QuiltCon 2015 = New WIPs

It seems I am always on the go which prompted me to take classes at QuiltCon that would provide portable stitching skills.  As a matter of fact, out of the four workshops I attended only one required a sewing machine.

embroidery class project

First up was Embroidery with Alison Glass.  I pretty much knew the stitches taught, but it was a nice refresher and I was inspired to pull out some old embroidery WIPs and plan new embroidery projects.

two sample class projects

Another workshop I took with Alison Glass was Modern Appliqué.  We learned four techniques, but by far my favorite was the reverse appliqué using jersey knit.  I love the nice surprise when the knit is cut away and you see the gorgeous fabric underneath!

this WIP also served as my blanket on the train...super soft!

This inspired a bigger appliqué project that I recently took with me on my daughter's orchestra field trip to NYC by train (23 hours each way!).  I used Deep Dark Ocean for the top, Sahara Sun for the back (both new jersey solids from Art Gallery Fabrics) and Melody Miller's Playful from Cotton+Steel for the middle.  Circles, squares and triangles are traced on the top which will result in a shapes themed blanket for my grandson.

good times!

My sister and I were in class together with Katy Jones learning English Paper Piecing.  We both had a blast in this class...laughing, learning, chatting with our table mates, and of course eating chocolate.

EPP class progress

making hexies

Skills I learned in Katy's class came in handy when making the hexie Flower for Eleni and are nice when I join my friends for Crafty Tuesday.

improv piecing

Basic Improv with the Gee's Bend Quilters was the only workshop I used a machine.  I thoroughly enjoyed listening to the stories of Gee's Bend and did not do much sewing.  That's OK as I can sew at home any time, but the opportunity to listen to the ladies of Gee's Bend is rare!

So there's my latest WIPs added to my existing, long, and always growing list!  

Since I haven't really done a post QuiltCon recap, here are a few more pictures from my workshops:

love Alison's stitching setup

another reverse appliqué project with all quilting cotton

 The stitches learned in Embroidery were useful in Modern Appliqué.

Class photo from Modern Appliqué 

looking and listening - Gee's Bend

Selfie with the sweet Vicki aka America's Best Friend 

Susan and her daughters in Embroidery class with me 

Overachievers in EPP -  Melissa and Kristy

Teacher's pet!

picture with China Pettaway

Linking up with WIP Wednesday at Freshly Pieced.
Thanks for stopping by,