As I write this, Williamsburg is in the middle of a week long, ferocious storm. I am sure that when it passes and the sun comes out, the flowers will bloom, birds will sing, and all will be right with the world. Of course, with the weather so ugly outside, there is nothing else to do but sit inside and stitch. So today really IS a GREAT day!
The 2017 Academy of Applique has “engaged” all of its teachers, and not to spoil the surprise . . . but WHAT a lineup! I am going to try to blog at least once a week from now until the class Schedule comes out August 8th, and feature one or two teachers a week.
Life is abuzz at the Blanton house as we feverishly work on the “behind the scenes” details that help make the Academy run smoothly. After reading through ALL of the evaluations, some GREAT ideas/suggestions came to light. First, we are extending the “Bring a Friend” campaign for 2017. This promotion contributed significantly to our 2016 growth. Let’s keep the ball rolling! The rules to this promotion are easy – if you are a returning attendee, and invite a new attendee who registers for classes – both of you will receive $50.00 off of your registration. Or, if you are new to the Academy and bring a friend who is also new to the Academy – both of you will receive $50.00 off of your registration. Also, these discounts are “stackable.” In other words, if you are a current attendee to the Academy and invited multiple new attendee friends (who each register for classes), you will receive a $50.00 discount for EACH friend. Invite enough friends, and YOUR classes can be entirely FREE!! Such a DEAL!!
Another GREAT suggestion was to have our Chinese Gift Exchange items be handmade. This game is where the players can either keep a chosen gift picked from the center of the room, or “steal” a gift from another. What a GREAT idea, to have the gifts homemade at an Applique Retreat. The suggestion, which I LOVE, was to have all of the “gifts” be either a handmade pin cushion or a handmade needle case. So get those creative juices flowing, or surf the net for patterns and ideas, and start making your “gift” for this fun game. The game will be Wednesday (3/1/17) after class.
We will offer a bus trip to the MidAtlantic Quilt Show again next year, on Sunday, February 26, 2017. Plan on arriving at the Academy a day early and join us for this wonderful trip and bonding time. For those that participated this year, not only was a good time had by all, but it was a great way to meet new appliquers, and/or nurture new friendships. Thank you Trudy, Pat (one of my new BFF’s), Maria, Sandy, and the rest of the “bus gang;” I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better, and can’t wait to see you again next year.
Remember our motto: “There are no strangers here, just friends we haven’t met yet.”
Keep stitchin’
Barbara Blanton…
]]>As I write this, Williamsburg is in the middle of a week long, ferocious storm. I am sure that when it passes and the sun comes out, the flowers will bloom, birds will sing, and all will be right with the world. Of course, with the weather so ugly outside, there is nothing else to do but sit inside and stitch. So today really IS a GREAT day!
The 2017 Academy of Applique has “engaged” all of its teachers, and not to spoil the surprise . . . but WHAT a lineup! I am going to try to blog at least once a week from now until the class Schedule comes out August 8th, and feature one or two teachers a week.
Life is abuzz at the Blanton house as we feverishly work on the “behind the scenes” details that help make the Academy run smoothly. After reading through ALL of the evaluations, some GREAT ideas/suggestions came to light. First, we are extending the “Bring a Friend” campaign for 2017. This promotion contributed significantly to our 2016 growth. Let’s keep the ball rolling! The rules to this promotion are easy – if you are a returning attendee, and invite a new attendee who registers for classes – both of you will receive $50.00 off of your registration. Or, if you are new to the Academy and bring a friend who is also new to the Academy – both of you will receive $50.00 off of your registration. Also, these discounts are “stackable.” In other words, if you are a current attendee to the Academy and invited multiple new attendee friends (who each register for classes), you will receive a $50.00 discount for EACH friend. Invite enough friends, and YOUR classes can be entirely FREE!! Such a DEAL!!
Another GREAT suggestion was to have our Chinese Gift Exchange items be handmade. This game is where the players can either keep a chosen gift picked from the center of the room, or “steal” a gift from another. What a GREAT idea, to have the gifts homemade at an Applique Retreat. The suggestion, which I LOVE, was to have all of the “gifts” be either a handmade pin cushion or a handmade needle case. So get those creative juices flowing, or surf the net for patterns and ideas, and start making your “gift” for this fun game. The game will be Wednesday (3/1/17) after class.
