for 9 projects which sufficiently sample each of them. For you "newbies" to chenille, the "Four Seasons Pillow" (pg 77) is an elegant yet fun and uncomplicated project. For those of you who are more experienced, the "Asymmetrical Vest" on page 43 offers the challenge of creating a plaid chenille with the advantage of it being a quick project, in that only one side of the vest front is chenilled while the other is embellished with 3 simple appliqued stars. A wonderful example of a wallhanging (with a matching stuffed animal) appears on page 13. Also check out the decorating tip/chenille pillow cover on page 32. For a warmer look, see "The Captain in Chenille" (pg 11).

What fabrics can you use to create chenille? Rayons, muslins, cottons, flannels, linen, silk, wool, ribbons, scraps the size of cookie cutters, and scraps that are just plain scraps! Holmberg covers suggestions on best ways to layer these fabrics and "how tos" on making sample blocks to assure they will "bloom" correctly. She also mentions which fabrics to avoid using, laundering tips, and troubleshooting with "unsuccessful" fabrics. Thinking ahead, she offers great advice on how to mend your foundation layer of fabric in case you accidentally happen to cut through it. And Holmberg includes highlights on the latest tools of the trade and tips for cutting through the fabric "channels" quickly with less risk to the bottom layer.

New Directions in Chenille also reveals that the rows of quilting for chenille don't have to be limited to straight. They can be chevroned, interrupted, bordered, and even sewn with curly-cues (see page 29), offering loads of opportunity to become super creative. (Maybe even offering a "Golden Opportunity!")

So, even if you had been like me, thinking that chenille wasn't something that pulled your interest, take a moment to look through Holmberg's New Directions in Chenille. Chances are your thoughts will change direction and you'll end up finding a project you'll really enjoy.