Sue Spargo

Road to CA - Red Clover Class

2012-01-28T19:10:00.002-05:00

Red Clover is a fun pattern with three blocks. I used a combination of textural fabrics in my original quilt. The pattern allows for many stitching techniques as well as uses of hand dyed textural fabrics, ribbons and beads.

The students were very creative using different stitches and threads making each piece unique.

I absolutely love teaching handwork classes. The sharing of ideas is fabulous!
Thanks to all my wonderful students here at Road to CA. My visit was great.
Creative Stitching
Sue

Road to CA - Flowerbed Quilt Class -Day 1&2

2012-01-23T21:46:00.001-05:00

I have been teaching at Road to CA in Ontario CA. My first class was a two day appliqué and embellishment working on blocks from my Flowerbed Quilt. I had 20 really enthusiastic students who did amazing work.

We worked with hand dyed wools and cottons adding stitches for texture.

I also taught them to add beads using the Coral Stitch which I love.

It was a wonderful group of international ladies including Caroline from Belgium, Brigit from Germany and Claudia from Mexico and many ladies from different states in the USA.

I hope you all have fun continuing to embellish and work on your blocks for your quilt.
Take care and safe travels to all
Sue

Snowy Weekend in Ohio

2012-01-15T18:42:00.001-05:00

I have met so many wonderful people in the last few years. Many who have a special place in my heart. I taught for a few consecutive years for Amy and Angela at 'Yellow Bird Art' in Iowa. I loved visiting and was very sad when the store closed. I spoke to Angela this week and she shared with me that she was writing this year on her blog about people who have inspired her. I was very flattered to be the first entry.
http://www.SummerKitchenQuilts.blogspot.com/

This weekend has been cold and snowy here in Ohio. Perfect weather to catch up! I have cleared my desk worked on my new Block of the Month 'Earth & Twig', cleaned the house and gathering my thoughts for Road to CA where I am teaching this week.

I feel more in control and ready for a busy week. It always amazes me how much better I feel when I keep on top of things.

Hope each one of you did a little something for yourself this weekend.

Take care

Sue

Cumberland Valley Quilt Guild - Nashville TN

2012-01-11T09:04:00.002-05:00

I have been a little quiet I know. I promise I have been creating and working very hard catching up before hitting 2012 in full swing. Happy New Year to everyone may I wish you all a very fulfilling, healthy and creative 2012.

I am returning home today after teaching in Tennessee. I am so pumped up! My classes and lecture were very well received and I was surrounded by such enthusiastic students for two full days. All creating and stitching using mounds of luscious fibers and of cause great hand dyed wool and velvets. Thank you Wendy for your amazing dyeing!

I love handwork classes the creativity is endless each student sharing and interacting makes the classes even more fun. Everyone interprets stitches differently and we all learn form each other. Most of my students are looking to be creative so they are all able to take some risk. The best part of teaching is I keep learning myself. It just makes my journey even more fulfilling.

We spent two days stitching and layering fabrics, velvets and wool. Each piece was unique.

Tammy participated in my BOM last year and decided to do another version of the quilt by digitizing the design. She brought her blocks to share with me. I love what she did! It is always fun to see how my patterns are interpreted.

What a wonderful way to do my patterns by machine especially if you do not favor handwork.

She also uses my Folk Art Dreams CD by Electric Quilt and made a smaller version of the center of my Uniontown Square quilt. This fun CD has my first 5 books (about 190 blocks) on it and has endless ways you can create quilts and blocks in all different sizes. It is available on my website www.suespargo.com/books.html

Many thanks to all at Cumberland Valley who made me feel so welcome. I hope the classes opened many doors for enjoying and exploring stitchery.
Creative Stitching
Sue

Embellishment Pack Give Away

2011-12-27T17:26:00.000-05:00

Visit us on Facebook to win this NEW exclusive hand dyed fiber embellishing pack.
http://www.facebook.com/SueSpargoFolkartQuilts

Happy Stitching
Sue

Merry Christmas

2011-12-25T11:19:00.001-05:00

I wish you all a very Special Holiday Season surrounded by family and friends. I am delighted to be spending mind with Kelly, Jason and Aimee.

