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Merrimack Quilt Guild
As you might have guessed by the lapse in posts, I was busy/away. Last weekend was fun… on Thursday evening I gave my Decorated Quilt lecture for the Merrimack Quilt Guild of Plaistow, NH (about a stone’s throw from the Mass. border, literally!) and on Saturday taught Fabric Postcards,
which is really a play-day with an introduction to a bunch of art quilt techniques. Instead of having to buy a zillion things and stuff, I HAUL a zillion things and stuff and folks can try fusing to collage their postcards, Angelina, fabric stamping (I demo stamp carving, so they can see how easy it is, but too sharp tools, too many distractions to do that in the class with so much else going on), fabric rubbings, using found objects as stamps, resists and rubbing plates, freezer paper stencils, assorted paint techniques, and finally couching yarn as an edge finish. (PS… given the costs of shipping, this class is now available only within a 2-day drive of home…..)
Because it was just a wee bit too far to drive home on Thursday getting home at 2 in the morning on Friday, then get up at 4 in the morning to drive back down on Saturday , my gracious host Cathy Harnish invited me to stay with her, and on Friday—oh joy of joys–we went to Ikea! I’ve been to this one about three years ago (for a one hour zip through en route to somewhere), and the one in Seattle maybe 8 years ago? The first time I drove through Boston after we moved to Maine, I just about flipped out…this bridge had NOT been there when I was in grad school in 1981-3! Since I was a passenger this time, I got to snap pics. It is supposed to echo the shape of the nearby Bunker Hill monument (an obelisk) and the sailing ships of the days of yore. It is GORGEOUS…there is a great abstract quilt in this bridge’s lines:
I did pretty well, buying not much–a bamboo placemat for rubbings in the class (which I forgot to unpack and USE in this class…next workshop!), a small lamp for the hall at home, and some shadow boxes in my quest for more ways to display and sell small quilts. BUT, I saw this… I WANT THIS KITCHEN. I WANT LIME GREEN COUNTERS!
On Friday night, Cathy invited over a table full of guild members, with her dear hubby braving the table of women. We had show and tell after, too. While I was there, Cathy shared this commissioned quilt she did for someone made of ties and shirts. I LOVE LOVE LOVE this border, and think it may be one of the most effective I have seen anywhere–it may have been dictated by the size of the embroideries on the shirts and the leftover scraps, but it is brilliant:
On Saturday, we had a quick set-up time, and then got going. The morning on this class is learning to use fusibles, especially my favorite MistyFuse (light hand, easy to use, never any “issues”). The class was great, and enjoyed the “art smorgasbord” in the afternoon when I set out all the goodies to enjoy. Everyone always enjoys something different… there are a few things I don’t use hardly ever, but every time I think of eliminating them from the class, there is someone who finds it to be “THEIR” thing, so I keep the materials and techniques included.
I’m afraid I didn’t get names for the makers of all these cards, but thought I’d share them with you… great variety! Clearly the upcoming Valentine’s Day was on a couple of minds….
Thanks to all who attended the lecture and came to class… it was, as always, a gas!
January 30th, 2010 at 7:38 am
There is a similar bridge here in Rotterdam, nicknamed The Swan. Google for it and you will find gorgeous pictures of it.
January 30th, 2010 at 10:01 am
Looks like a very fun day was had! Lime green counters….really?
January 30th, 2010 at 10:48 am
From the look of the cards it seems that everyone had a great time in your class. Way to go!
January 30th, 2010 at 9:07 pm
What a fun post! So much content! And who’d a thought lime green countertops could be so envy inducing? Very cool.
January 31st, 2010 at 12:37 am
Oh Sarah! I know what you mean about that kitchen at Ikea! I want those counter tops too…. I loved the shirt and tie quilt. I have been wanting to do something like that with all my dad’s old shirts and ties… I loved the border… any chance you have more photos? Fun postcards… I would love to be neater to you and be able to take classes… I love doing fun things with a group!