Fronds, Feathers, Flowers, Froth, Fun....Home from Asilomar

Another fabulous class at Empty Spools Seminars, at the beautiful Asilomar State Park near Monterey, California!  Above, my intrepid and amazing students, 25 in total, who worked with me for 5 days to accomplish more refined and beautiful machine quilting, all done on a home sewing machine.  My table is in the foreground and this "chairs up" session at the front of our huge classroom/building covered one of many techniques included in the class.

This particular group forged out on their own to counter the next building's group, who chanted all day long and were interfering with our own Zen and the sounds of our machines.  Original chants were devised and performed, highlighting lessons learned and teacher foibles, ha. 

With all the class work, the other activities, the evening sessions, time to eat and sleep, who knows when they had the time to do this, and practice, and perform so very well!  This will be my "chanting" class in my memories, the class where all I had to do was hold out my arms, and a chant would ensue. 

Yes, we had fun.

Yes, we learned about doing beautiful motifs and techniques on our home sewing machines.  Podflowers grew, feathers flowed, gingko stretched our brain power.

My trip home was smooth, my last day there I spent in a fantastic new room far away from the woods, up on a scenic outcropping with a full ocean view.  A wonderful way to unwind, pack for the trip home, and relax.

Class, I never found the gingko handouts with the diagram.  They were not on the kitchen counter after all.  I may have unpacked them in my first night's hotel and left them there.  Who knows what some housekeeper might be practicing in her off time, and what wonderful gingkos she is quilting.....!

Thanks to everyone for making my last class so wonderful.  I will always remember my times at Empty Spools, the fun and talented people, the scenery, the buildings and charm.  Special thanks to Diana, Suzanne, and Gayle for making it all possible and for taking such great care of me and everyone, and for all those over the years who were my classroom assistants/hostesses and made it all go smoothly.  

Special thanks to Roberta for all her assistance with the machines and who provided me with a wonderful smooth familiar Bernina 730 for my quilting demos, and for the lovely bag, which I shall show in a future post.

Oliver was ecstatic when I arrived home, and is still checking out my luggage and interesting crumbs and exotic scents in my things.  There were even a few pine needles.  I think he grew while I was away, but is now so content and happy that I am home and doing fun things like laundry. 

More on what we learned in a future post.

Meanwhile, keep quilting....your work gets better every day!

Diane 

Thank you GLHQ! On to Asilomar....

I just returned from a wonderful trip to the Detroit, MI area where I taught classes and gave a lecture to the Great Lakes Heritage Quilters.  The weather was summery, food amazing, scenery lovely.  Special thanks to Diane and Joyce for taking such great care of me, and Linda for chauffeuring me in a pinch, and for sharing their time so generously. 

We had fun, we talked, laughed, quilted.  Everyone worked so hard in class, and the results were terrific.  Keep on quilting, work on those tops or make tops to quilt and perfect your free motion skills.  Remember to take breaks too.

Loved seeing all the cousins, uncles, aunts and other relations to my amazing Buick on the roads there too.

I returned to Wisconsin to find spring has finally arrived, the trees are blooming and the warm days are here.  I had a few hours rest and relaxation, some time to assure Oliver it really was me back again, but he knows I am not even stowing the luggage in the hidden room.  I must be going somewhere again, and he is right.

Next week is my last session at Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar in California.  I am busy shipping things and hoping they get there in time.  My silk thread cones arrived on Monday and I shipped off a box of them for class, but I am also bringing some with me in case these don't arrive in time.  When I dumped them all out on the kitchen table they were so pretty, like jewels in all the colors and shine.  Yum.

Those of you in class next week should keep in mind:

•  Prepare the project to quilt in class ahead of time.  You may layer it, and even stitch in the ditches first, with fine weight thread of your choice.  If you decide on marking something in the squares or border, that can be done in class after we get started and discuss options.  I will have some stencils for you in class.
• Be sure and have good markers - you need to see the marks.
• The on-site shop will have wonderful wool batt, Pellon Legacy, in case you'd like to try it. 
• Sew EZ tables are a great thing to have if you are driving.  There is plenty of room in our classroom.
• The chairs could use a small cushion if you are short. 
• Please do not wear strong perfumes, essential oils, or insect repellent to class as many of us are allergic to them....thanks from me, and all of us.

