If you have't yet gotten in the mood for 4th of July, making this little block ought to do the trick!  It is the 16th block in the ModaBlockheads Sew Along, designed by Jan Patek.

I knew I had some patriotic fabric stashed away somewhere, and after a good amount of rummaging, I located it.  I used Heat and Bond fusible appliqué paper to make the block, and it was easy peasy.  In the past, I have used a fusible product called Steam a Seam 2, which works in a similar manner.  I prefer the Heat n Bond because is it stiffer and the second layer of paper stays in place until you want it to come off.

I have done a number of posts on machine appliqué over the years.  If you are interested in seeing how my technique has evolved, check here, here, and here.  I began with super simple shapes and have moved on to smaller and more layered appliqué pieces.  I enjoy the process and find it faster than hand appliqué.