A LITTLE APPLIQUE NEVER HURTS

I am trying to encourage my students to hand applique. It is frequently associated with tiny pieces that take years to complete. Not always so. This project is a simple shape, and goes quickly. You can make them small if you like. This is a 6 1/2 inch segment. Very portable. I love the simplicity. Hopefully they will too.

FREE MOTION QUILTING

Every year at my retreat the Two Wacky Women (Marilyn and Robin) create a bag for each participant. These aren't just any old bags. Many hours of thought and preparation go into this project. Just ask about the bag stories. I also usually give a gift relating to machine quilting and this year I think it will be a pincushion. Each unique with hand dyed fabric and a different stitch. I fill my pincushions with walnut shells and wool roving.One could be yours if you join us in March. Space is limited, so check out the link to www.twowackywomen.com.

TAKING ACTION

I read Lesley Riley's Blog re success frequently. She says when you find yourself in a slump, just don't sit there, take some type of action. I really need to decide on 2 projects for class and of course make those samples and I am also dragging my feet on quilting a project for a client.....who is paying me. Yet I procrastinate. So I started working on this project I am calling INTERCONNECTED. I loved piecing those little insertions and creating 3 1/2 in blocks. The quilting was going to be concentric circles but became large spirals instead. I love it. And I am going to look at it while I work on my clients quilt today.

LOOKING FORWARD

We have dates for next years retreat! Click on the link to the Wacky Women to get all the info, but if you are serious about starting to machine quilt or improving your free motion machine skills in a tension free zone, mark your calendar for March 23,24,25 2012. My method is no marking ( although it is covered in lecture format), demonstrates techniques without gloves or hoops. My goal is to get quilters comfortable using a domestic machine without a frame so that if you get the urge to quilt at 2:00 am you can just do it!

A REALLY BIG SHOE

Does any one remember the Ed Sullivan Show? No one could or has since pronounced show like shoe. It was always a challenge to hear someone imitate him. Anyway I have just returned from my annual Houston trip and pictured are just a few of my purchases. I could not get all the fabric in one shot. The quilts are of course amazing as always. I am again inspired to CREATE, CREATE, CREATE! If you have never gone, do yourself a favor and put it on your bucket list. Some complain that it is more a venue for art quilts, but there are plenty of traditional ones as well. Thanks for reading my blog.