I look forward to spending this time with all of you.  I hope the class will have something for everyone so your quilting will improve and you will leave with new excitement about this amazing art.  Please email me if you have specific questions.

Back to packing, but do keep quilting!  Your work gets better every day.

Diane

 

Home from Asilomar

The fire was roaring, the soft salty sea air felt wonderful on my wintry dry skin last week at Empty Spools Seminars, held at the amazing California state park, "Asilomar," or Refuge by the Sea.  And refuge it was.  Right on the coastline near Monterey, it takes you back in time as you live, eat, and work in the historic buildings scattered through the acres, deer freely roaming, surf booming in the distance.  Huge Monterey pines and natural vegetation frame the ocean views.  Delicious food three times a day, and fun and laughter with all who are there in the various classes.  And quilts, quilts, everywhere.

My class, "A Quilting Journey," was all about free motion machine quilting on a home sewing machine, and my 24 intrepid quilters did great.  We worked very hard but were relaxed and had a good time as well. 

My trip out there had a few glitches, one which involved 12 hours in Sky Harbor airport in Phoenix.  It was after 8 hours that I noticed the carpet, below, was a funky rendition of my "Celtic Bubbles" design I teach, only this one had little jet airplanes sprinkled throughout.

Our small prop jet plane ( 8 rows, noisy) left Phoenix at 9 p.m.-ish, and did ok until it met the high winds in California and along the coast.  The turbulence was terrible, still have bruises from that, and for the first time I turned green from airsickness but managed to refrain from throwing up on the handsome man seated next to me. 

In the pitch dark night we were told the loud noises we heard were just chunks of ice being thrown off by the propellers and were hitting the plane.  Eek.

Then amidst the turbulence the pilot announced we would have to land in Fresno as we were almost out of fuel.  Double Eek. 

At least the buffeting ended when we landed for fuel, and I chewed a Tums.  Ground felt so good, but soon we were up again and more turbulence.  The clouds cleared, and Monterey Bay was spread out below us like jewels in the clear night air.  I arrived at Asilomar and my lovely room around 3 a.m. Whew.  Sometimes I wonder why I teach quilting!

Above, the deer were my view out of my sleeping room, so gentle and pretty.

My class began the next day, 24 quilters who rose to every single challenge I threw at them.  We laughed, had fun, were serious about our work, but could also smile when things didn't go that well.  In the end, I think everyone improved and some were sailing free with their quilting.  It was very rewarding for me, but some gremlins took time to sum up my teaching and the class on the board one evening, below.  And if it is too fuzzy to read, that's fine too.  I think they hit all the salient points of my barking at them for 5 days!

Special thanks to Toyo and Evette, who helped with the class and did a terrific job, and Jan and Helen-Mary, who let me demo on their machines. 

Next blog post I'll give a summation of things we learned in class.

Meanwhile, Oliver was ecstatic to see me and climbed in my carry-on of quilts when I was unpacking.  He is just now truly believing I am back for good and is thrilled his two "people" are together again, just for him.

Keep quilting!  Your work gets better every day. 

More to come,

Diane

Unpacking and Napping

Home is wonderful after you have been away.  Everything seems new and fresh and bright, yet familiar and comfortable, welcoming you in.  I opened the door from the garage, came in the kitchen, and Oliver tore around the corner and ran full tilt into my arms.  He purred so hard he was shaking, with happiness and disbelief.  I guess I probably was purring too....oh my, so good to be home.

I had a terrific week at Empty Spools Seminars at Asilomar near Monterey, California.  It was cool and lovely, some fog in the mornings, low to mid 60's during the day.  One lunch hour I tried for about 10 minutes to stand and chat outside and get a tan but nope, just felt good, no tan for me. 

Unpacking is almost done.  I pulled out pile after pile of samples and things from my clown-car suitcase, above, and re-lived the week through the variety of interesting objects that surfaced, like my own archaeological dig. 

Top of the pile was my new tote, my Laurel Burch socks that my students told me Oliver made them buy for me, and my new bag of Pinmoor fasteners for layering a quilt with fine straight pins.  They caused a little excitement, as the inventor, Loretta Ivison was in our class.  You can check them out at http://www.pinmoor.com/.  Oliver liked my socks and tried eating them.  I didn't let him even see the Pinmoors.