Best wishes to all
Sue

Portland, OR

2011-12-12T14:28:00.000-05:00

I have been in Portland visiting my son Jason who started school at the Oregon Culinary Institute in late October. As Jason was in school during the day I caught up with two friends here in Portland, visiting fun shopping areas and eating at wonderful local restraunts.

Betty and I go back many years. I taught for her here in Portland 12 years ago when she owner her own quilting store. She has since retired and now teaches many classes at Pioneer Quilts www.pioneerquiltshop.com
It so happened that this Saturday was 'Spargonian Play Day' and she ask me to make a quick visit to her class. I was delighted to see all the students working on one or more of my projects. The classroom was full of color!

They were so enthusiastic stitching away on bags, pincushions and many on my Flowerbed Quilt. The store also has a wonderful display of my patterns and many finished projects.

I love the many versions of my Victoria Tote each of the students had made. Some bright and cheerful and others made from ethnic fabrics.

One day Betty and I also visited Shipwreck beads in WA and found a few treasures there to add to our quilts.

I was amazed at how many of my quilts Betty had made. The store was just an array of color.

Jason and I also spent some fun time with my friend Susan visiting a wonderful Asian market, great bead and furniture store and eating at fun restaurants.

Many thanks Betty and Susan for taking such good care of me while Jason was in school. I love Portland and I am so happy that I now have an excuse to visit.
Jason is doing well and it makes me happier now that I know where he is living and that he is loving school. The added bonus was that I got to sample a couple of good meals that he cook for me in his little studio apartment.
I am flying home tonight and need to now focus on the holidays.
I just can't believe how fast life is passing by!
Take care
Sue

Philadelphia - 'Workt by Hand' Get together

2011-12-08T10:14:00.001-05:00

I just spent 5 glorious days with Melissa, Sally and Alice in Philadelphia. Melissa relocated to Philly a few months ago and we thought this would be a wonderful place to gather to plan for our upcoming 8th annual 'Workt by Hand' retreat.Which is held in Tipp City, Ohio April 25-28, 2012.

We spent the first couple of day planning for our retreat then we hit the road for a little fun.

Saturday evening was spent in Elfreth's Alley in downtown Philly for the annual Deck the Ally. It was fun start to the Christmas season. The alley is our nations oldest residential street and the homes were open to the public. www.elfrethsalley.org

Sunday we set off for Washington DC to visit the Textile Museum. What a treat! There was a fabulous African Kuba Cloth exhibit as well as a Repurposed exhibit. No photographs permitted but wonderful inspiration. www.textilemuseum.org

Monday off to Delaware to the Winterthur Museum. www.winterthur.org This wonderful estate was owned by the du Pont family and houses an outstanding collection of Americana. We first did the Christmas tour.

We then spent most of the afternoon in the museum absorbed in wonderful Southeast Pennsylvania painted furniture and four centuries of embroidery.

The Plimoth Jacket was also on view in this exhibit. It is a fascinating project. I have included a little reading material for anyone who is not familiar with this project.

The Plimoth Jacket: A Paradise in Silk and Gold

On view in the With Cunning Needle exhibition

beginning September 3, 2011

On loan to Winterthur from Plimoth Plantation, the Plimoth Jacket is not an exact reproduction. Rather, it was re-created from two examples in the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. One was chosen for the cut and construction of the jacket and the other for the design of the embroidery. Both originals date to the 1620s.

In the 1600s this type of embroidery would have been done in professional workshops. The creation of the Plimoth Jacket has led to discoveries about the technology for making threads and spangles as well as about stitching techniques. The project has also resulted in important insights into 17th-century workshop practices, where large numbers of embroiderers (both highly skilled laborers and apprentices learning their trade) would work together to create expensive and decorative clothing like this.