We will offer a bus trip to the MidAtlantic Quilt Show again next year, on Sunday, February 26, 2017. Plan on arriving at the Academy a day early and join us for this wonderful trip and bonding time. For those that participated this year, not only was a good time had by all, but it was a great way to meet new appliquers, and/or nurture new friendships. Thank you Trudy, Pat (one of my new BFF’s), Maria, Sandy, and the rest of the “bus gang;” I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know you better, and can’t wait to see you again next year.
Remember our motto: “There are no strangers here, just friends we haven’t met yet.”
Keep stitchin’
Barbara Blanton…
]]>The 2016 Academy of Applique is over, and I think a good time was had by everyone. It really does take a village to handle all of the moving parts to this event, and I would be remiss if I did not take one last opportunity to thank some special people. First, our WONDERFUL staff of teachers. Weren’t they fantastic! What a truly gifted and talented group, and SO giving. A big THANK YOU to you all! Second, to my local appliqué group for bailing me out when I over-commit (do I really do that? Ha Ha). They served as teacher assistants, helped in the store, helped at the registration desk, helped stuff tote bags, helped keep me SANE, and so much more. THANK YOU! You gals are the glue that holds this event together and running smoothly. A big THANK YOU to my husband for all of the work he has done on the website, (and is doing on the Huzzah Quilt Shoppe website) – his creativity never fails to astound me – and for just plain putting up with me! And to my friend Sheila Bayley who comes every year to save by butt, and do whatever I ask without complaint. This year she spent HOURS cutting fat quarters for the store, and much more. Thank you for your help and friendship.
To those that were able to attend . . . THANK YOU . . . for your support, your encouragement, and your general demeanor of just “going with the flow” when there were minor snags. To those that were not able to attend this year . . . there is always the 2017 Academy of Applique! My good friend “Aunt” Audrey described the event very skillfully – she said that it is like coming to a family reunion. Some family members you know better than others, some are new to the family, and some you only get to see once a year. Our theme this year was . . . “There are NO strangers here, just friends you haven’t met yet.” How true, how true.
And not to overlook the “A Taste of Williamsburg” program, which was a huge success. All of the restaurants offered delicious fare, and many teachers took the opportunity to spend an evening with students. This offered a very special and unique “bonding” time.
A week after the Academy, Nancy Swietek of our local guild organized an overnight bus trip for 40+ quilters to shop in Amish country and attend the AQS Lancaster Quilt Show. Not only did she do a spectacular job of organization and “herding the cats,” but I ran into MANY of you at the show. How great was that?
Have the rest of you recovered? Are you ready for the 2017 Academy of Applique (February 27 – March 4, 2017)? Plans are well under way for the event. I have had a chance to read each and every evaluation, and found not only some wonderful suggestions for events to add, but also some wonderful teachers. I can’t wait to share which teachers are returning, and who we are adding new to the staff. I will just drop a hint that we are in negotiations with a Canadian teacher that will knock your socks off. Stay tuned. Another “teaser,” we will offer the “Bring a Friend” discount again for 2017. If you and a friend are new to the Academy, or if you are a returning attendee and bring a friend – each of you will receive $50.00 off of your tuition. Start thinking now of whom you might invite. This is not limited to just one friend. The discounts can be added together.
Some dates to remember: The Class Schedule will be available on the website Sunday, August 7th; and registration will be Monday (Labor Day), September 5th.
I miss you all, already!
Keep stitchin’
Barbara…
]]>The 2016 Academy of Applique is over, and I think a good time was had by everyone. It really does take a village to handle all of the moving parts to this event, and I would be remiss if I did not take one last opportunity to thank some special people. First, our WONDERFUL staff of teachers. Weren’t they fantastic! What a truly gifted and talented group, and SO giving. A big THANK YOU to you all! Second, to my local appliqué group for bailing me out when I over-commit (do I really do that? Ha Ha). They served as teacher assistants, helped in the store, helped at the registration desk, helped stuff tote bags, helped keep me SANE, and so much more. THANK YOU! You gals are the glue that holds this event together and running smoothly. A big THANK YOU to my husband for all of the work he has done on the website, (and is doing on the Huzzah Quilt Shoppe website) – his creativity never fails to astound me – and for just plain putting up with me! And to my friend Sheila Bayley who comes every year to save by butt, and do whatever I ask without complaint. This year she spent HOURS cutting fat quarters for the store, and much more. Thank you for your help and friendship.