He also tried eating the hand squeeze workout ball for quilters so that is already in a drawer, along with 2 yards of the new Pellon Legacy wool batt that somehow compressed into my suitcase.  If it was opened by security, I bet they jumped when all that batt popped out at them!  It looked the same as I had packed it, so they must have missed the fun. 

I'm thinking this wool batt is lovely, not quite as thick and sprongy as Hobbs has been recently, so I will post when I get a chance to try it out.

It was a great group of students, all y'all who were there know that, and I hope new quilting adventures await you with what we learned in class.  I left at 4:30 a.m. to the sound of the Pacific, and arrived back in Wisconsin about suppertime.  Long day, I was very tired, tons of holiday travelers, and it was really hot and steamy here, but so good to see the familiar Wisconsin landscape, and actually get in my own car and drive.  

It was nice to see some of my other teaching friends there, and hear a memorable presentation by Nancy S. Brown who made me wonder what have I been missing all these years with no penguins in my quilts?  I don't think I have laughed so hard in years. 

The next a.m. while diagramming what not to do with pod flowers on the board in class, those penguins somehow sneaked in after all to my work.  Below, I quickly added some jaunty sunglasses and now I think I can make a winner!

Yes, we do have fun in class.  But, I can only imagine Nancy's class....

Another thing I noticed on the way home was a floor mat in the airport that looked like an interesting variation on our Celtic Bubbles or fans, below.  Play with these echoing lines and come up with your own designs.

 

See you next year at Empty Spools, and keep quilting, your work gets better every day.

Diane

Quilting Whimsy

My new collection of quilting designs for embroidery sewing machines is moving along very quickly.  Here are some of the stitched out samples, including two large Mega Hoop designs, small designs, borders, and even some contemporary fun things.  Above, my own version of the large design done free motion in the center of a new wall quilt that will showcase the designs like the chickadee, sleeping cat, fronds, rabbit in feathers, formal medallion, pod flower, angel wings, and more.

I've been "off the grid" for two weeks, traveling to help with a family emergency, but am home now and working on my quilt.  One thing I really love about quilting is it helps ease anxiety and gives you a peaceful time to let your mind calm, your body concentrate on the task at hand.

Oliver is glad to see me back home, back in routine, at my machine and doing all my typical daily things. 

I'll try and check the comments and questions you have left and answer all of them, in the posts where you commented.

It's Quilt Market right now so many exciting things are happening in quilting.  I will have a few new products for my June session at Empty Spools (Asilomar) coming up, and I've got some new ideas for this class to try. 

Hope your spring is wonderful, and busy, and full of flowers and sun.

Keep quilting, your work gets better every day!
Diane

Empty Spools Info

Monterey coastline near Asilomar, California

I have been getting questions about the upcoming June class at Asilomar, as well as those wondering about the 2011 classes with registration opening May 10 (tomorrow!).  And this info applies to most of my classes, so Paducah people, you too.....!

For the pieced project you will prepare for class, if you want to add a square or two with piecing or applique or whatever, go right ahead.  If you want to add sashing between the 6" squares, that is terrific too. Choose a size and proportion that works with your design, and allows space for some quilting.

In fact, my original instructions did have sashing but some did not like the extra piecing and felt it was too traditional of a setting, and the piece became too large for them in class.  I will leave it up to you to decide.  Again, feel free to email me with your questions so you feel confident about what you are preparing for class.  diane@dianegaudynski.net

Consider this project a class quilting piece, to really use and have in the future for reference.  Bring a permanent marker like a Pigma pen or fine tip Sharpie so you can add notes to the back about anything and everything and the info will be right there on your piece.  It will be your library.  You will have the info on what thread, even the color #, on the quilt itself.  Sign it, it's a collectible.  :-)

Also, bring paper and pencil for sketching and drawing and doodling.  For many, the drawing of a design helps so much.  For me, I like to do it at the machine, but we are all different.  I can quilt better than I can draw.

