Esther's Easter Block

Easter is nearly upon us, and every year I love to come up with a new table design, and usually end up sewing a few things too. This year, I designed a block that would be suitable for several designs and the only problem now is….I don’t know which one to make!

So I’ve decided to share this original block and invite all you talented quilters out there to let your imagination run wild….what will you make with this design? A table runner? A 3D egg? A felted egg gift bag? I’m still undecided myself...what I do know is that it lends itself to appliqué, stenciling, embroidery…..it’s all open to interpretation. So why not get sewing for Easter right now?

After Easter I will post all images of created pieces on this blog as an ‘ Easter Parade’ of creativity, so don't be shy, share your talent!

JOIN IN: download my free Easter Block via Scribd.com

SHARE YOUR WORK: forward images of finished pics to my email and I will post them here after Easter, in a ‘Parade’ of talent.

The Joy of Computing!

My email server is offline. That means I haven't received emails in the last 24 hours. For those of you who have contacted me, I will reply to you asap. I'm expecting to be back online and sorting out the backlog within 48 hours.

Raiding the stash...

What's going on here?! A little bit of space in my stash....and it's so suprising that even my cat can't believe it!

That space is where some reds were...which are now in Red Delicious blocks - the best place for them.

I love seeing my shelves lighten (even just a little)

Starter Pack is Launched

Due to popular request: The Red Delicious Starter Pack is now available

For those of you who missed out on the Red Delicious launch 5 months ago, here is your chance to catch up - buy blocks 1,2,3 & 4 for $15. Simply visit my Etsy shop via the link on the left.

(BLOCK 5 IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIA THE APPLE LINK)

...and don't forget to show off your blocks by joing the Red Delicious Yahoo Group! There are a lot of suprises in the photo album.

Fanfare is launched

I've been so happy about Peony Pride's Paducah entry that I almost forgot it was (almost) the 15th!

I spent today clearing out my sewing studio (I've finally unpacked since my workshops at AQC)....and I feel re-energised (and organised) for lots of finishing off of waiting projects....as well as a few new ones too.

If you're taking part in Red Delicious, don't forget to join the BOM Yahoo Group and share some pics of your work - the photo section is already inspirational and frankly puts me to shame! I'm delighted that you're all making it so much your own.

Let's see how you all interpret this months block - I can't wait!

Drum roll please!

Peony Pride has been juried in to Paducah this year!

Needless to say, I'm delighted.

More from AQC

Inspiration is everywhere!

Teaching upstairs at AQC was especially fitting this year - as the the building has been restored with traditional stencil designs...and I had a wonderful time just looking up.

A stencilled building is my dream! So I really looked forward to arriving early each morning and taking a moment during setting up the class to just soak up and appreciate the art of the stencil - wall or quilt, stencils have played a big part in the beautiful and complex history of arts and crafts.

I just had to share some pics with you.



I can see a graceful, scrolling, traditionally based quilt design coming on, inspired by the edging and bannisters....








...or from this ceiling I can see a very simple but stylish yellow flower quilt...



I'm filled up with ideas. I love that this building can be such an evocative place.

You just feel like you should be doing something creative the minute you walk in.



I will definitely look up a lot more often now - no doubt I miss many beautiful features of building as I go about my day...and it takes a building like this to just remind me once again...yes, inspiration is everywhere...

AQC is over for another year

For all you lovely ladies, (and not forgetting Peter), who attended my workshop,

Thank you for a great weekend!

It was a pleasure to share stencilling with you, and I'm impressed with how well you all did....I'm always amazed that the same stencil can look so different, and seeing this process grow over a day class is just great.

- everyone focused and finished their panels with a gusto.

Thank you all for making it so enjoyable to teach stencilling this year, and please keep me posted with your progress!

I'm back home, I have a carload to unpack and my feet are aching!...but I just had to quickly blog and thank all the students - I had a great time and as every tutor knows - it all comes down to who's in the class.