The Plimoth Jacket Project

More than 300 people spent over 3,700 hours to create the Plimoth Jacket. Some worked on the silk embroidery and gold plaited braid, while others stitched on the “oes,” the term in use in the 1600s for the round sequins. The project was conceived and managed by Jill Hall, former head of the colonial wardrobe department at Plimoth Plantation. She was aided by a team of experts in embroidery, lace, metal-smithing, and weaving, including Dr. Tricia Wilson Nguyen, Wendy White, Carolyn Hastings, Mark Atchison, Justin Squizzero, and Denise Lebica.

The sewing, embroidery, and lace were all entirely done by hand. The lace spangles (the tear-drop shaped sequins hanging from the lace) were created using tools made specifically for the project. The tools and techniques replicate those from the 1600s. Even the lining was hand-woven and dyed with natural indigo.

I now have lots more inspiration for new quilts as well as embellishment. I hope these photographs inspire you to be creative. I travelled earlier this week from Philly to Portland to spend a little time with my youngest son Jason who just started Culinary School.

Take care

Sue

Stitch, Ontario Canada

2011-11-27T06:15:00.001-05:00

In early November Cathy and I drove to Ontario Canada for my last teaching contract of the year. This little store owned by Jocelyn Chamberlain is the best kept secret in Eastern Canada! It is a haven for the creative minded beautifully decorated and stocked with a wonderful array of knitting yarn and sewing fabrics.

Jocelyn was a delight and made us feel so welcome. It was fun getting to know her and her lovely friend Linda during the weekend. In class I had 23 students for two days of creative stitching. I began with a trunkshow sharing my quilts and talked about how my travels and my life have influenced these quilts.

We spent time journalling and exploring all the possibilities for creating leaves and berries in wool quilts using a wonderful array of different stitches, threads, beads and textural fabrics.

It warmed by heart to see a version of my Ginger Grove quilt displayed in the store. A very creative student made this quilt using mainly cotton fabrics. She also took images from my quilts and made this wonderful banner.

This was a very special place to finish up my teaching for the year. Many thanks to all the wonderful students and a very special thanks to Jocelyn and Linda for taking such good care of us. I look forward to returning to 'Stitch' to teach next year.

This has been an amazing year and wish to thank my family and friends for their unconditional love and support as I continue to explore my creative path.

Take care

Sue

Smith Owen - Grand Rapids MI

2011-11-18T06:05:00.001-05:00

It has been a busy few weeks teaching. In early November Cathy and I travelled to Smith Owen in MI with the car loaded with lots of goodies for 3 days of teaching and vending.
As these were mainly embellishment classes we took along all our ribbons, chenilles, silken pearls and seagrasses as well as fun beads and trinkets.

Also loads of hand dyed wool, velvets and a few kits and cotton packs.
As I have taught here for a few years it is always wonderful to return and spend time with many friends we have made over the years.

I taught a two day class of my Pomegranate Table Rug from my Crimson Tweed book. Each started with our kit but many personalize their piece with different ribbon stems and stitches.

We worked on wool whipstitch appliqué and needle turn cotton and velvet appliqué along with layering and embellishment stitches.

It is always fun to see Wendy and my ribbons being used in projects along with how the embellishment stitches bring the pieces to life.

I also taught a one day needle case class where the focus was circles. The best part of this class was Fiona my youngest student ever. She is 10 years old and did amazing stitching even the Bullion Knot!

In this class I taught eight stitches along with many ways to combine the different stitches.
Many students brought quilts to share. I absolutely love seeing their work and the way they interperate my designs.

Jean finished her Crimson Tweed quilt. Now quilted and just needs a binding.

Lynne shared her version of Mercer Lane.

This wonderful Magnolia was also shared.

Susan brought her bird project from last year. It was wonderfully embellished using many stitches and different fibers.

