Workshop at Home is Launched

The next best thing to a stencil workshop, is a stencil workshop at home.

I'm always being asked about workshops, and many of you have asked about the best way to start stenciling if you can't make it to a class.

Well, I've created 'Workshop at Home' : an instruction guide that you can download in PDF format (just like your blocks) and work from at home and at your own pace.


I simply love stenciling, it's a great technique and if you haven't yet given it a go, why not make today the day to start?

You can purchase Workshop at Home: Stenciling via my Etsy shop. As well as Workshop at Home, I will also be new creating stencil pattern projects so that you can use your new stenciling skills!

So now there's definitely no excuse...stencil brushes at the ready!

ABOUT BOM

For everyone taking part in the BOM: I’ve had a few queries about this latest block

About downloading blocks: It’s important to ensure that your printer (or whichever printer you use) prints at 100% ratio. Although this seems obvious, it does happen that some quilters are printing off blocks that are not full sized.

Don’t worry if this has happened to you. If there is a discrepancy between the document sizing and your printer’s print outs, I suggest that you enlarge/reduce the image to bring it to size. Each block is a specified size. Therefore ensure that your shapes are the same size as the block.

There have been some comments about the Give & Take Swirly block and the issue of a ‘1 inch’ shortage. If this has happened to you, simply continue the curve to the edge.

For those of you who are still a little bit confused, I have scanned in an image of the block showing this ‘add on’ to assist you.

Feel free to post any questions you may have, I will be checking in to answer any as they arise.

What have I been doing all month?

Ok so I am still working on getting my studio a little neater...but every now and then I get distracted. This is a detail of my new project! Yes I started it a while ago, packed it away and have re-found it, so technically it's a completed UFO!

Why? Well it's a suprise...more info this weekend!

Red Delicious Update

It's the 15th again!

This month it's time to work on the filler blocks: 'Swirly Give & Take Blocks'

The perfect opportunity to get through some more reds!

And....only 4 blocks to go...

Apologies for the 'quality' quilt image above: as you can see, my EQ6 studies have NOT progressed since I started this mystery BOM and my example above is simply a cut and paste job! Yes, I know that EQ6 can create lovely quilt diagrams...I'm just not there yet

I've used the same fabric for all 3 blocks, please do experiment and change if you wish - I just know that there will be some great reds to swirl with...I think smaller print work best. Once again I'm looking forward to seeing what the Red Delicious Yahoo Group members do with this one! The photo albums are just a DELIGHT, absolutely inspiring

Thanks Pam!

Pam Holland has added a gallery of Paducah images on her blog - and it's fantastic. If you are interested in seeing some of the creativity and talent on display, drop by: http://pamhollanddesigns.typepad.com/ you won't be disappointed!

I am very happy to see that Peony Pride was hanging nicely this year- I always wonder if my quilt will hang well...so thanks Pam for sharing this great resource with us all.

Esther's Occassional Quote for the Day

Who know's what will happen during your morning coffee?

Expect the unexpected!

PADUCAH QUILT SHOW WINNERS ANNOUNCED

BEST OF SHOW

Renaissance Revival, Mariya Waters, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Congratulations to Mariya!

For those of you lucky enough to have seen this quilt up close, you'll know just how much work and dedication has gone into this magnificent quilt. You can read all about it here on Mariya's website: http://www.mariyawaters.com/index.html

I'm doubly lucky as I know Mariya personally and it's so nice to know someone who has taken out this prestigious award...congratulations to all the quilters who received at award at this years show.

See full winners list here: http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/paducah/2009/contests/quilt_winners.php

As for me?...oh well, there's always next year...and frankly, I'm just happy to have hung at such a prestigious show

Quilt Festival Spring 2009...Nightshade

Nightshade

Spring Quilt Festival 2009 - What a great idea. We all have a favourite quilt, and here is mine so far - Nightshade.

Made in 2007, Nightshade is entirely stencilled from my own original line drawings. This quilt is my favourite because it taught me to appreciate cool tones (I'm an earthy hue person usually) and it expanded what I thought could be done with the stencilling technique in quilting. And I'm still learning...

Stencilling is actually a traditional quilting technique, it was practiced by the earliest quilters...yet it seems that it's also somewhat forgotten noawadays - or looked upon as a 'new take' for quilting. With Nightshade I wanted to honor this history and create something entirely original without looking too modern.

A lot of people regard stencilling as a fast track to making quilts - but actually it's a true labor of love and I can assure you that a stencil quilt takes me as long as an applique quilt does. The pleasure lies in having total control over your design (it's printing your own fabrics!) and the cost is also comparable to purchasing quilting fabrics. Stencilling is something you do when you want to have a totally hands on creation.

I thoroughly enjoy stencilling and I'm not finished in this technique yet, but for me, Nightshade was a turning in point in my quilting journey.

Interested in hearing about other Quilter's favourite quilts and the stories behind them? Visit the Spring 2009 Festival here and browse through for an afternoon of great reading and inspiration. Thank you Amy for coming up with this, it's a fabulous idea! : http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com/2009/04/quilt-festival-spring-2009.html