Congratulations to Robyn Fagan on the completion of this large 40″ x 40″ reverse applique block! She has very kindly offered this photo of her block for the Bon Bon blog. 

I am so pleased that I have shared my Pas de Deux  pattern with the Saturday group at Patchwork of Essendon. The design, inspired by a gorgeous mid 19th century quilt,  was a marathon to complete on paper and takes a considerable time to transfer to fabric before a single stitch is placed.  

However, the girls are so prolific with their work and most have finished this centre block and are now working on the even more challenging borders. They all deserve a medal and I cannot wait to see their tops finished and quilted. Mine, of course, is plodding along with obviously too many distractions from other PHD’s impeding my progress! 

I hope that I can include some additional photos of their work soon.

It was a busy few days last week when I travelled to Ballarat in Victoria’s central west to conduct a two day workshop in Applique Design for the Ballarat Branch of the Embroiderers Guild of Victoria “Autumn Leaves” Seminar.

I received such a warm welcome and immediately engaged in happy conversation with everyone as I pinned my sample pieces and works in progresss onto the display board.

Crossing disciplines here, I wondered how the embroiderers would respond to needleturn applique techniques and to my approach to creative applique design.  Kath wasted not one moment as she launched her pencil onto paper and her wonderful tree design emerged! Here she is on hands and knees on Day 2 with her block. 

It was not  surprising to hear that several of the class participants had some experience with applique already including Kay (Treasurer) and Ann (President), below, who had to dart in and out of the class attending to various admin matters!  They, and their committee, deserve a huge pat on the back for all their work in presenting this fabulous event!

Although initially chosen as a Design Class, we did spend some time working through some of the technical aspects of needleturn applique for those with limited experience.  Dulcie, below, was not really convinced that this was for her and she valliantly persevered and was able to take away some additional skills!  Well done Dulcie!

We discussed many sources of inspiration for applique design which the ladies could also explore and apply to their embroidery.  

Great to see everyone embracing the idea of creating their own designs - also the range of ideas being developed.  Above, Kym is happily preparing her garden block.

We all enjoyed Joan’s bewitching Irish accent and below,  she is happy with her urn and flower design which will encompass both surface applique and reverse applique techniques.  Dianne and Trish also in the pic.

There was much to share after two full days and participants from the other classes enjoyed wandering through to view the collective class work as we concluded the second day.  

After a short break, we returned in the evening for an abundant and delicious spit roast dinner after which I was let loose as Guest Speaker!

I must say that I thoroughly enjoy going to work when I have ‘my girls‘ in the once-a-month Saturday classes at Sally and Julie’s shop, Patchwork of Essendon! 

All this has evolved from a Baltimore Quilt class which we started some years ago until more often than not, we explored many of my designs or touched up on some needleturn applique technique, piecing or embroidery. 

My life always seems so full that however optimistic I felt, I knew that it was unlikely that I would ever make all the designs that I have drawn - and indeed this is still the case!  My intentions are always good and genuine - however, I needed to acknowledge that my needle and thread would never keep up with my thoughts and sketches. 

With this realisation, I made the suggestion in class that I would love to share some of the designs (without class samples) if that was something that may be of interest.  From that point, many of the girls indicated that they were very willing to give it a try.  

Moving in this direction, we found that it was amazingly liberating on both sides!  It enabled me to share designs and patterns without the pressure to create them in fabric - after all, there are not fourteen days in one week are there!!!  It also presented some wonderfully creative challenges for the girls in the classes.  Sometimes we launch into something contemporary but we often pay homage to many of the old antique quilts by creating our 21st century interpretations of these magnificent works. 

The girls are able to stretch their ideas in a safe and comfortable environment with their friends - and make decisions without being influenced by class samples.  We all toss many ideas around and look forward to this interaction and the sharing of thoughts. Having a regular group like this also provides additional therapy in the form of shared inspiration and encouragement.

I am confident that they leave stimulated and eager to move on with their respective projects or with ideas for new ones! I am constantly excited by the works in progress that they bring along.  It is a tremendous thrill for me to see my black and white line drawings come to life in the fabric of their creations.

Barbara, Lorraine and Joan are the original stalwarts and terrific fun to have in the class. We have also welcomed several others who have displayed wonderful enthusiasm - and one of the regulars, Robyn, travels a seven hour round trip from country Victoria to join us!  And on Saturday I encouraged Meredithe’s friend, Annie, to sharpen her pencil and take to a piece of paper to develop some ideas that she had sketched out.  It was so exciting to see her enjoying this process and we all look forward to seeing the next stage of her planned quilt destined for her daughter. 

We now have a growing Friday group working along these lines as well. My stitching constantly lags behind the prolific and fabulous output from these classes - but that doesn’t matter at all!