I’ve been asked to teach an applique class on techniques at our local quilt shop. Thrilled at the prospect, terrified of not living up to expectations. Saying to myself, Courage Sissy as in the the film Willow when he was faced with a challenge. I came up with ideas, discarded ideas, and finally settled on a small project that would incorporate some techniques. I am now second guessing the butterfly I drew. I’m concerned it may be too challenging. I think I will offer a 2nd drawing that they can substitute if they choose. My hope is to encourage them not discourage. It’s building blocks. Points of my class are prepared edge applique, bias stems of 3 different sizes, circles, points, curves, and reverse applique. Here is my design :
While thinking about a suitable project to demonstrate these techniques my thoughts wandered to the different styles and pattern designs of applique quilts and their designers. I considered who I am drawn to, as I have minimal talent in drawing, and what draws me to their designs. While I appreciate what I perceive as complicated designs such as Ely Sienkiewicz’s I discovered I am drawn to artists like Sue Garman, Irene Blanck, Janet Stone, Pearl Piera, Karen K Buckley and Mimi Dietrich there are others as well. These are just the first to come to mind. I totally rely on their designs and enjoy interpreting them through different fabric styles.
Still working on my Jen Kingwell pattern Golden Days I would like to have it completed by end of September.
Also pleased to announce Missouri Splendor awarded 1st Place Blue Ribbon in its division and class at Ozark Empire Fair. One more competition left for this season and that will be the Ozark Piecemakers Quilt Guild Show the end of September.
I have been thinking of late how nice it was when my brother has wired my previous sewing room so that when I turned of the light swtich it also shut down all the outlets in the room, i.e. the iron etc. I have been missing that feature. Although that would not work in my current sewing room as that is where the internet modem is plugged so I put on my thinking cap. I remembered I had an old surge protector around that was also a strip allowing more than one plug. Now to find the darn thing. Bingo, found it. This works beautifully. I can plug all my irons and light box that I use for my applique and all I have to do when I am finished is turn the power strip off.
The heat and the drought conditions have been draining all my energy. I’m thinking I’ve lost part of my southern roots. I did come to appreciate the lovely mild summers of Minnesota. Along with quilting I also enjoy reading. I am currently working my way through the Wheel of Time series by Robert Jordan. I am on book 6. I did not read these when they came out but ironically I would purchase the new volume of the series for my ex-husband each Christmas. Odd that I never read them. But here I am all these years later reading them and enjoying them. When I am done sewing for the day I head to my camper in the driveway with a glass of pop and my book and spend an hour or two snuggled in reading and pretend camping.
Hope everyone has a great weekend.
Sissy Malone
Appliquenut 