To those that were able to attend . . . THANK YOU . . . for your support, your encouragement, and your general demeanor of just “going with the flow” when there were minor snags. To those that were not able to attend this year . . . there is always the 2017 Academy of Applique! My good friend “Aunt” Audrey described the event very skillfully – she said that it is like coming to a family reunion. Some family members you know better than others, some are new to the family, and some you only get to see once a year. Our theme this year was . . . “There are NO strangers here, just friends you haven’t met yet.” How true, how true.
And not to overlook the “A Taste of Williamsburg” program, which was a huge success. All of the restaurants offered delicious fare, and many teachers took the opportunity to spend an evening with students. This offered a very special and unique “bonding” time.
A week after the Academy, Nancy Swietek of our local guild organized an overnight bus trip for 40+ quilters to shop in Amish country and attend the AQS Lancaster Quilt Show. Not only did she do a spectacular job of organization and “herding the cats,” but I ran into MANY of you at the show. How great was that?
Have the rest of you recovered? Are you ready for the 2017 Academy of Applique (February 27 – March 4, 2017)? Plans are well under way for the event. I have had a chance to read each and every evaluation, and found not only some wonderful suggestions for events to add, but also some wonderful teachers. I can’t wait to share which teachers are returning, and who we are adding new to the staff. I will just drop a hint that we are in negotiations with a Canadian teacher that will knock your socks off. Stay tuned. Another “teaser,” we will offer the “Bring a Friend” discount again for 2017. If you and a friend are new to the Academy, or if you are a returning attendee and bring a friend – each of you will receive $50.00 off of your tuition. Start thinking now of whom you might invite. This is not limited to just one friend. The discounts can be added together.
Some dates to remember: The Class Schedule will be available on the website Sunday, August 7th; and registration will be Monday (Labor Day), September 5th.
I miss you all, already!
Keep stitchin’
Barbara…
]]>
Just wanted to give a special thanks to Nancy Nehez for taking some of the great photo shots from classrooms and around the event. She is a pretty hot photographer here in Williamsburg. Some of her outdoor shots are being added to the yearly Williamsburg Calendar. Thanks…
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Just wanted to give a special thanks to Nancy Nehez for taking some of the great photo shots from classrooms and around the event. She is a pretty hot photographer here in Williamsburg. Some of her outdoor shots are being added to the yearly Williamsburg Calendar. Thanks…
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This is a view of the James River from the side of the Kingsmill resort that backs up to the river view. The classrooms and lunch ballrooms have this view as well it is seriously beautiful. There was a lite dusting of snow the night before but it warmed slightly and it melted before we could snap a photo for posting.
Everything is going great the students are having a wonderful time learning the latest applique techniques from the fabulous array of teaching on staff this year.
This is a photo of Quilting Hall of Fame inductee Mimi Dietrich providing instruction. She is the best representative of the kind of people involved in quilting. Everyone is having a great time the food is fabulous and I write this late Thursday night while we receive a lite dusting of snow.
If you didn’t make it to this years Academy of Applique you’re missing out on a great quilting experience. Phillis we miss you this year, and hope everything is ok your humor kept us smiling for a week last year.
Cori Blunt is new to us this year and creates stunning embellishment like nothing I have ever seen. From her students to teaching staff we are all just stunned at the quality of her projects.
…
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This is a view of the James River from the side of the Kingsmill resort that backs up to the river view. The classrooms and lunch ballrooms have this view as well it is seriously beautiful. There was a lite dusting of snow the night before but it warmed slightly and it melted before we could snap a photo for posting.
Everything is going great the students are having a wonderful time learning the latest applique techniques from the fabulous array of teaching on staff this year.
This is a photo of Quilting Hall of Fame inductee Mimi Dietrich providing instruction. She is the best representative of the kind of people involved in quilting. Everyone is having a great time the food is fabulous and I write this late Thursday night while we receive a lite dusting of snow.
