Meet Katie and Lisé!
They have been my right and left hand while I’ve been here in Lansing and we have had a wonderful time getting to know each other!
These two took me antiquing and out to lunch on Thursday, showing me the area since we had so much “free” time before my lecture with the Capitol City Quilters on Thursday evening.
Not only did I learn some very cool things from them, but I feel like the exchange was an even one as they may have learned a thing or two from me in the process as well!
It’s just wonderful when things fall together so easily. I know they have been working extra hard behind the scenes to make sore that this weekend went off, and it is due to their hard work that things worked out so well. Thank you so much, ladies!
I have been spending time with Katie’s featherweight, nick named Bess during some of my off hours as well. See what I mean about being taken care of? All of the comforts of home and more!
Katie’s new acquisition!
I guess I am also a facilitator, as Katie is just as addicted to vintage machines as I am. This little purchase showed up on her front step (via Ebay, I believe!) and she brought it in so we could see it too. It’s a Japanese import, 1950s, badged Strativaro! I just know she is going to have a great time playing with this one.
Alternate plans!
Sometimes I hear from students things like “Don’t be mad at me but…..” or “I hope you don’t mind if I…..” when I come around to see their progress during our workshop time. They have their OWN ideas for what they want their project to look like. Of COURSE I’m not mad! I’m excited! I certainly don’t mind….I will get on your bandwagon and cheer with you for going your own way with any project!
I do think that quilt patterns are basically a recipe. And we all take recipes when we are cooking and add a bit of this, switch out this for that, make them to suit our own tastes.
As long as you are happy with it, I am happy to work with you. You want to change the colors, the layout, the orientation of the pieces or the size of the units? Let’s do it! What a new world it opens not only for you, but the other students in class who are inspired by what you are putting together.
This is why I do not generally teach from kits. 38 identical quilts? WHY? I think we learn more by what we observe in the efforts of others.
So shake it up, turn it around, go your own way!
There is only one thing that I ask ---do not sew ahead and come with half the quilt made. There just may be something that you could learn during class that will make your own ideas come together even better. My job is to teach you those techniques that will help improve the methods you already use, so give me a chance to do it. Be STUDENT. Be willing to learn something new, to fine-tune something that may not be working as well as it could for you. If we work together we can conquer anything!
Mini-sized multi-color ladder block variations!
Soft and subtle color planning!
Change the value on the star points for a different look!
I will cheer you on, no matter what your plan!
And we will have the best World Wide Quilting Day ever!
Hold em high, girls! You worked so hard!
Well on our way to gorgeous quilts!
Click the image below if you are unable to view the slide show on your mobile device. You’ll be taken to the photo album for viewing.
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| Cathedral Stars, Lansing MI 2016 |
A special guest visit!
Absolute highlight of my trip to Michigan! Getting to meet Tim Latimer face to face after knowing each other online for many years! I only got to talk to him for a few moments during my lecture the other night, and I had asked him if he could swing by after the workshop so I could have some real time to talk to him. I ended up catching a ride back to my hotel after the workshop was over so we could have car time to chat. We share a love of vintage machines as well as quilting.
I am a great admirer of his work, and thrilled that his quilt won best use of color at the AQS show in Lancaster, Pennsylvania this week! Bonus = getting some loves and kisses from Teddy who has stolen my heart!
Quiltville Quote of the Day!
Just because something is difficult doesn't mean you shouldn't try. It just means you should try harder! Some results just take longer, but it's worth it!
Vintage nine patch quilt shared by Katie an our Lansing workshops this weekend.
So yes, today I go home. It’s day 10 on the road and I will be in my own bed tonight. I also have some time OFF for my own official “Spring Break”. I need it!
Oh, and did you catch the Quilty Box Give-Away that I posted last evening? It's an awesome one! Go HERE and follow the directions to be entered to win! Drawing happening on Thursday evening.
Happy SPRING everyone!
8 comments:
Thank you so much for coming to Michigan ... we enjoyed your visit to Traverse City and hope to see you here again in the future. You have more energy than anyone I know ... can't imagine how tired you must be after 10 days away from home. Enjoy your "spring break" time. Hopefully you'll be spending it at Quiltville. Travel safe and THANK YOU for all you do!! Linda
Thank you for that bit on "changing up" things. I belong to another group where the designer got bent out of shape over people making the block their own. Thank heavens we don't all like the same things, it would be quite boring. I know what I want MY quilt to look like even though some one put their heart and soul into theirs, I want that same opportunity. ...and I so agree with you about being the student, I am a self taught quilter and still learn something new each time I take a class. That is why you are my "Super Hero" go to quilter. Thank you!
It was great to have you this week in Michigan! I hope they showed you MSU campus!? We had a great time in traverse city! Now I am working to move blocks to quilt tops! Safe travels home!
So glad you enjoyed your stay here. I've been following Tim, too, ever since he spoke at our Guild last year. An amazing, and prolific quilter. Safe travels Bonnie.
I just love living vicariously through your posts! Looks like you had an amazing time! I couldn't decide which of the color choices I loved the best! ALL of them were so unique. Thanks for keeping us all posted on the goings-on! Thank you as well for the inspiration!
I love this pattern and this group really knocked it out of the park with great ideas for how to make the quilts their own. So much inspiration here.
I'm so glad you and Tim (and Teddy) got to meet and spend a little time together. I admire both of your work.
so, do you follow Tim's posts? He recently posted how he made a treadle cabinet from an old dresser, I'm sure that you could do one too to get the height you want. I've been thinking of this since I read about it. and want you to know about it.
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