BEFORE THE CLASSROOM DOOR OPENS

Before the classroom doors open....there's a lot of preparation an instructor does.  Feb. 20-23 I'll be teaching at the Mid-Atlantic Quilt Festival in Hampton, VA.

Due to my self-imposed reduction in teaching, it's been awhile since I had to prepare for so many classes.....requiring sooooo many kits.  The workshop I'm teaching on Sat. is awesome.....a technique that many embellishers admire but are afraid it's too difficult.  Pooey.....not so!!  

The peyote stitch is time consuming....so what???  With that said, I revamped my workshop, "What Goes Around".  Instead of a project class (scissors sheath)....it's now focused strictly on the technique to allow time to explore several variations.  

The one above is an example.....attaching a focal item.....to fiber.

This also meant totally redoing all my samples, hand outs, and kit materials.  There are numerous 'gem' stores here in the mountains and after an hour plus trek over the mountains yesterday.....these lovely agate slices were waiting for me to take home at one such shop!

 Here's a detail of one.....I can't wait to show the students how to attach these beauties.  As far as I know, there's still room in this workshop.....titled "Around and Around".  All the supplies you need will be in the kit....just bring yourself and a scissors to class and join the fun!

 I also picked up some small cabochons.  The peyote stitch can be used to attach these items as well.  Notice the one on the lower left?  These stones have a flat bottom.....which allows them to sit on the fabric as the 'bead material' is worked around and up the base of the stone.

Here's another example of a fun item to use to embellish an art quilt.  It's a bone button.  The holes of the 'bare' one have merged and I think it will be even more fun to work with.

So.....off to the studio I go to get these kits prepared......hope to see you there.....  FYI - I'll be presenting the early bird lecture Wed. - Feb. 20th at 6:00 PM, and teaching full day workshops Thurs., Fri. & Sat.  All focused on beading.....like I've said for years......Bead it like you mean it.....  


AND I'D BE REMISS IF I DIDN'T SAY........GO PACKERS.......KICK THE VIKINGS BUTT!!!!!!