Shameless Self Promotion-Long Beach Version
I am working on one last sample for my International Quilt Festival-Long Beach class: “Lazy Daisy Table Topper”. We’ll make this adorable table topper in class, but it’s really about the technique.
This is such a fun class-it’s a forgiving, creative and versatile technique. There are some openings in that class yet my “Yes You CAN Free Motion Quilt” class is full. I really want to share this technique and fill the class!
This latest idea percolated to the surface inconveniently at 2AM yesterday. I started with some drop dead gorgeous hand-dyed Radiance (silk/cotton blend). I wish I knew who the dyer was-I bought it at Pacific International Quilt Festival last year.
I am using the same free motion/cutwork technique that we’ll be using in class at Long Beach. In this case I had to mark the motif as it’s too complicated to do free form. I have backed it with cotton and fused the two together.
Now I get to free motion-the fun part! But there are decisions to be made about which thread to use. I definitely want to use variegated thread, but should I go with cotton or poly?
Then there are color/value decisions to be made. High value contrast? Or a more subtle look?
If I go with the cotton, it is really going to sit on top and shout. I’m kind of liking this combo.
I am pretty sure that I am going to walk around the show at Long Beach in a garment that highlights the technique. I may even wear something that suggests the viewer ask me about my class and how they can learn to use this technique on their own-shameless? Yes, I would really do that. I want to fill that class!
So back to the latest project-what’s your vote on thread choice?
Jenny, what a wonderful class! I applaud you for being bold and marketing yourself! Your work is so wonderful that your classes should be filled!
Next year, I will apply to teach there, then if chosen, we can go together! Hugs, Carla
Thanks Carla-that would be a blast! This is the last year there though-it will be moving to Portland and will be called “Quilt! Knit!Stitch!”. It will be right down your alley with more emphasis on other disciplines like beading and such. Yeah, but what do you know about beading and jewelry, giggle!
PS: Poly, of course! Or Silk…..
I am pondering still. Of course I love poly and silk-they are my favorites and I rarely use cotton. But I am thinking a big ole thick cotton like the Tut might add an almost hand embroidered look. Still testing…
The last choice appears to have an orange, rather than rust, coloration…yes? It looks quite bright. Anyhow, it would have “smashing” eye-candy appeal and would attract the attention for your class that you desire but I would lean toward a more intense, slightly darker value of the same color for a ‘richer’ (less glaring?) finish. It kinda boils down to the desired reaction you are wanting to achieve, hmmmmm? Love the technique!!!!
Thanks for your ideas Doreen! It is indeed orange/red not rust. I am going to try the darker variegated poly that has the blues and purples and greens today. It’s so yummy!
If you are wanting to get attention – shameless self promotion- go BOLD.
Marie-chuckle! Yes, I should go bold!
Cotton, a 12 wt to really BOLD! But then silk is just so delicious!
This is one of those times I wish I lived on the Left Coast, to attend the show and your class!
And I would so love to meet you and chat about quilting and life! I decided to go with the 40 wt 3 ply which is pretty thick. It actually never occurred to me to do the 12 wt-I have a bunch of it and that would have really made a statement!
Now, if you REALLY want to attract attention, you should make an entire DRESS to wear at the show with this technique. Unlined. ;-) Hee hee hee…
Well since we’re going that direction, how bout a swim suit??
Hi. I am registered for the class in Long Beach and can hardly wait. I have heard nothing but great thng about you and your classes.
I hope I live up to the hype! It will be fun and we’ll learn a lot-all of us!