A fellow member of the Northwest Quilters contacted me recently because she was signed up for Gwen Marston and Sue Spargo's classes in Sisters, which will take place next week. She had to find someone to take her spot. Even though I really don't know the first thing about sewing, I said I'd go. It's a chance to hang out with Gwen and Sue, and maybe I'll really learn how to sew. Aside from 7th grade Home Economics with Mrs Schweitzer at Moorestown Middle School in New Jersey, I've never taken a sewing class.
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| I may use my colors and try something like this |
Gwen is inspired by antique quilts, so I picked my c. 1810 Economy Block from New England as inspiration, and I have fabrics that reflect the color palette including the two colors in the woven binding, moss green and cranberry red. Maybe I can figure out how to make something as cool as the "Liberated Square Within a Square" from Gwen's portfolio.
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| Sue Spargo design, made by Diana Tatro |
Sue's class is going to be another story. I may be out of my element, or I may just be a wild card and do something good. Sue's work is applique with mixed fabrics and embellishments. She uses lovely hand dyed wools, and maybe she'll bring some along to sell. I looked at the supply list and had to laugh. No idea what most of the items were. To psyche myself up, I keep thinking it's like taking an art class at RISD, where you could always expect to be challenged with something new and different. If I can capture just a small fraction of the beauty seen in Diana Tatro's Sue-Spargo-designed quilt, I'll be overjoyed.
I am so jealous! Would love to be at this workshop! We have a hard core group of Sue Spargo followers here in my guild. I love to see their projects! They finally convinced me to use a bit of silk in project...always room for experimenting!
ReplyDeleteThe idea of mixing materials doesn't phase me so much. Mixed media is something we did in art school. The thing that freaks me out most is the idea that there isn't just one type of needle to thread - there's like six!! OMG!!
Deleteyou can never have too many different kinds of needles!threading them is a different story!! I am at the point of needed glasses for the small ones :(
ReplyDeleteI may need a microscope, LOL!
DeleteIt never hurts for serious quilt collectors to know elementary embroidery and beading, so just learn what you can about the basics. Once I saw Sue's work it spoiled me. I am now bored by most other current wool applique designs and technques. JMHO, but you are being exposed to the best. Take what you can use from her and don't get caught up in the frenzy.
ReplyDeleteAnd, I think you were meant to take a class from Gwen. Enjoy the weekend. Quiltmaking is so not Jr. High Sewing!
We shall see, I have long, skinny, extraterrestrial fingers, but I don't know if that would help. My general feeling on technical skills is that they can be developed, whether it's embroidery, woodworking, or dye-transfer photographic printing. It is probably much more challenging to develop a sense of design and color if you weren't born with it.
DeleteWonderful. Glad you will be in the classes with Gwen and Sue. I am coming from Houston and like you have no idea what to expect from their joint class. I just know whatever supplies I fail to bring the Stitchin' Post will have.
ReplyDeleteCheers, Beth White
P.S. As for needles, what you do not have you can probably "borrow" from someone in the class. Quilters are almost always very willing to share.
Very cool. I knew Sue and Gwen were good, but had no idea people would be coming from as far away as Houston! Sisters really is one of those bucket-list destinations for quiltmakers.
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