Fun at Appliqué Academy!!!

Elly Sienkiewicz and I are standing in front of my quilt, "Love's Horizon,"
a valentine for my niece, Emerson.  It was expertly quilted by Anita Shackelford.

I spent this past week in my version of quilter’s heaven at The Elly Sienkiewicz Appliqué Academy.  This was my second year as a faculty member and it was a blast!  My students were all devoted needle artists focused on learning new skills and working on their beautiful blocks. And we had lots of fun.

Our project for the two-day add a day class was "Nature's Gifts."  We focused on completing the cornucopia, making at least one stuffed ribbon rose, and constructing the bird's nest.

By the morning of the second day, the cornucopias are underway and we had
made a padded rose and the bird's nest.  Claudia (kneeling in front) holds her
nest, ready to appliqué to the block.

Our project for the main conference was "Miss Lucy's Garden."  In this class, we focused on weaving our baskets and stitching them to the background, constructing at least one padded ribbon rose, a rosebud and calyx, and leaves and stems in one section.

A happy group, well on their way with their own versions of "Miss Lucy's Garden."

I can't say enough about the wonderful women who were in both classes.  They were kind and generous, focused and fun, and they laughed at my bad jokes.  Their energy was inspiring to me.  Elly and Bette, the conference administrator, outdid themselves again presenting the conference.  All in all, it was an amazing experience.

On a more personal note, Appliqué Academy was a healing time for me as well, because stitching and teaching and being with friends is comforting.  Before I left  for Williamsburg, our beloved dog, Carrie, who would have turned 10 on March 1st, died suddenly.  She was the poet of our three dogs, very sensitive and attuned to us, the gentle one.  She was the smart one, too.  She loved coffee and almonds and knew the moment you left either within her reach.  Our sweet dog... we are all adjusting to the vacant spaces she has left in our home and in our hearts.

Sweet Carrie