Paducha

 I was able to get away for several days to Paducha for some shopping and classes.

First stop.... Hancocks!  I needed some coordinating fabrics to construct this quilt block that I will be teaching at FCE retreat the end of May.   I don't know the official name or designer of this block, but was given a picture and asked to make a quilt. The design was based on the layout of the squares in Savannah GA by a quilt shop that used to be there.... So, I've named it Savannah Squares.   I was working on a sample block at the retreat two years ago and everyone suggested I teach it at a future retreat.  I will be able to teach this year and I've found these fabrics to make up kits for those who attend.... and I'll make up a quilt for myself with the extra fabric purchased.

My first of two classes was with Gail Garber.   Using a compass she taught us how to design our own star quilt.

These are some of the shape designs she incorporates into her quilts

A 6-pointed star she designed

  

She showed us how to use a compass to design a star.... and here is mine, colored in.   I need to cut it apart and paper piece it when I have some time.  I'll need to play with the compass some more and see what other designs I can come up with.

The second class I took was with Sue Patten.  A long-arm class named Plunk & Play.  I hadn't seen any of her work before, but it was a long-arm class and I was hoping to learn something new.  Boy, did I!

I probably would not have taken her class had I googled her in advance and learned more about her style.  Her quilting is more whole-cloth with a twist.   She tosses out templates, pounces with powder and the just sews... heavy quilting in spots, light quilting in others... very different then the  E2E quilting I'm accustomed to.   But, I gave it a try!   and it was fun!

I'm not sure if I'm interested in doing a complete quilt using this method, but I do have a quilt that I was going to applique kites in the border..... instead, I am going to give this a try.

  

During down-time between the show and classes at our cabin I brought along a project that I started in a Paducha class last year... Mardis Gras by Toby Lam Lischko.   I have made mine in Christmas colors rather than the purple/gold/green of Mardis Gras.