At QuiltCon, I was lucky enough to be able to take a few classes.
The Gee’s Bend class – this was a half day class with 4 ladies from Gee’s Bend. I’ve long admired Gee’s Bend quilts so I jumped at the chance to sew with them. The experience was wonderful. They sang deeply meaningful and soulful songs and shared about their lives. Their faith is so close to the surface that it oozes. I really admire how these lovely ladies are able to share Jesus through their art. It’s something I aspire to.
As far as sewing – I really enjoy just cutting and sewing without too much of a plan. Here’s what I made. My plan was to sew improv log cabins with a few neon fabrics and a lot of neutrals. Instead of cutting, I just sat and ripped. Instead of measuring, I just sat and sewed. Instead of pressing, I just sat and finger pressed.
There’s something about unplanned sewing that frees my mind. There was only the color to ponder. I found it delightful.
I’m not sure what these blocks will become; I’m not sure I like the product, but I sure do like the process. So I think I will return to it.
On the converse, I took Sashiko stitching with Maura Ambrose. Sashiko stitching requires a bit more planning and a bit more commitment to perfection. At least the version I was doing. My goal was to get all the centers lined and matched up.
This required marking out of a grid with chalk pencil. I even found it useful to count stitches in each quarter circle (8 was optimal for me!).
Maura brought us quilt sandwiches made from her hand-dyed indigo linen. The color is so rich and is quite hard to photograph! The picture above is more true to the color. But the my camera kept trending toward the color in the below picture.
I’m not sure what I will do with this product. I think the stitching is finished. Perhaps it will become a pouch or something. I really don’t know!
These classes were lovely and perfect for me to sit and quietly get my fill of stitching. I found that to be a wonderful balance to the buzz and chatter of QuiltCon.
🙂
I love the products from both of your classes! I really like the color scheme on the improv blocks. I don't know what I would do with them either but they look really funky and cool. And I looove your embroidery stitching. That would make a really cool pillow. I love orange peel designs. 🙂 I haven't been to Quiltcon yet but it's in my hometown of Pasadena next year so I'm definitely going to go and try to take some classes.
I love the products from both of your classes! I really like the color scheme on the improv blocks. I don't know what I would do with them either but they look really funky and cool. And I looove your embroidery stitching. That would make a really cool pillow. I love orange peel designs. 🙂 I haven't been to Quiltcon yet but it's in my hometown of Pasadena next year so I'm definitely going to go and try to take some classes.