If you didn’t make it to this years Academy of Applique you’re missing out on a great quilting experience. Phillis we miss you this year, and hope everything is ok your humor kept us smiling for a week last year.
Cori Blunt is new to us this year and creates stunning embellishment like nothing I have ever seen. From her students to teaching staff we are all just stunned at the quality of her projects.
…
]]>
So in the middle of my pity-party I thought about what Audrey Collins (an Academy attendee) wrote in her article in the Baltimore Applique society newsletter – that coming to the Academy is like coming to a family reunion. How true! I thanked God for family and friends, and then began assigning family roles to some attendees. Audrey Collins is the Aunt and matriarch of the family, wise and loving beyond her years. Sheila Bayley is my big sister and BFF; Corrine Tetz, of course, is my twin sister; Lily Broslovsky is a beloved cousin (she would be a sister, but she is too skinny). “Aunt” Judy Bankson is as indispensable to this “family” as her “sister” Audrey. Then there is always the kooky Aunt. The aunt that is SO brave and fearless that she dares the world to stop her. Oh how I wish I was more like her. This of course is . . . Suzie Louth. There are so many more of you (extended family “members”) that attend the Academy and are loved and missed when we are apart, that it would take pages to list you all and give you the recognition that you deserve. But moments after we reunite, and catch up on family issues and applique projects we have completed and are working on . . . all of the stars seem to align and everything is right with the world again – if only for a week.
I miss you all and can’t wait to see you soon. I think I will go start a new applique project. I always feel better when I am stitching.
For those that haven’t had a chance to register for the 2016 Academy of Applique in historic Williamsburg, VA – please do so now as registration will be closing soon, and you don’t want to miss out on this wonderful event. See how quickly you are welcomed into our family and help our family grow!
Just a reminder to those that WILL be attending – please make your room reservations before January 15, 2016 and let them know that you are with the Academy to receive the discounted room rate.
See you all soon! Keep stitchin’
Barbara…
]]>
So in the middle of my pity-party I thought about what Audrey Collins (an Academy attendee) wrote in her article in the Baltimore Applique society newsletter – that coming to the Academy is like coming to a family reunion. How true! I thanked God for family and friends, and then began assigning family roles to some attendees. Audrey Collins is the Aunt and matriarch of the family, wise and loving beyond her years. Sheila Bayley is my big sister and BFF; Corrine Tetz, of course, is my twin sister; Lily Broslovsky is a beloved cousin (she would be a sister, but she is too skinny). “Aunt” Judy Bankson is as indispensable to this “family” as her “sister” Audrey. Then there is always the kooky Aunt. The aunt that is SO brave and fearless that she dares the world to stop her. Oh how I wish I was more like her. This of course is . . . Suzie Louth. There are so many more of you (extended family “members”) that attend the Academy and are loved and missed when we are apart, that it would take pages to list you all and give you the recognition that you deserve. But moments after we reunite, and catch up on family issues and applique projects we have completed and are working on . . . all of the stars seem to align and everything is right with the world again – if only for a week.
I miss you all and can’t wait to see you soon. I think I will go start a new applique project. I always feel better when I am stitching.
For those that haven’t had a chance to register for the 2016 Academy of Applique in historic Williamsburg, VA – please do so now as registration will be closing soon, and you don’t want to miss out on this wonderful event. See how quickly you are welcomed into our family and help our family grow!
Just a reminder to those that WILL be attending – please make your room reservations before January 15, 2016 and let them know that you are with the Academy to receive the discounted room rate.
See you all soon! Keep stitchin’
Barbara…
]]>
OMG! What a treat. Our hostess was Ms. Kim Ivey, one of the two Curators of Textiles and Historic Interiors for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. What a lovely, and knowledgeable lady. She explained that there are curators (and staff), and conservators (and staff). The curators are charged with purchasing, researching, and maintaining the safety of the collection. The conservators are charged with maintaining the condition of the textiles. About (12) of our group were able to participate – and we spent a most wonderful hour with Kim.
