This past weekend I attended a two day workshop with the wonderful Di Ford-Hall where we worked on the gorgeous project Pendle Hill.
Di is the quilter I'd love to be, and I can't even think of one of her quilts that I wouldn't like to make some day. A bunch of them are on the MUST MAKE SOON list - and those words are in capitals completely intentionally!
I'm never good at getting work done in class, I'm usually busy chattering with those around me, busy taking pictures of the workshop samples, or generally just being star-struck, and this outing was no exception. Here's what I'm up to:
On Saturday we began by focussing on fussy cutting our broderie perse fabrics. I have to admit I got bored with that after I'd cut out only four pieces. All I could see was that amazing vase and I wanted to get busy cutting it out and get it ready for appliqué, so that's what I did. Di was wonderfully understanding, and thankfully because she'd taken my Mountmellick quilt across the world with her, she knew I'd be fine striking out on my own a little.
For homework on Saturday night I cut my background fabric to size, reverse appliquéd the square to the circle, pinned the vase in place and appliquéd some of it in place.
Sunday we started to work with the little 5/8" pentagon shapes. Di explained her wonderful technique for fussy cutting fabrics, giving us an entirely new perspective on how to place our papers achieve pretty designs on the pentagon flowers. I only got two made up in the morning before I was wishing I could have brought my entire stash with me to choose fabrics from. In the afternoon I started to work on the placement and appliqué of the broderie perse pieces, and though I still have so many more to cut out and place, I can see how wonderful this centre panel is going to be. The workshop was over so very quickly - doesn't this always seem to happen when you're having fun? All the ladies in attendance had an amazing time and it was so much fun to see the different variations of the same project. Di is a wonderful and very generous teacher, and I can't wait to spend time with her again!
Also, Di has some pictures to email me of my Mountmellick quilt hanging at the quilt show in Nantes France, so she has promised to send me copies. I cannot wait!
Sadly I'll have to put away the Pendle Hill project for the time being, I need to get back to working on my Caswell quilt - I'm dying to get it to the hand quilting stage, but first I need to get all these blocks together and a border in place. Must get busy!!
5 comments:
how fun to take a class from Di Ford - that must have been enjoyable but like you I can not always concentrate in a class situation, I get bored easy and I chat and look around etc. I prefer to work on my own. I never did finish up the Caswell Quilt and decided to just use four blocks for a center of another quilt which of course has gotten set aside - well I ever finish it - I don't know I lost interest in it and working on others that I am very interested in.
Oh my, we are indeed kindred spirits. I rarely get anything finished in a workshop as I am too busy chatting and looking at other people's work. I always get more done at home. Can't wait to see the photos of your quilt hanging in Nantes! Such a well deserved treat.
Wow! What an awesome experience and class. You've got a great start on the center medallion. It will be fun to follow your progress once you have the opportunity to get back to it. I don't get much sewing done in a class. there's too much to look at and absorb.
The vase/pot is my favorite part of this block.
The start of another lovely quilt Tazzie. You are so lucky to be able to take a class with Di Ford. I wish I lived in Australia, when I see all your great Quilt Designers teaching. I like you am capable of "doing your own thing" but you can't bet a class for atmosphere and the social side of it.
In case you missed it my Mrs Billings quilt has been accepted for the World Quilt Show, along with my Nearly Insane Journey.
Woohoo!!
Might have to go over to see it hanging...maybe!
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