If you have feather templates, bring those.  One is Infinite Feathers by Anita Shackelford  - http://www.thimbleworks.com/

Another is the collection of individual feather shapes by June Tailor.  These are invaluable if you have not quilted/drawn feather designs, or feel you need to have the correct shape to trace for learning. 

Another great tool we will use in class is Anita's Perfect Spirals.  This tool lets you do all sorts of wonderful things, provides guide lines for your freehand work, is a great basic to own.  Look through the section on Quilting Templates and see if there is anything else you might like, good stuff is on this web site.

Sewing machines!  Any brand is fine, as long as it works properly, is clean, oiled, in tune, has the correct free motion feet and settings, and you are very familiar with it.  If you have a brand spanking new machine, spend a few weeks right before you come to class working with it, experimenting a bit with different threads, etc., and going over and over how to do the basics on it.  If you took lessons when you bought it but haven't used it much, go over it again, practice.

If you have had your machine serviced right before class, try it out before you pack it.  Do some free motion quilting and make sure everything works ok.

If you own more than one model of a brand of machine as many do, or even several machines that are different brands, be very very sure you bring the right feet for the machine, the right throat plate, the correct bobbins.  Accessories get jumbled together, so take the time to double check and bring everything for the machine you choose to use in class.  Don't forget the foot control, and the cords.

Needles, needles, needles.  Bring a selection if you are unsure, but Microtex Sharps #70, #60 (for #100 silk thread), #80 .... just in case.  A #80 Top Stitch needle will handle most of the other threads you might have with you. 

Make sure the opening of the throat plate isn't all gouged up.  If it is, get a new one, or have it filed and smoothed down if possible.

Some students who drive to the event bring an extra, "back up" machine.  It has come in handy more than once.  Definitely a luxury to have that security, and not necessary, but.....

We had one student in March bring her new Bernina 830 because that is the one she plans on using for quilting.  She could have brought another lighter, smaller machine that worked well, but she wanted to use the machine in class she would quilt with in the future.  There were no problems, the table was sturdy enough, and she did great on the machine. 

As long as you can trundle things in to class and set them up, you will be fine.  All machines and work stations stay set up for the duration, doors are locked when we are not in the room.  Two people are present at all times when the doors are open.

A Sew EZ table is a great addition if you have one.  Yes, there is room in the classroom for these tables if we get Kiln or Fred Favre Forum (check your mailings).  I have not yet received my classroom assignment.

One student brought two machines, tried the same technique on both with the same thread and sample quilt, and could see immediately which machine produced the best results. 

Winding a bobbin, replacing a bobbin and putting it in properly and quickly, threading the machine, adjusting tension on top, foot pressure if you have that, feed dogs down--these are things you need to know. 

Bring the right thread delivery equipment - if you have cones of thread, a cone thread holder (metal preferred) is almost a necessity.  Small cones like #100 silk, Aurifil #50, work great on a horizontal spindle on your machine. 

Some older machines like Berninas only have an upright spindle, so for those machines it is helpful to have a separate cone thread holder so the thread feeds easily and with the correct tension.

A "Slider" is a super accessory to invest in for class and for future quilting at home.  I will have some for the class to use/try, but it's one of those things that if you have, you will know how wonderful it is.  If you use one, you don't need gloves, you get smooth movement of the quilt.  http://www.freemotionslider.com/

Check the plexi surround and make sure it is slippery and clean.  If it is brand new, wash it with hot mild soap and water, buff it dry.  I never add things to my sewing machine bed or plexi insert even though I recently read on a forum that I endorsed using Pledge on this area.  I don't use Pledge; can't use or tolerate any chemicals.  Never used Pledge.  Don't know where that quote ever came from.

A cushion for your chair.  This is really important, you need a bit of extra height, just a bit, so you can see what you are doing in a class with machines on tables. 

The chairs in my classroom don't stack well.  We brought in others that did, but two were two high for many, with shoes dangling, backs aching, we went back to one chair and a cushion.  Find something ahead of time and bring it along.

A small task light for the area.  The high intensity lights attached to your machine are OK but sometimes too intense and it's easier to see without them. 

If you are interested in the '11 classes, sign up right away, don't wait and ponder.  I have a few testimonials on the previous blog posts, but these classes can be life changing.  You learn a new way to think about machine quilting, you learn from other highly talented quilters in class or at the event in other classes.  You see so much wonderful work in all the classrooms there that your mind will be bursting with color and design and quilting when you leave.  This is a great class.

