My blocks from Denyse Schmidt's Improve Quilting Class
Oh goodness, I had the most wonderful Saturday... covered in thread, fully inspired, learning, laughing with a great group of women and taught by Denyse Schmidt. Let's back up just a bit. Last week, I happened to notice that Denyse would be teaching a class at the New England Quilt Museum in Lowell. Lowell has a special place in our hearts, Rob used to live there and we both love this sweet and eclectic city. The workshops were sold out but I emailed to have my name placed on the wait list and just this Thursday I received word that a last minute cancellation meant I could attend. I am one lucky lady, I tell you. So just yesterday we packed sewing machine, tools, rulers and mats and headed up for a workshop that I have been dreaming of taking for many, many years.
If you ever have the opportunity to take a class with Denyse, do! There are spots available for her April workshop! The Improv Worshop is all about process, letting go of traditional and expected and delighting in the making. It was about using what is on hand, experimenting and enjoying the moments of creation. It was so incredibly liberating, inspirational and I just didn't want to leave. We spent the day learning Denyse's process. Making blocks as we went...
We were asked to bring a quarter yard of our favorite fabric and of course, I couldn't choose so I brought five or six different options. The very first pull of fabric from Denyse's stash was gray bouquet, so I saw that as a bit of serendipity and used it in the second half of our day. I love the results. These blocks will be a quilt all by themselves. I'm thinking of scattering them on a really lovely solid and love the idea of having the quilt as a memento of the day. Pretty wonderful.
So I've left Denyse's class completely inspired and in love with sewing again... my cutting board is filled with prints and ideas...
... just as it should be. Happy Weekend everyone, I hope it is treating you just as well!
