What fun to get to learn new skills. Now I need to practice them quite a bit so that I can continue to use what I learned. Our LQG had a Day Camp last Friday and Saturday. The cost was minimal and one just had to show up and then you could learn a variety of skills. I spent quite a bit of time learning "Fine Machine Applique" as explained in Cherie Ralston's book. Apparently it is also summarized in a book by Susan McCord and Barbara Brackman. [It is my intention to give everyone credit.] One uses a variable overlock stitch, set very narrow or a very tiny zigzag stitch. When the stitching is done with the top thread matching the piece being appliqued and the bobbin matching the background, the thread shows very little. Then when sandwiched with batting and backing, one is to stitch in the ditch around the applique. You really have to have your nose buried in the fabric to see it (if done correctly). Quite incredible.
Even more fun for me, was working on a pattern designed (and taught) by Roxanne Carter, "9-Patch Wonder". It is a little bit tricky, but not really hard and it makes an interesting design. And best of all, it was ENTIRELY from my stash. Yeah for May Stashbusting. You make 4 1/2 inch blocks into a 9 patch block and then sub-cut it and transfer the cut edges from block A to block B, and vice versa. Not even too much seam matching. This is just laid out, not sewn, so the seams aren't exactly lined up, but you get the general idea.
Saturday morning I returned and primarily worked on my None Patch Wonder, until later in the day, when I tried my hand at marbeling. Luckily the church where we meet, has a large kitchen, so the gals were able to set up several "stations" at which one could marble fabric which they had pre-treated. So here is an effort at that. If you can tell, we intentionally whipped the solution, before adding the dyes, so that you get tiny little dots, which are the bubbles.
This Friday morning we are heading out for a week-end in the RV. We are going to a campground not far from Mt. St. Helens, about 3 hours from here. It's usually a very fun week-end and the weatherman appears to be cooperating, as well. (what a change from the usual). Next week, quilty friend Ronda and I are heading to the eastern side of the state to visit some quilt shops that we never get to see - this is a very belated Christmas gift to her. I have several things that need backs and alas I don't believe my stash will provide. At least I can't find anything that really excites me in there. Happy long week-end, for those who don't have to work on Monday. And thanks to our current and former military personnel, on this Memorial Day.
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