Learning Curve

Most people who meet me soon learn that I’ve been teaching in some capacity since I was small.  During the summer, we played “school” with all the papers we’d taken home the last day.  Naturally, my passion for life-long learning and teaching became a career in public education.  

Now that I’m managing and teaching at Quilt Lizzy, that drive to learn is just plain fun.  Every day.  

Panels 

During my quilting journey, like many of you, I've collected fabric.  Some I’ve used.  Some I’ve passed on to others far later than I probably should have.  My panels? I could have added simple borders, but I’ve kept them for something special.  I think I’ve found just the thing in books by Cyndi McChesney--Playful Panel Quilts and Fun with Panels. I chose digital formats. 

While there is some math involved as there always is for quilting, McChesney makes it easy and gives lots of samples and some practice.  There’s even an answer key in the back, so feel free to cheat.  Bright, colorful panels appeal to my color senses.  If you’re familiar with large, single panels, be prepared for more.  McChesney will help you consider options for those mixed sized panels too. Moreover, she challenges you to build original applique motifs blending words, images and traditional blocks for one-of-a-kind creations. Part of her process pulls in the brainstorming techniques I cherish from writing classes. 

If you are a panel admirer/collector like me, you can finally use them. Additionally, you can hone your collection to include a mix of panels to complement each other. 

As I blogged before, November 2, we have our first class for beginners—Silent Lake’s Serenity.  It has multiple borders and varied strip widths to perfect seams and squaring habits. 

New Fabric on the Way 

Last week, Susan “Lizzy” Harris ordered fabric for the spring.  Two of the new collections have patterns with asymmetrical borders using traditional blocks. One is Autumn Breeze by Deborah Edwards and Melanie Samra. The other is Concerto also by Deborah Edwards and Melanie Samra. Stained glass lovers will enjoy Nativity by Alison McGarrigle.  To preview of the Northcott Fall 2024 Look Book, click HERE.  

No matter the change in season, more fabric and panels are on the way, inspiring me to learn and teach new techniques and share my passion for crafting. 

Best stitches!