She showed us TONS of textiles (mostly quilts and specifically appliqué and broderie perse, of course) from the 1600’s to the 1900’s. With each drawer she pulled out, the room was filled with “oohs,” and “aahs” from the group. Kim gladly shared the history of the quilt and the period. We were allowed to get up close and personal, almost touching some with our noses to see the intricate stitching. How did our ancestors possibly produce these phenomenal quilts without rotary cutters, light boxes, ott lights, magnifying glasses, etc? It boggles my mind. And all the time raising a plethora of children and running a household. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Being appliquers ourselves, we had an overwhelming appreciation for their skill and talent; and a lively discussion of style and techniques ensued with each offering.
Because the tour for the 2016 Academy of Applique attendees sold out within hours of registration opening, we have coordinated to offer this tour for many years to come. Those that will be attending in 2016 WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. It is definitely an opportunity that should be experienced by all in future years.…
]]>
OMG! What a treat. Our hostess was Ms. Kim Ivey, one of the two Curators of Textiles and Historic Interiors for the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation. What a lovely, and knowledgeable lady. She explained that there are curators (and staff), and conservators (and staff). The curators are charged with purchasing, researching, and maintaining the safety of the collection. The conservators are charged with maintaining the condition of the textiles. About (12) of our group were able to participate – and we spent a most wonderful hour with Kim.
She showed us TONS of textiles (mostly quilts and specifically appliqué and broderie perse, of course) from the 1600’s to the 1900’s. With each drawer she pulled out, the room was filled with “oohs,” and “aahs” from the group. Kim gladly shared the history of the quilt and the period. We were allowed to get up close and personal, almost touching some with our noses to see the intricate stitching. How did our ancestors possibly produce these phenomenal quilts without rotary cutters, light boxes, ott lights, magnifying glasses, etc? It boggles my mind. And all the time raising a plethora of children and running a household. It makes me tired just thinking about it. Being appliquers ourselves, we had an overwhelming appreciation for their skill and talent; and a lively discussion of style and techniques ensued with each offering.
Because the tour for the 2016 Academy of Applique attendees sold out within hours of registration opening, we have coordinated to offer this tour for many years to come. Those that will be attending in 2016 WILL NOT BE DISAPPOINTED. It is definitely an opportunity that should be experienced by all in future years.…
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1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?
This time of year, I love to get a glass of iced tea and just sit on the screened porch and look at magazines.
2. What does your family think about your quilting business?
This summer I was inducted into The Quilters Hall of Fame and all of my family was there. I found out that they were very impressed by “the community of quilters” that came to celebrate with me. It was fabulous to hear both my sons mention that when they spoke at the dinner.
3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?
My big project for the last year was getting ready for The Quilters Hall of Fame. I put together an exhibit of my quilts and an exhibit of my students’ quilts….I was amazed at how much work that took! Right now I am getting ready to start my year-long Baltimore class….I have 50 students and it’s going to be a fun year!
4. What is on your “bucket” list?
What do you want to be known/remembered for?I want to be remembered for getting quilters started on their applique journey, teaching the basics of several techniques, so they can make the quilts they dream about!My bucket list….I would love to reproduce a classic applique quilt that’s not a Baltimore quilt….and I think it’s going to happen!
5. Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?
I live in Baltimore, Maryland and am always inspired by the Baltimore Album Quilts.
…
]]>1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?
This time of year, I love to get a glass of iced tea and just sit on the screened porch and look at magazines.
2. What does your family think about your quilting business?
This summer I was inducted into The Quilters Hall of Fame and all of my family was there. I found out that they were very impressed by “the community of quilters” that came to celebrate with me. It was fabulous to hear both my sons mention that when they spoke at the dinner.
3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?
My big project for the last year was getting ready for The Quilters Hall of Fame. I put together an exhibit of my quilts and an exhibit of my students’ quilts….I was amazed at how much work that took! Right now I am getting ready to start my year-long Baltimore class….I have 50 students and it’s going to be a fun year!
4. What is on your “bucket” list?
What do you want to be known/remembered for?I want to be remembered for getting quilters started on their applique journey, teaching the basics of several techniques, so they can make the quilts they dream about!My bucket list….I would love to reproduce a classic applique quilt that’s not a Baltimore quilt….and I think it’s going to happen!
5. Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?
I live in Baltimore, Maryland and am always inspired by the Baltimore Album Quilts.
…
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What local area quilt store do you frequent, and do you teach there?