Hope to see you at this terrific event, run by wonderful and talented women who will go out of their way to make it the best for you.

Happy Mother's Day!  And, keep quilting, your work gets better every day.

Diane

Empty Spools Class Registration

Classes at Empty Spools Seminars, at sunset, above, are going to open soon for registration,  I believe around May 10.   I will be teaching two 5-day classes there, near Pacific Grove/Monterey, California at a state park called Asilomar.

From Wisconsin I fly to Phoenix, run like crazy to catch the connecting flight, and then on directly to Monterey in Northern California, a simply beautiful part of this country.  A short cab ride and I am at my location.

Both classes are the same content, with the focus on learning to improve your free motion machine quilting skills (home sewing machine) and learn some freehand motifs on a simple pieced project.  Stencils and following planned, marked lines are also an option, so both marked and unmarked quilting will be covered.  My goal is to have you improve and go up a level in your quilting skills.

My first class is March 25-30, and the second one is May 27 - June 1, 2011.

Because I am not traveling as much as in the past, and these are the only 5-day classes I teach, they do fill fairly quickly, as do many at this event. 

The location, the relaxed atmosphere, sharing of meals with others as well as those in your class and teachers, the beautiful architecture, no tv, fresh air, wildlife, and the Pacific ocean all contribute to the experience and make it very special.  It truly is a Refuge by the Sea.

If you have questions about my class and if it would work for you, please email me:  diane@dianegaudynski.net

And I'll see this year's last session at the end of June.  Meanwhile, keep quilting!  Your work gets better every day.

Diane

Spring Arrived

While I was away for nine days to the Pacific Coast near Monterey, California, spring has arrived here in Wisconsin.  The snow is gone, it will be close to 60 degrees today, the grass is showing a bit of green.  I leave, and wow, the snow disappears!

I had the most marvelous class at Empty Spools (http://www.emptyspoolsseminars.com/) at Asilomar near Pacific Grove, right on the ocean.  It was serene and restful, and my class of 24 motivated women accomplished great things with their machine quilting.  If you want to take your work to a new level, please consider this 5-day class with me next year.  I'll be there for Session II, March 25-30, and Session V, May 27 - June 1.  There are many other great teachers there in each session, it is a feast for quilters.  And the food is nice too!

So much has happened while I was away that it will take me a little time to catch up.  Meanwhile I will be thinking of some of the things I learned from my classes there and a wonderful 2-day class for the Monterey Peninsula Quilt Guild afterwards.  I was inspired by creative ideas and questions, by problems encountered, by helpful suggestions from everyone.  I will write about it soon and we can all learn.

My new Gingko design was successful, and Apple Core was a hit and looked stunning when everyone tried it on various fabrics and with thread colors that complemented rather than contrasted.  It was FUN.  My students worked very hard, put in long hours, and listened and experimented, and the results were worth it. 

I've also had requests for a continuation of my monthly quilting tips on my website, which I shall try to do once again, but am fighting the old and slow and temperamental computer used for that.  I may have to re-do the website on my new equipment, and if that is the case, it will be a bit of time before the tips re-appear, because I have other commitments right now.  Please be patient.

One of these projects is a regular column in American Quilter Magazine, the AQS member publication, but also available on news stands.  I will be answering your questions there about machine quilting, so watch for the upcoming first column and email me your questions.  I will read them all, choose one topic that recurs, and answer it in the next issue.  Hope you enjoy it! 

Meanwhile, it is time to unpack, play with Oliver who missed me but enjoyed his time with his cat Dad, and get back into my usual routine.  Paducah is right around the corner too.

Get out some beautiful fabric, batt, and thread, put in a fresh needle, and do some play at your machine today and everyday.  And keep quilting, your work gets better every day.

Diane

Packing for Asilomar

I can't wait to sit down by the fire in Phoebe Hearst Hall and relax and watch everyone arrive for classes at Asilomar next week.  I am busy packing with an awful lot of help from Oliver, who is making a 2-day process take a week.  But gosh it is so much fun, for him at least. 

