Sew Much Creativity

A number of photos and stories have been accumulating in my blog folder. They hadn’t made it into a post until a recent retreat completed the collection. I hope you’ll enjoy them.

I met Pat years ago when I taught for her guild in Janesville, WI. Each time they invite me back we reconnect and she always has something interesting to show me. This time she presented me with a lovely gift. She made this “catch all” (I think that’s what she called it) from vinyl on her embroidery machine.

It has snaps so that it can open flat for travel. Sew perfect!

It’s very clever! I love it and enjoy using it. Thanks Pat!

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A few months ago I met Kristin when I was teaching for the Willow River Piecemakers in northern Wisconsin. I presented my Journey With a Compass workshop one evening, and the following day everyone in class made a compass for themselves. I was able to stay with my cousin Kathy, and she was in my class too. What a fun adventure! A week later I received an email from Kristin with these photos:

She wrote:

“The one I did in class has not been appliqued on yet, but it is to show what it might look like. I wanted to reinforce what you taught and try something different – as my husband encouraged me to do with sewing, so I made that rectangular compass for the placemat challenge due at next month’s meeting.” 

WooHoo! I love her husband’s idea! And her compass placemat turned out great! She later sent me a photo of a pillow she made for her daughter. I think she’s as hooked on this pattern as I am.

I’ve taught my mariners technique a number of times recently and I hope Kristin’s work inspires some of my students to try a new shape or two while it’s all fresh in their minds 😊.

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After my post about silk cocoons, my friend Patti sent me these photos of a small art quilt she made by dying cocoons, cutting them into flower shapes, and peeling apart the layers. I knew silk took dye well, but just look at how beautiful these cocoon pieces are in this tiny 12″ square quilt!

And here’s a close up:

Such lovely, precise work. Patti ~ you are truly an artist!

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And now for our recent retreat. I’m blessed to spend time at the lovely Cattail Retreat Center near Poynette, WI with dear friends three times each year. This time we had two new quilters join us. Vicki and her sister Cheryl were a wonderful addition to our group.

We stitched, laughed, talked, feasted… and had a wonderful time. Stay tuned for the story of the tote bag I’m holding – and the new “lady” who helped me to make it!

And for my final photo, I snapped this one of a hanging at Cattail:

Isn’t it charming? I’d love to have a sampler like this to refer to when I can’t figure out what stitch would work best in a particular project. Now to find the time to start stitching one!