Out of Hand, Calgary Canada

Calgary was wonderful! Great weather, enthusiastic students and lots of lovely creativity. My dear friend Deirdre is the owner of 'Out of Hand' in Calgary which is filled to the brim with lovely fashion and quilting fabrics and to die for embellishment threads. It is a treat to teach there as we have every texture available right at out finger tips.

I taught for five days, two days of leaves, two days of 'Robin Run the Hedge' and a day of my small bird embellishment class. How creative is this leaf project by Maureen using the leaves as hair in this silhouette. I can't wait to see the finished project.

Maureen also made my Victoria Tote using her own creative floral block for the front. I just love the dimension she created with the stem, flower and leaves.

We were spoilt each day with wonderful treats for tea. How do you like these little hamburger cakes?

I don't think I will ever get tired of creating leaves. Every class seems to come up with something unique. The color and texture you can achieve is just amazing. I really think it is time to write an embellishment book.

Mary Jane Cioni brought her 'Greenbrier' Quilt to show me. I just loved the embellishment she did on these flowers.

The small bird quilt was fun. We fussy cut fabric, embossed velvet and created stitches. It is always great to have no rules and see how creative everyone becomes.

Many worked on the center of my 'Robin Run the Hedge' quilt. Beading, stitching and using textural threads.

Marlene loves the Southwest and decided to make her small bird piece into a cactus with dimensional blooms. She really did well achieving color and dimension in her flowers and texture on her cactus.

Thanks to Deirdre and all my students for making my stay fun and creative. As always I look forward to returning in 2011.

Every time I have been to Calgary Deirdre has wanted to take me to the mountains in her red TT. It has always snowed. This time I beat the bad weather and after class we had a wonderful day in the Rocky Mountains with an English tea at Lake Louise. It was spectacular!

I sometimes have to pinch myself. Can you imagine being so fortunate to be able to travel to such wonderful places and be surrounded by so many creative people everyday. I think I must have the best job in the world!

Many thanks to each one of you who touch my life and encourage me to grow.

Keep creating

Sue