Love of Learning

Let's take a few minutes to enjoy a cup of tea

or coffee or cocoa

while we talk stitching!

Next month will mark a year since I began

my blog, but I've been sewing and quilting

much longer than one year.

On my blog I have opportunities to share

some things I've sewn recently,

and I like to fold in some "extras" now and then,

featuring projects that were made several years ago!

Today I'm showing a small wall hanging

I made when I took a class from Sue Nickels way back in 2007.

The course lasted two or three days, with the first day or two being spent

learning machine applique from the queen of applique herself.

I would describe Sue's signature style

as bright and energized, featuring saturated tones.

Check out the Beatles Quilt made by Sue and her sister Pat Holly,

and you will see what I mean.

For my class project, I used mostly soft pinks and greens,

pulling prints from my beloved 3 Sisters fabrics

including "Paris Flea Market" - the original release - and "Gingham Rose".

{I was really stretching my boundaries with the darker rose color!}

There were tonal prints, tiny florals, some paisley and even a woven plaid.

The ivory background is hard to see here, but it was a text print,

with subtle cursive writing in a pale tan.

When we learned to quilt the feathers, I was in heaven.  

I still enjoy making that design the most whenever I am machine quilting.

I remember so much of what I learned in the class,

and Sue is one of the best teachers I've ever met...

smart, vibrant, friendly and supportive.

{I bonded with her as soon as she took her shoe off for sewing!}

I chose to use invisible thread

for quilting, so that the texture mimics that of

hand-quilting, without interrupting the fabric design.

This is one of my most loved little quilts I've ever made.

It isn't exactly modern or trendy, but I love it dearly.

I would like to report that my husband chose

a place where my little quilt can be prominently displayed

all year round in our little house...but...not so much.

He lets me bring it out for Valentine's Day, though.

<3

It's such a funny thing...

just the other day I was reading Julie's blog, The Crafty Quilter, 

and she is beginning a new series about Applique.

She showed the Sue Nickels teaching project 

on her site, and I recognized it instantly.

I'll be checking out Julie's posts

to see what else I can learn in the world of applique!

Thanks for stopping by...come back soon!

Pin It