September 20, 2010

I know I promised to continue the “how to choose fabric for a quilt” discussion.  I have not forgotten, just put it off because of other pressing matters.  By the way, my knee is healing (fractured kneecap) but I am still on crutches and wear a brace.  It takes time.
 
I am starting a new Quilters’ Academy session on Sunday mornings from 9-12.  It begins on Oct 3 with Session #1, Oct 10, Session #2, and Oct 24, Session #3. There are a total of 10 sessions. These classes MUST be taken in order.  You can start now and pick up the series another time that it is offered.  Pay as you go @$15 each session.  You must purchase Harriet Hargraves’ book Quilters’ Academy: Freshman Year.  This course is for novices and advanced quilters to sharpen your skills or learn new ones.  I am finding that most quilters are self taught and have missed a lot of basic principles.  Everyone who has taken the first 10 lessons with me loves the classes.  Sewing machines are required after class #1.
 
For those of you who have problems with half-square triangles, I am offering a 4 hour class (FEE: $35) on Sat, Oct 9, 11am-3pm.  You will be taught 3 different sewing machine methods for making half-square triangles.  The class is designed for a table runner or, if you are participating in the 2nd Saturday program this year (2010-2011) the blocks are 12” Ocean Waves blocks that you can use in the Cape Cod Quilt that I am currently designing. 
 
The 2nd Sat quilt is an original quilt designed by me and utilizes several different methods, such as appliqué, paper piecing, traditional piecing, and embroidery for the 12” blocks that will alternate with the Ocean Wave blocks.  No picture is available yet since I am still in the designing stage.  As each block is unveiled we will post it on the website. 
 
Please join us this year for 2nd Sat, click here for further information.  The next session is Oct 9.  No need to sign up.  Just come. We laugh a lot, and you will learn something new each time. It is a one hour demonstration only; no sewing. Participation is free, unless you want to purchase blocks, and is certainly worth while.
 
Thank you all for your get well wishes for me and for your fantastic emails about my friend, Dot O’Toole who passed on September 4.  I am forwarding your emails about Dot to her family.