On Saturday I drove to central VA for a "jane club" meeting with special friends.
It's been over a year since I've seen Judy and her stunning batik & black quilt top.
It was wonderful to see her again and a special treat that she brought her quilt with her - all finished and looking gorgeous!
Our group had a successful planning meeting, and equally important - we all had a wonderful time together!
every quilt tells a story...
Whew... after 6 months of dreaming and planning I've finally gathered enough fabrics for one (possibly 2) quilts that I plan on making this year. I rarely use solid fabrics in my quilts these days. This year I will try to use them a bit more.
My inspiration all started with some paint chips and these 3 fabrics - Coral, buttercream and Sage:
I sprinkled in some citrus batiks:
Then I mixed in a collection of Coral and Aquamarine batiks called Hawaii by Timeless Treasures:
And a few more solids to round off the Palette:
Missing from the photo are my gray solid and batik fabrics.
I'll save those for a future Share.
The first project I have in mind for these is a beautiful Applique quilt.
Once I saw the design - I knew these fabrics were perfect for the project.
That journey will begin for me in February.
What's on YOUR Agenda for Spring Quilting?????
We had a terrific time this weekend at Quilting Possibilities in New Jersey!
The turn out for the Dear Jane Open House was amazing!
The shop was filled to the brim with excited,friendly and talented quilters.
I took pictures of a few happy quilters in line to sign up for their Jane Club.
See the photo of the lady holding up her cell phone?
That is Angie, she traveled all the way to the shop to say HELLO and to share pictures of her 2 Dear Jane quilts. How AWESOME!
Angie, you are a true (and talented) Janiac! Thank you for sharing!
The shop owners - Debbie & Jim Welch are wonderful people and were extremely gracious and hospitable to us! They and their staff are friendly, helpful and always eager to offer you a pleasant customer experience.
Of course, how could I resist a few fabulous purchases?
Gorgeous batiks for a couple of Summer Applique projects, beautiful florals - perfect for Broderie Perse cut outs and a great bag pattern. I can't wait to go back to Quilting Possibilities this summer! It will be fun to visit the shop again and to see how their Jane Club members are doing as well.
every quilt tells a story....
This is my friend Laurie holding our sign..... (grin)
I am thrilled to announce that I'll be hosting an Open House event at
Quilting Possibilities, 918 Lacey Road, Forked River New Jersey on Saturday.
The shop is going to launch a 13 Month Dear Jane Club using my teaching methods & Club program. If you live in the area and have ever considered making a Dear Jane quilt - here is an opportunity to learn more about this remarkable quilt. Discover how this club works successfully for both beginner and intermediate to advanced skill level quilters.
The Open House is a FREE event that will begin at 10:30 AM. I'll repeat the presentation thru out the morning and afternoon. Whether you wish to learn more about the club or come in to see the Jane quilts on display and say Hello - all are welcome!
Laurie and I look forward to meeting some wonderful quilter's in New Jersey!
A goal for 2015 - complete at least 2 of these little Dutch Treat blocks each month.
This is my self indulgence, purely handwork quilt.
No classes, clubs or structured teaching. (all of which I love by the way)
I think it's important for all Quilters to have at least ONE project that brings us JOY without the stress of completion deadlines.
...
2015 is off to a good start!
every quilt tells a story.....
I'm so excited to announce that the very first class of our Noah & Matilda quilt study group began yesterday!
I've been planning & discussing this course with Dawn (Collector with a Needle) since August.
Her patterns are amazing!
I had the privilege of introducing her work to a few of my students back in October.
Some of you may have seen the pictures I posted of their beautiful Rose & Reel quilt tops.
Noah & Matilda was love at first site for me! I was drawn into the age, complexity and interesting family history of this quilt. I couldn't help thinking that my interest and affection for it might also be shared by other quilters in my area. So the concept of offering this as a monthly instructional and lecture/discussion type program flowered into a structured Quilt Study Group.
I'm presenting this course at Kelly Ann's in Warrenton, VA.
We have a nice size class - 17 members in all.
For an Applique course, I'm very happy with the turn out!
With all of my excitement to begin yesterday - I forgot to take pictures.
But I promise to take a few at each of the remaining monthly meetings.
I do have some goodies to share....
Each month my students receive a special fabric package that has been custom kitted for them at the shop.
Here are the lovely treats they received for Month 1.
Here are larger pictures of my January blocks:
With out Dawn's insight, talent and generosity this course would not have been possible. My students and I are very grateful to her for this opportunity!
every quilt tells a story....