The Quilted Crow in Boxborough, MA is the quilt store I frequent the most. Since I have only lived in the East Coast a few years, I am having fun discovering new stores asI travel. I have joined the local guild, The Concord Piecemakers, and have learned that there are only a few quilters that applique. I will be showing a dozen quilts at the Concord Library the month of September in hopes of finding others interested in applique and Broderie Perse.
What is on your bucket list?
My bucket list is developing in many directions. I would like to travel to see more Broderie Perse quilts like the ones in the Charleston Museum, Charleston, South Carolina, the DAR Museum in Washington, DC and several places in England. I enjoy the out-of-doors and would like to take a walking tour in Ireland and Scotland. I appreciate artof all kinds, particularly Impressionist paintings and would like to go to Paris to visit some of the museums that exhibit that style.
When you get a hour to yourself what do you do?
When I find an hour or two to myself, quilting remains at the top of my list. The best part of quilting is pulling out fabrics and dreaming what I could do with them. I have several baskets full of fabrics ready to go when I have time. Reading is a always a pleasure to do when I have time. My favorite type of literature is historical novels. I always find time in my schedule to garden in the summer and bake in the winter so I can share my harvest and breads with neighbors and friends.
What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have photos?
By the time we get together in March for the Academy of Applique, I plan to complete a quilt called “Sundial in the Garden”. This is a challenge on many levels, including compilations with the background colors and the intricacy of the vine border.
What do your family and friends think of your quilting business?
My family and friends are supportive of my quilting endeavors and would like me to exhibit them more often. My neighbor who saw my quilts got me involved with the Concord Library in Massachusetts to do a one woman show in September, 2015. I will be interviewed by a local reporter soon. I am looking forward to making more people aware of the Broderie Perse style and to encourage quilters to be creative and to design their own original quilt.…
]]>What local area quilt store do you frequent, and do you teach there?
The Quilted Crow in Boxborough, MA is the quilt store I frequent the most. Since I have only lived in the East Coast a few years, I am having fun discovering new stores asI travel. I have joined the local guild, The Concord Piecemakers, and have learned that there are only a few quilters that applique. I will be showing a dozen quilts at the Concord Library the month of September in hopes of finding others interested in applique and Broderie Perse.
What is on your bucket list?
My bucket list is developing in many directions. I would like to travel to see more Broderie Perse quilts like the ones in the Charleston Museum, Charleston, South Carolina, the DAR Museum in Washington, DC and several places in England. I enjoy the out-of-doors and would like to take a walking tour in Ireland and Scotland. I appreciate artof all kinds, particularly Impressionist paintings and would like to go to Paris to visit some of the museums that exhibit that style.
When you get a hour to yourself what do you do?
When I find an hour or two to myself, quilting remains at the top of my list. The best part of quilting is pulling out fabrics and dreaming what I could do with them. I have several baskets full of fabrics ready to go when I have time. Reading is a always a pleasure to do when I have time. My favorite type of literature is historical novels. I always find time in my schedule to garden in the summer and bake in the winter so I can share my harvest and breads with neighbors and friends.
What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have photos?
By the time we get together in March for the Academy of Applique, I plan to complete a quilt called “Sundial in the Garden”. This is a challenge on many levels, including compilations with the background colors and the intricacy of the vine border.
What do your family and friends think of your quilting business?
My family and friends are supportive of my quilting endeavors and would like me to exhibit them more often. My neighbor who saw my quilts got me involved with the Concord Library in Massachusetts to do a one woman show in September, 2015. I will be interviewed by a local reporter soon. I am looking forward to making more people aware of the Broderie Perse style and to encourage quilters to be creative and to design their own original quilt.…
]]>
1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do? That’s an easy question — APPLIQUE! I also applique when I have 5 or 10 minutes, or 15 or 20, or …well you get the idea. I am never without an applique project within arm’s length. Because I do needleturn applique, all I need is my quilt top or block, needle, thread, and scissors. I applique in the car as a passenger, waiting for an appointment, at the airport, on the plane, at the hotel. I’m obsessed with how relaxing applique relaxes me and the people around me.