We had a wonderful few days and look forward to returning next year.
Cathy and I returned home inspired to sew and prepare for our last teaching event for the year. A new trip to Stitch in Ontario, Canada.
Take care
Sue

Houston Quilt Market

2011-11-06T07:43:00.002-05:00

Kelly and I spent two days at Quilt Market hunting for new items for the website and visiting with good friends. It was great to catch up with Brandon and see Westminster Fabrics new line.

Valori Wells is one of my favorite young designers and it is always good to visit with her. She has two new clothing patterns as well as a wonderful fabric line called 'Caravan' which included knits and cottons. She also won second place for her great booth.

Wendy and I released our second line of ribbons with Renaissance Ribbons. It consists of houses, dogs, birds, pumpkins and trees. Brighten up your projects with these new ribbons. For wholesale orders contact renaissanceribbons.com and for retail orders visit suespargo.com

Kelly made this wonderful pillow to showcase the line. It was a hit with many customers. I receive this photo from Sheila at Renaissance Ribbons of Kaffe admiring her work. How fun is that!

On Friday night we caught up with Jenny, Kerry, Jenny and Lucy from Australia and Saturday night we dined and had a few Margaritas with Kori, Lynn and Cathy who joined me in Italy this year. It was fun to catch up and reminisce.

Quilt market is always over the Halloween weekend and you just never know who you will meet!

We bought great organic fabrics from Birch. They were wonderful soft colors and something different for our website.

It was great to see my friend Sarah Fielke and her husband Damien from Australia. She had her own booth with her new book 'From Little Things' and her fabric line 'St Ives' from Lecien Fabrics.

We also bought great fabrics from Alexander Henry. They had a wonderfully creative booth highlighting their fun fabrics.

Sunday evening we were treated to a great Mexican meal. We had many great laughs with good friends.

Kelly and I returned home Monday inspired to create new and wonderful projects.
I have two more teaching engagements this year then I will have a little time to create.
Have fun stitching
Sue

Calgary - 4 More fun filled days of teaching

2011-10-27T09:05:00.003-04:00

I have had a lot of fun teaching for another 4 days here in Calgary. We played for two days making a large sewing case, stitching circles in my Circle Play class and a day of working on any of my projects.

The gals here are great stitchers and Deirdre has an incredible selection of threads in her store so it makes for some very fun combinations of stitches and fibers.

Many students also incorporated many of our ribbons in the backgrounds as well as for stems. I just love the way they work so well with the wool and the appliqué.

I taught eight stitches in the Circle Play class and then we spent the afternoon combining these stitches to make some very fun combinations.

I have had a wonderful time here in Calgary. I will be returning next year in September to teach for 8 days. This will be my fifth year teaching at Out of Hand.
It is very special retuning annually as I spend time with many of the same students and I have loved to see each students creative style develop.
Right now I am spending a couple of days with Deirdre at the store playing. On Friday I will be flying to Houston for Quilt Market to meet my daughter Kelly to shop for new and exciting goodies for the website.
Take care
Sue

Out of Hand - Calgary Canada Pomegranate Class

2011-10-23T10:06:00.001-04:00

I am here in Calgary teaching for 6 days for my friend Deirdre who owns the wonderful store 'Out of Hand'. www.out-of-hand.com I love teaching here as Deirdre's store is fully stocked with wonderful fibers and textures all of which I use in my own work.

On Thursday and Friday all the students worked on the Pomegranate Table Rug from my 'Crimson Tweed' book. Many started with my wool backgrounds but each personalized their piece with ribbons and fabrics of their own choice.

We worked on many stitches giving each one its own personality.

Many of the students incorporated Wendy and my new ribbon line which we did with Renaissance Ribbons www.suespargo.com

This is my fourth year teaching for Deirdre. I love returning as many of the students return each year and I love to see the wonderful work they are creating.
Keep Stitching
Sue

Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival, NY

2011-10-19T13:56:00.001-04:00

I just spent a wonderful weekend in NY at the Rhinebeck Sheep and Wool Festival with Wendy, Melissa, Cathy and Kelly. We all met in Philadelphia at Melissa's home and then drove to NY together.