If you don't know about this conference, it is called Empty Spools Seminars, and is held just outside of Monterey, CA right on the Pacific coast, in a state park named Asilomar, or Refuge by the Sea. 

Go to http://www.emptyspoolsseminars.com/ to see who will be teaching, read about the seminar, and perhaps sign up for a class with me next year.  Class registration opens towards the end of May, and classes do fill quickly.

It is my chance to teach the same group for 5 days.  We explore the important basics, and then play with motifs and design on a small pieced project.  I don't make one as a sample because in my experience that limits creativity.  Here is a chance for you to come up with a plan for quilting, and I will help you and give suggestions constantly. 

No two projects are alike, and some who are there to learn choose to not make a project but instead to create a library of samples for future reference. 

Whatever your choice I insist on your use of the best tools and materials, the right color thread, the right needle, etc. so even this small library of examples will be done well.  If you are unsure about threads and color and have room to bring extra, do that.  The Cotton Patch has an on-site shop for purchases of fabric and thread and all sorts of things as well.

Two really helpful items to bring if you can are a small table for your machine such as the Sew EZ, and a Supreme Slider for the machine bed so the quilt will move smoothly.

Our classroom tends to have a few dark areas away from the windows, so an extra light is nice as is a seat cushion.  This year they don't want us to have food and snacks in the classroom, so save those for breaks outdoors or at meals.

 

Kathy was the classroom assistant last year, and she made this beautiful project and quilted it in class, combining various motifs and techniqes we covered to create her own design, a one-of-a-kind. 

If you have any questions, please email me:  diane@dianegaudynski.net

Bring your walking shoes, and see you soon!

Diane

Deer wander freely at Asilomar

Introducing Oliver

Where have I been for two weeks?  What have I been doing?  If you guessed "new kitten" you would be correct!  This post is about my cat, so bail out now if you are looking for quilting information, just sayin'.

With absolutely no plans whatsoever to even think about a new cat until perhaps in the spring when my first teaching trip is completed, when the cold and snow will be gone, and kittens are being born and needing homes---- what do we do but succomb to the charms of this little guy.

He is from the Wisconsin Humane Society where my husband had a bit of time before a meeting there and strolled through the cat condos and made eye contact with this charmer, named Oliver.  After a phone call with all the details, I said let's think about bringing Oliver home, they sent me photos and the rest is the gentle but compelling slide into new cat mom-hood. 

We brought him home after I spent a day vainly trying to cat proof the house, and he was a burst of pure joy in our lives.  He radiated energy and happiness. His purring is so loud you can hear it across a room.  He has springs in his legs.  He is a cat pretzel.  Anything and everything is entertainment. 

He is 6 months old, was surrendered because his first owner had health problems and could not care for him, and now he is our sweet and mischievous little cat, playing hard, sleeping it off, eating and playing once again, spending lots of time on my lap.

We have had geriatric cats for the last 6 years or so and before that mature cats, so all the ways of a young one are coming back to me!  How can they be so inventive, get into so much trouble, be so darn cute???

Yesterday, after a week here, I opened the sewing room door, the room to the forbidden city.  I had thought it was clean for him, but of course he could jump on the cutting table, pull the pins off the samples and notes on the wall and then kill with great delight anything he managed to knock down. 

I thought I had swept up all the loose threads.  How can he fit behind things in the narrowest places and come out with threads hanging? 

He loves to lie on the foot control of my sewing machine.  I see trouble brewing in that department.

All my pins, pincushions, threads, bobbins, are now in drawers.  He did knock over my little bottle of oil and kitty hockey it all over the room before I rescued it, lid still intact.  Whew.

His favorite is a label that was wrapped around a bundle of Cherrywood fabrics, see photo below.  It skitters nicely around the hard surface floors in our house.  He carries it around in his mouth, then drops it and proceeds to kill it, on the bed, under a chair, in the shower.  He takes it upstairs to play with, then downstairs.  Thanks Cherrywood for the great label, you could market it as an expensive cat toy!

He is beautiful.  His fur is short and like velvet.  He is a combination of our Hillary and Arnie in looks and temperament, naughty, but mellow and sweet and spunky.  He is smart as a whip.  He knows everything already, our routines, the name of the UPS guy, when the mail comes, what dogs go by on their walks. 