2. What does your family think about your quilting business? They are thrilled that I found something else to obsess about instead of them. I was a legal secretary for over 20 years, during which time I appliqued as a hobby. In 2001 I was able to quit that day\ job, and devote my full time to designing, and teaching how to make a traditional Hawaiian quilt, and how I do needleturn applique. Everyone in my family, and my friends, all agree that I am a nicer person when I have applique to do, and when I get a chance to share those skills and joy with others.
3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures? I am working on two queen size Hawaiian quilts: the most important one is for my husband and the other is for me. I designed both of these, and the one for my husband is the hano hano orchid, which grew outside his window as a young boy. This orchid has a wonderful scent and he sees his wonderful childhood memories in this quilt. It has taken me 12 years to applique, and I am in year 7 in the quilting process — obviously is doesn’t get worked on very often. Attached is a photo of my husband’s orchid quilt, on the day I completed the applique (at the Nashville AQS show-2007). The one I am making for me uses a hand-painted fabric depicting the profusion of color in vine maple leaves here in the Northwest. I am sure this will be available for someone else to pick up and get inspired to complete once I am gone (unless I live to be 318). The photo attached is of a little more than 1/4 of the quilt.
4. What is on your “bucket” list? What do you want to be known/remembered for? I don’t have a bucket list. I just want more time to work on the “important” quilts I still have to do. I hope I will be remembered as a teacher who inspired others to enjoy hand applique. In my opinion, it’s not about the having (lots of quilts), it’s about the doing! The joy of the making of the quilts far surpasses the joy of having made lots of quilts. So, hand applique fits right into that — because it isn’t fast to make a quilt by hand, but it is fun!
5. Where do you get your quilting/applique inspiration? For my Hawaiian quilts, Hawaii provides enough inspiration for many lifetimes of quilts. And where I now live in the Pacific Northwest, and as I travel, there are beautiful flowers/fruits/trees and amazing color combinations that need to be memorialized in a quilt. …and applique is the way I will do that.…
]]>1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do? That’s an easy question — APPLIQUE! I also applique when I have 5 or 10 minutes, or 15 or 20, or …well you get the idea. I am never without an applique project within arm’s length. Because I do needleturn applique, all I need is my quilt top or block, needle, thread, and scissors. I applique in the car as a passenger, waiting for an appointment, at the airport, on the plane, at the hotel. I’m obsessed with how relaxing applique relaxes me and the people around me.
2. What does your family think about your quilting business? They are thrilled that I found something else to obsess about instead of them. I was a legal secretary for over 20 years, during which time I appliqued as a hobby. In 2001 I was able to quit that day\ job, and devote my full time to designing, and teaching how to make a traditional Hawaiian quilt, and how I do needleturn applique. Everyone in my family, and my friends, all agree that I am a nicer person when I have applique to do, and when I get a chance to share those skills and joy with others.
3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures? I am working on two queen size Hawaiian quilts: the most important one is for my husband and the other is for me. I designed both of these, and the one for my husband is the hano hano orchid, which grew outside his window as a young boy. This orchid has a wonderful scent and he sees his wonderful childhood memories in this quilt. It has taken me 12 years to applique, and I am in year 7 in the quilting process — obviously is doesn’t get worked on very often. Attached is a photo of my husband’s orchid quilt, on the day I completed the applique (at the Nashville AQS show-2007). The one I am making for me uses a hand-painted fabric depicting the profusion of color in vine maple leaves here in the Northwest. I am sure this will be available for someone else to pick up and get inspired to complete once I am gone (unless I live to be 318). The photo attached is of a little more than 1/4 of the quilt.
4. What is on your “bucket” list? What do you want to be known/remembered for? I don’t have a bucket list. I just want more time to work on the “important” quilts I still have to do. I hope I will be remembered as a teacher who inspired others to enjoy hand applique. In my opinion, it’s not about the having (lots of quilts), it’s about the doing! The joy of the making of the quilts far surpasses the joy of having made lots of quilts. So, hand applique fits right into that — because it isn’t fast to make a quilt by hand, but it is fun!
5. Where do you get your quilting/applique inspiration? For my Hawaiian quilts, Hawaii provides enough inspiration for many lifetimes of quilts. And where I now live in the Pacific Northwest, and as I travel, there are beautiful flowers/fruits/trees and amazing color combinations that need to be memorialized in a quilt. …and applique is the way I will do that.…
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