Sweet Embroidered Pillowcases

I have such fond memories of embroidered pillowcases!
When I was growing up, my grandmother always displayed her best embroidered pillowcases on the beds in her 2 guest rooms. I had the priviledge of sleeping on those very special pillow cases once I became "old enough" to stay over.

My older sister's birthday is next month and I pondered a long time about what to give her.
A few weeks ago I found a Herrschners catalog in my mailbox and the memories of my grandmother came flooding back.
Once I discovered kits for embroidered pillow cases inside - I knew I had to place an order. Making a set of these pillowcases would be the perfect, sweetly nostalgic gift for my sister.

I chose the Spring Violet pattern because it said "quick and easy" to make. Just 2 simple embroidery stitches and french knots. I decided to ignore the color chart and use threads I know my sister would like. BEST PART.... the ink pattern dissapears in water once you finish stitching it.

And sew it begins - I was able to stitch this portion of the stems in less than 30 minutes. I'm hoping it will only take me a couple of weekends to complete this set for her.
I'll definately share a "finished" photo before I ship them off to her.

Back from the Academy

I had the wonderful pleasure of meeting Pearl Pereira, whose applique' work I greatly admire! Pearl is shown above standing in front of her quilt titled Baltimore Autumn. She is so gracious and an amazingly talented artist. I look forward to spending a few days learning from her at next year's Academy session.

Quilters are such a friendly bunch! I met such lovely women while taking Elly's class. Here are a few women from northern VA. Jeanne took the time to recommend some wonderful events and quilt shops up in the area I just moved to.

Diane - the lovely lady that sat across from Ginger & I came from MN to attend the academy. (Elly's in the background)

And here is Manerva Hamilton who traveled all the way from New Zealand to attend the Academy.(her 3rd visit to TESAA)

And here I am the day before class absolutely GUSHING over Elly!
It's been a while since I smiled so broadly.

Ginger & I worked dilegently away on our projects trying to make good time. She is a bit more experienced and braver than I. See how she marked her embroidery tendrils, leaf & grape positions in permanent marker? Just like the other pro's do it. (grin)

And nervous me... I used a soft gray marking pencil. YIKES, I'll need my magnifying eyeglasses when I get to all that embroidery.

Although extremely cold and blustery outside... Ginger, Barbara and I braved the elements to walk around downtown historic Williamsburg. We stopped at the Abby Aldrich museum to see the special Baltimore Album quilts on exhibit. Here are just a couple of the amazing works of art on display.

I would like to extend a very special Thank You to my quilting friend Kaye Pelley for adding to this wonderful experience.
She took the time to show us "newbies" around, introduce us to the teachers and even come out on her day off to have lunch with us.

Thank you also to Ginger for taking on this adventure with me and making it FUN!
And to my little Sis, Barbara for helping me navigate and for generously volunteering her time to help out at the event.

Every quilt tells a story.....

18th Annual Applique Academy - TESAA

Off to the Academy .... Applique' Academy that is!
The Elly Sienkiewicz Applique' Academy starts today in Williamsburg, VA and runs thru next Monday. (feb 18th)
Will you be there??????

I am beyond excited, Ginger Mirenda (a fellow applique' enthusiast) and I will be attending Elly's class titled "Let me Twine a Wreath with Thee". (the picture above is from the official website) I've been looking forward to attending one of Elly's classes for a very long time!

I'm also looking forward to meeting Pearl Pereira.
I'm currently collecting her patterns for Baltimore Autumn thru a block of the month program.

If you'd like more information about this annual event you can visit the official website by clicking HERE.
I'll be sure to share a few pictures upon my return!

every quilt tells a story...