Appliqué Academy 2014

I am so pleased to be teaching at The Elly Sienkiewicz Appliqué Academy in February 2014.  This will be my third year as a main conference teacher and it is an honor to be included.  The Academy is in its 19th year and is an annual celebration of all things appliqué, drawing students from many areas of the U.S. and abroad.   Some women have asked me about the application process for Academy.  It's simple:  write a check!  TESAA is not just for experienced appliquérs.  All levels, from beginner to advanced, are encouraged to attend.  You will find the instructors very willing to help you experience success, no matter where you are in your appliqué journey.   

The very exciting news is that TESAA will be held in a new venue:  The Kingsmill Resort in Williamsburg, Virginia.  The resort boasts multiple restaurants, a spa, and many recreational possibilities.  Just think:  you could take a break from stitching and go have a massage!

My main conference class is entitled "Love is a Rose."  This will be a techniques filled class where you will get your block well underway.  We will use cutaway needleturn for the complex stem, blanket stitch appliqué for the grape leaves, and prepared edge appliqué for the other elements of the block.  We'll complete a section of the wreath so that everyone knows how to handle the key elements.  We will then focus on the center making the padded, multi-petal rose from wire edged ribbon and preparing the hummingbirds.  It's the perfect class for students who want to try a variety of techniques.  And we will make it fun!

I will also be teaching a one-day class on Monday called "Little Red Baskets."  We will focus on one basket and should be able to complete it by the end of class.  You may choose to do all nine baskets for a small quilt top or just one framed and embellished basket like the blue version below.

Please see the Academy web site for detailed information on supply lists and kit options for these classes.  And do consider attending Appliqué Academy.  You're sure to love it!

Summertime means the junco couple that lives in our yard is having babies.  They always build their nest in the hanging basket outside our kitchen door.  This year's basket is filled with what was a lovely black-eyed Susan vine.  Since I can't water it right now, it's not looking so good.  Not sure it will make a comeback once the babies have fledged in about three more days.  I don't mind at all and enjoy seeing the parents raise their brood.  Four baby birds are growing their wings in a nest smaller than a teacup, so it's getting a little crowded. Anyway, here they are. You can only see one little beak and two little eyes but this one's siblings are in there somewhere.  A highlight of summer!