Workshop Project

I conducted a workshop for my guild on Thursday.  It was a surprise/contest workshop so those who signed up didn't know what fabric I would be bringing, but they were allowed to make whatever they wanted.  At the next guild meeting, we will vote on the best project and that person will win a prize!  Since 99% of the guild members are traditional (think batiks, civil war, etc.), I thought I'd push them in a new direction and give them something really bright and more modern to work with.  I was somewhat limited by the selection at our local quilting stores, but in the end I went with a Sugar Pop charm pack and 1/2 yard of a Bella solid.  Most of the ladies really took to the spirit of the idea and loved working with fabric they would have never bought.  I did have one lady wrinkle her nose at me and say she didn't like it--she almost didn't take it out of my hand!  I was a little surprised at her manners, but what can you do?  I'm going to try and remember to take pictures at the next meeting so you all can see what they created.  One lady finished a beach/summer tote while we were there and it came out GREAT!  I think even she was surprised how much she liked it in the end!

Anywho, I decided to do a relatively small project and make a Dresden pillow.  I still have quite a few charm squares left over.  I also experimented with hand-quilting.  I have to say, I really enjoyed the process and I'm now considering doing a whole quilt!  I wouldn't quilt it as dense as I did the pillow, obviously.  If anyone has a great source for pearl cotton size 8, let me know.

I'm also (finally) feeling a bit better.  I'm way behind on a few projects so I'm happy to finally feel up to a sewing marathon! :)  Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!