Perfect class by complete accident.

 One of the things on my "to do" list was to photograph and study  different ways of sashing and doing borders...  When the class schedule came out there were some on borders but I had limited funds and most called lots of supplies...not for me.  But there was "Border Design Workshop" by Karen Buckley that was  an inexpensive lecture requiring no supplies and just 4 hours... I couldn't have found the more perfect class if I had searched for months...  You can see upper right how intricately she drafted the border to make fit it the quilt...

 Back tracking..... you may have noticed until the suffrage quilt, I  almost NEVER assemble  blocks other than the Morris book.  I finish all the larger blocks to be displayed singly and all the RR blocks languish in baskets waiting.  But next on my list is assembling the CQJP cottage blocks. 

But most of the assembled CQ blocks I've seen have rather simple sashing and borders.  I wanted something rather spectacular for a set of blocks which took a year to make....  Then along Allie...all her borders and sashing are always an integral part of the whole piece... what an inspiration she is.. And the border on her Houston entry was breathtaking.  This is the border she recently did for a relative and I loved it.  I knew I wanted to head in this direction...

Now Karen Buckley is a famous applique quilter and doesn't do any CQ but she had so much practical and technical information that was just what I needed.

Her first statements were what I wanted to hear:
1. Sashing and borders should include elements of the quilt itself.
2. Who says that all strips and pieces have to be the same width, same fabric, same color, or even the same size?

She gave us a video of the entire lecture PLUS a roll of this "tracing" paper she uses when drafting a border to a perfect size.  This is actually a roll of paper chiropractors use on the headrests of their tables...  It is 8 1/2" wide, transparent, and a nice substantial weight.   I can see MANY uses for this paper and never would have found it otherwise.  I will be looking for a source when it runs out.  I actually found a source...  Amazon 

  In addition there was a wealth of information on designing borders, designing corners, making everything fit and tips on overlapping elements. Also on how to recover when you make mistakes...  She makes and uses lots of coordinating piping and had tips on that.  Plus she had some wonderful tools I will HAVE to buy as the budget allows. And I love how she used sizing with her applique work...definitely can use that idea.

So since early last spring I have been collecting fabrics I thought suitable for the cottage piece... florals, ginghams, checks, and polka dots.  I could probably make a bed size quilt from all this....  I'm hoping you will all follow along as I start this project.

This was the only class I took but did go to two sessions of rooms full of demonstrations.  I got lots of ideas on techniques applicable to CQ I'm anxious to try.... more on those later...

You can not get a prize and still be a winner?

And that was the case with Houston...  I felt so lucky just being there.  So for those who didn't get there in person, here is the best photo I have.....

 

And here is a detail shot...

 

You are looking a 3 1/2 years of work and some of you followed along through every stitch.. There are so many special memories including dozens of vintage black glass buttons I received from followers all over the country... In this shot you can see the black velvet bird  carrying the key... a early gift of encouragement from Susan Elliott.  All through the fans you will see some rust colored lace fans... also an early gift from Susie Wolfe.  Much of the fancy trim  was purchased in the garment district of  LA on a visit to Susie... And speaking of Susie here we are by the quilt...

 

 

You can see she could always use the vest to find me.  I am breaking this down into several posts...I want you to hear all about the classes, techniques I learned, my purchases, other quilts etc.

 

Glad to hear from those who still follow.... I am approaching a milestone of sorts.  I am only 16 posts away from 1500 posts.  I meant to celebrate 1000 posts but it slipped right on by...

Ringing my bell!!!

Whenever anything of note happens in my life I go out and ring my big bell.... I'm sure my stitching friends around the world heard it ringing out this morning after I received this email.
 
 
"Congratulations! Your entry, It's a Man's World Unless Women Vote!, has been selected as a finalist to be exhibited at the 2014 International Quilt Festival/Houston in the annual IQA fall Judged Show, Quilts: A World of Beauty. "  I'm going to Houston if I have to walk just to see it hanging there.

I have to give lots of credit to Allie Allers.  I showed it to her in February when it was in the final stages.  I asked her if she thought it worthy of entering it in Houston...  Her immediate response was "Book a room!"  She is my heroine!!  She so  generously shared her vast knowledge of finishing techniques and things that judges look for...  For example she advised edging it with some gold cording as the quilts are hung against a black wall and mine would merge into the background.  I would have never thought of this...  all little things that made a difference.  She urged and inspired me to spend lots of extra time on all the final touches.

 

And DH is running all over town telling everyone he sees!