This Grandiflora Magnolia tree is one of my favourites in our yard. The flowers burst open periodically beckoning the bees and my eyes. As I walked past yesterday it was buzzing so loud I had a closer...but not too close look. It was alive with very busy bees! It reminded me of the shop as we make the final preparations for SWAP Day THIS SATURDAY!!!!!
Come along and in the words of Bari J Ackerman... Be Inspired to SEW!
We just got her lovely book in stock and it is full of fun projects to make. In fact, it is so good we are considering making it part of our curriculum for applique classes. The world of raw edge applique is very addicting. It is an easy method of decorating and the ideas abound in the pages of this pretty book.
Since yesterday was the last class we did a bit finishing off odds and ends. Marina and Suzanne got stuck into Bari's book and used some scraps to make small garden collages.
Not bad eh! In another corner we had Deidre on the basting table. She had brought in several items for SWAP Day Show and tell which made a nice collage of a different sort. These quilts are a sneak preview of quilts to come. In Stash to Treasure we will examine, study and disect traditional quilt elements and then use our favourite fabrics, new and old to construct new ones!!! It is my favourite theme. What is fabulous about doing this in class is that we all see different things in quilts. Pattern, colour and layout are all elements that play important parts in the making of successful projects and working in groups has many eyes set on the destination.
For example this quilt was originally spotted in Bold Improvisations, a book that features many quilts of the Gee's Bend style. There are many intricate details of this quilt that Deidre painstakingly applied to recreate a captivating piece that takes us right to the soul of the original maker.
It is a magnificent recreation for many reasons. If making quilts inspired by antique quilts is your passion, come along for Stash to Treasure!
And no, this isn't Australia's next top model! It is Marina showing us her new Barcelona skirt, hot off the presses (and in fact the reason she was late to class!) She made it in the voile which means it is silky, smooth and cool for summer!
Last Saturday I popped into the shop and caught a bit of Sue Ross's class. They are using template blocks to make some gorgeous quilts. Grandma's Star is one of our favourites. It is always fun to see how the shelves come to life with these blocks. Clever use of fabric repeats draws the eye to the individual blocks.
Beebee or is that Bee Bee? comes along with Kim to class and I think is actually really interested in the goings on in the shop. She scampers around with her little feet clicking on the floor checking everyone out or rests quietly in the corner. Her presence makes it feel like home to me.
Kate has her Cog Wheel blocks joined together with my favourite Marquee Stripe! talk about a fabric that never says die, it is a great blender for colourful blocks. The Reece Scannel Shot cottons are also working beautifully as a backdrop. They have just enough shimmer to support the saturated colours in the blocks...and particularly with the light shinging through them. Careful control of the colour in this quilt has meant the end result is a real beauty!
Although I don't think Sue is in to machine applique, the centre of this quilt has a similar approach to the collage effect of Bari J's style.
It is exciting at this time of year to see all the quilts coming together. Every class has special treats as even the hand pieced quilts are finally reaching completion stage.
As evidence, we even got Deidre's quilt basted and ready for quilting!
So, I am off to get the last minute details attended to for our big event. It has been a big year full of wonderful people, places and things both near and far. Next year is looking to be just as exciting as we add layers of understanding to our quilting life. If you can't make it on Saturday and want to sign up for a class you can email us for details and we'll get the schedule up on the web next week. Looking forward to seeing everyone on Saturday...until then, enjoy the buzzy season! k
Your Stash to Treasure class sounds great! I was also delighted to see Deidre's triangle Gees Bend quilt top finished as I saw the start of it. Well Done! It looks superb.
Posted by: Deborah | Thursday, 01 December 2011 at 08:29 AM
Do you know where I can get the Grandma's Star pattern? Love it!
Posted by: Amy Cotham | Thursday, 01 December 2011 at 10:19 AM
This work inspired by Bari J is beautiful and may tempt me to try raw edge applique. Is it durable? Or just for art quilts?
Posted by: Susannah | Thursday, 01 December 2011 at 10:24 AM
Lots of lovely inspiration...sadly I won't be able to make the trek on Saturday...hope you have the BEST of days...will be there in spirit!
Posted by: cardygirl | Thursday, 01 December 2011 at 10:11 PM
Another inspiring post, Kathy! Love that skirt - was just eyeing off that fabric at my local the other day, to make a top!
Posted by: Michelle | Thursday, 01 December 2011 at 10:16 PM
Hi! Greetings from Finland! Your quilts are so fantastic! It's so nice to find other quilters all around the world! :)
Posted by: Ulla's Quilt World | Friday, 02 December 2011 at 01:11 AM
You are so blessed to be surrounded by such a volume and experience of creativity! I love seeing what has evolved throughout this past year and I am looking forward to the next. I hope that you will post about SWAP day and am looking forward to the vivid colour and exciting energy. Good luck on Saturday!!
Posted by: Amy | Friday, 02 December 2011 at 03:02 AM
Fabulous inspiring post! I am so glad I found your blog!
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