His litter is in the laundry room, his room now.  He was raised well, and yes he now jumps up on the kitchen island, but he is aware he is being naughty.  A raised eyebrow and he is down from there fast.

We are smiling, we love him, today I am going to try and quilt.  I think I might wait for his afternoon nap.

My trip is coming up fast to Asilomar in CA, for Empty Spools Seminars.  I have things organized, know what I'll teach, have samples, so if you are in my class there, do not worry, I will still remember how to quilt.  I'm so looking forward to my time there as usual, and know we are going to have a wonderful class.

If you have questions, please ask, and if I have any more info for you in the next two weeks I will post it here on my blog.

Meanwhile, keep on quilting, your work gets better every day!

Diane

Snow Day

It's a snow day here in Wisconsin....and just about everywhere else this winter. We don't have the right to whine about it, as other areas have had it worse, but we stay in today and catch up on that list of things to do. I have a long list.

Getting ready for my class in March at Empty Spools at Asilomar, CA, is on top of my list. Handouts, new samples, ideas to teach that are different from past years. A teacher has to do this or classes become rote and boring, and if they are boring to the teacher, oh my I hate to think how they would be for students. To read about the classes there, go to http://www.emptyspoolsseminars.com/

I don't have props or performing tricks like tap dancing, but I will try and have some exciting machine quilting things for class. Others who are not involved in machine quilting might think that it is about as exciting as watching snow fall, or paint dry, or dust accumulate, but we can get rosy cheeked from finding a new way to create a design that will work in our quilts. Or a new thread to try, or a way to do something that has been too difficult in the past.

I also like to take some time on a day like this and look at other blogs, see what everyone is up to. Ivory Spring did some knockout beautiful Apple Core quilting in the Marabella Sneak peak post at http://www.ivoryspring.wordpress.com/ Love it! I'm going to quilt another sample today, only use it around a central motif as background and figure out how to resolve the dead ends and travel well to the next line. We shall see, but it's a good snow day job.

There are dishes in the sink, but they are at the bottom of my list. Just noticed some great dust globs hanging from the ceiling fan in here too. They look dangerous.

I also have been resting and being careful using my right thumb, as quilting the Alzheimer's quilt just about killed my hands. I'm so used to using pre-washed fabrics that start out soft and lustrous, and soft wool batt, but working on poly batt and stiff coarse donated fabrics was like quilting in cement.

The thudding sound of my poor needle as it went through that sandwich was not music to my ears. The quilt was stiff and difficult to grasp, had a life of its own, and only got worse as I quilted more and more.

Curves that were smooth and lovely were very difficult to achieve with these materials. It seemed the fabric and batt had a life of its own, and definitely made freehand quilting quite difficult. Tension was almost impossible to get right, and isn't right in much of the quilt, but I had to accept getting it as OK as possible, even trying various machines for the best stitch.

The point is sometimes your materials hamper and hinder your skills. If you find your hands get sore and really suffer from grasping and moving the quilt then perhaps it's time to explore some different materials, especially batting.

Backing on this project was a batik and difficult to work with. It barely would slide on the machine using The Slider, and without that aide it was moving in jerks all the time and I was sore all over. I really audition any fabrics for my own quilts not only for the top but especially for the back, before layering the quilt with something that proves to be difficult under the needle.

I pre-wash all my fabrics, and press them with a little of my starch mixture before I cut and piece them. Backing is also prepared this way, and although there is great drama in a very dark backing color, it is really hard to work with dark bobbin thread or contrast color bobbin thread and have it all look wonderful in the end.

A medium shade for the backing is usually my choice, and all my early quilts had high quality muslin on the back and it worked perfectly, no pleats or puckers, and the back looked wholecloth at the end, beautiful.

Many of you think quilting with your group on charity projects with mystery fabrics and batt will improve your machine quilting, but it usually is a test of your skill to do a good job with this situation. Please practice on good stuff to improve your skills. It makes all the difference.

But oh I am so pleased with the quilt, that I persevered and made it through to the end with a few empty spools, and a great sense of accomplishment.

Enjoy your snow day, do a little quilting, or take some time off to rest your muscles.

Diane