JULY WORKSHOPS REGISTRATION

I've been promising to let everyone know when I'll be teaching workshops in this area......as I've been meaning to find a location and get some organized ever since I moved to NC.

Well......I realized, that's already been done for me.  Registration is now available for Tennessee Quilts - Quilt Fest 2009 -  July 16-18, 2009.  This large conference is held at Centre at Millennium Park in Johnson City, TN.  Click on this link to download the brochure.  You may also go to Tennesse Quilts website and request one be mailed to you.

Here's the line up of my workshops - a complete description of my classes and photos can be found on my website.

July 16 - Thurs. -  Beading Basics & Beyond

July 17 - Fri. - Beading Pizzazz

July 18 - Sat. - Improve Your Hand Quilting

I'm flattered to be one of the 4 instructors invited to present a lecture.  Mine, "Let It Shine", is at Noon on Thursday.

They are already receiving sign ups and of course class sizes are limited, so don't delay.  I hope those of you in the area....or anyone wanting a wonderful road trip......will join me in class!

DUPONT STATE FOREST

What a couple of perfect days I've had.  'The perfect' child was able to make a detour from a business trip to spend some time with us.  

Yesterday, with picture perfect weather for our wedding anniversary.....we hiked Dupont State Forest.

Within 10,000 acres of forest and trails, this is one of the three waterfalls that will take your breath away.

My two boys....'the perfect child' & 'the husband'.

Nope these aren't snakes.......but almost as dangerous.  One of the steep trails was covered with these tangled tree roots, I was almost on my hands and knees climbing upward, in fear of falling.  Boy, is my body sore today.

As they say.....a picture is worth a thousands words.......so I'll let these be my last........

BRAGGING ABOUT MY STUDENTS

I wasn't fast enough snapping photos of the wonderful successes students had in my Bead Embellished Wool Collage workshop on Sat. at the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show. I will try harder in the future to share projects started in this fun class because I'm so proud of their efforts and they should be inspiring to you.

Thank you everyone for your smiles and enthusiasm!!!

WHY I HATE AIR TRAVEL

Retirement is looming........despite leaving the Indianapolis airport hotel at 7:00 AM for a 9:00 AM flight ..........I have JUST now at 6:00 PM......arrived in Charlotte.   My flight to Asheville.....with fingers crossed won't arrive till nearly 9:00 PM!!!

Truly, if it weren't for the great students I had at Indiana Heritage.........I'd be unpacking & zipping up my suitcases for the final time when I get home.  Thanks to all of you for making teaching such a pleasure.  Anyone have a private jet??? 

BEADING WORKSHOPS

I've spent the last two days helping energic students learn the fun of beading at the Indiana Hertiage Quilt Show.  It's held every March in Bloomington, IN.  This is really such a special conference in part due to the organizer's commitment to keep it small and friendly.

After 6 hours of non-stop beading.....students are still smiling.....despite being pooped I'm sure.

They've graciousfully shared their beaded samplers for you to see.

AIRPORT ART

I love repurposing items........these photos were taken in the Indianpolis airport.   I almost tripped over myself I was so anxious to document them.

Isn't this just too cool???

FEEL GOOD!!!

Even though I posted this morning........this is too good to wait to share it with all you faithful readers.

All the bad economic news 24-7 is depressing.......click on this link for a feel good time.  I've watched it three times already.....and grinned like crazy each time.

This was a commerical, shot at the Liverpool Street Subway Station in London.  Only the dancers knew what was happening;  the general public had no clue what was to unfold.  This YouTube site has registered over 2 million hits in less than a month.

Enjoy......... 

INDIANA HERITAGE QUILT SHOW

I'm off to teach 3 days of classes at the Indiana Heritage Quilt Show tomorrow.  This will be my 4th visit to the annual event which is held in Bloomington, IN.

In two classes, students will create samplers as they learn a huge variety of beading techniques, everything from the basic bead stitch to some fancy dimensional methods.

The final day I'm teaching Bead Embellished Wool Collage.   I love, love, love woolfelt and really enjoy sharing the techniques I've developed to work with this very forgiving material. It's fun, fast, and is such a good backdrop for my beadwork.

What's great is these methods work well with a variety of design styles.  My original inspirations were Penny Rugs......but of course I tweaked tradition and came up with my own designs which include beads and buttons.

Notice how the slightly smaller top layer is attached to the larger darker green backing??  The layers are beaded together.....raw edges left untouched....which is just fine since most felted wool won't unravel!

Now we can view a more contemporary approach.  Running Squared could be a wall hanging or a table runner.

Square and rectangle motifs are fused to the green background and machine blanket stitched with thread to match the color of each.  Appliqueing isn't really necessary, but I like the added texture the machine stitching provides.  Beads are scattered here and there to help the eye continue to travel.  Again, the backing is cut slightly larger than the top piece....the two pieces are attached with beading.

Circles Within  - The motifs are  fused, appliqued by machine, and then beaded.  A narrow green border was also applied to help frame the design.  This white wool didn't felt as well as I'd have liked.  So, because the edges raveled too much, the backing piece was cut the exact same size as the top, then.......right sides together.....I machine stitched around the piece....leaving an opening for turning.  This method wouldn't be appropriate for thick wool as the corners would become too bulky....but it's a good way to hide and secure the edges when necessary.

I hope to be bringing you reports during my travels.....assuming the hotel internet and my Mac play together well!

AAQ NEWEST COLLECTION

The Alliance for American Quilts has announced a major milestone by posting a private collection on their Quilt Index for the first time.  About 80 quilts made by Hungarian immigrant Mary Gasperik.  This collection provides a rare chance to observe one quiltmaker's near-total output as she advanced from a novice quilter to a prizewinning quilt designer.

The entire collection can be viewed here.  

Laurel Wreath  circa 1935

Hand appliqued, embroidered and hand quilted

detail

On a personal note......we've just experience our 10th snow.......really a blizzard.  Okay, UNCLE.....we are heading back to WI, where at least folks know how to handle winter!! Literally, towns close up here when it snows.....restaurants and all!  Amazing.....

MORE SILLINESS

THE FOLLOWING POST CONTAINS ADULT ONLY CONTENT.........READ ON AT YOUR OWN RISK!

I know, I know....this seems like teenage boy's bathroom humor.....but I couldn't resist!

This photo of bra scarves was sent to me by a friend....who knew I'd smile.....check out the tatto on the one on the left.

Here's more of our evening off-hour activities at the Bernina event.....sorry Bernina.....we probably weren't acting like the image of real professionals.  After our boob enhancements......one of the particpants (whose name I'll keep secret.....initials  B.A. of Colorado Springs), was exclaiming how comfortable her new thong underwear was.  When she refused to model it.....we strong armed J.D. who lives in Georgia to agree.  It was discouraging that it fit her tiny body....even over her jeans!!!

 
Good grief.......I sure don't want that string in my crack.......  

I promise to get back to posting quilt related blogs soon......