Rhinebeck is a lovely little town on the Hudson River filled with quaint stores and good restarants.

Besides all the wonderful fiber there were sheep, lama and alpaca auctions and shearing. It was quiet an education visiting the barns filled with animals and learning about all the different types of wool.

This was our combined purchases for Day 1. We could not resist the wonderful hand dyes and the natural fibers.

There was also a great feltmaker who encouraged Melissa and Wendy to try on her wares. No new purchases here but a few laughs.

Day 2's stash. We are all set for our winter projects.

On Monday we went to The American Culinary Institute for lunch. What a treat we had an unforgettable lunch with an assortment of desserts to share.

Thanks Melissa, Wendy, Cathy and Kelly for such a fun weekend. Looking forward to seeing your knitted projects.
I am on my way to Calgary to teach for my dear friend Deirdre who owns 'Out of Hand'. I am looking forward to sharing my students projects.
Keep Stitching
Sue

October Teaching

2011-10-17T19:43:00.002-04:00

I spent a few days in Annapolis teaching for the Annapolis Quilt Guild. Robin and her sister Nancy were great hostesses. During class we worked on my Flower Vase layering with wonderful textural fabrics and embellishing fibers.

I then traveled to Colorado Springs to teach for the Colorado Quilting Council. Cyndi who organized the retreat was wonderful. On my arrival we had a lovely lunch at an English Pub at The Broadmoor.

We also visited the Garden of the Gods

On Friday we traveled to the retreat center and set up for the weekend. In the evening I presented a power point presentation about my quilts and then taught my Flowerbed Quilt for two days. To my surprise I awoke to snow on Saturday morning. It snowed about a foot. What wonderful weather to bundle up and sew.

Each student started with one of the twelve blocks. Working with hand dyed wool, velvet and embellishments.

Kathy brought her version of my 'Sew Your Seeds' Needlecase to share with me. I love her happy colors.

Many of the participants at the retreat brought house blocks for a charity quilt. Cyndi started piecing them together and shared it at Show and Tell. Some of my students also shared their blocks.

I then traveled to Orange County Quilters Guild in California.
I spent a couple of days in California teaching wool appliqué and embellishment. We worked on one of my pillows.

We finished the day exploring a little embellishment.
I stayed with Karen one of my students from Sisters Oregon. She made me feel very welcome and it was nice to get to know her.

I then traveled across the country for a little fun. I meet Wendy, Melissa, Cathy and Kelly for our weekend trip to Rhinebeck, NY for the 'Sheep and Wool Festival'.
Can't wait to share our weekend with all of you.
Take care
Sue

MISA - Madeline Island WI

2011-10-09T08:32:00.000-04:00

I just spent a wonderful week teaching at the Madeline School of the Arts on Madeline Island in WI. Cathy and my friend Joc from Australia travelled with me. We flew into Duluth then drove about 1 1/2 hours to catch the ferry to the island.

On Sunday evening Kate, Jenna and Charles welcomed all with a lovely cheese and wine party.

The school is in an amazing secluded location. A wonderful spot to be creative. This building is were my classroom was. It was large with great light and very comfortable for me and 12 students to spread out for 5 days.

This was the Farm House where I slept.

On Monday everyone spread out all there supplies including wool, cotton and embellishments.

Each evening we headed to the little town for dinner. We were spoilt with amazing sunsets.

On morning a few of us get up really early and headed with coffee in hand to see the sun rise.

The students were from all over the US as well as Joc form Australia and Aida and Florencia from Argentina.

All the students designed a 'Travel Journal Cloth' about their life experiences. They were amazingly creative.

Each piece was unique and very tactile. We have a challenge that I will blog about the progress of each of the pieces next April so gals keep stitching. I loved spending time with each on of you and thanks for being such wonderful students.
I will be returning to teach at MISA June 4-8 2012 www.madelineschool.com

Sue

2012 Block of the Month Earth 'n Twig

2011-10-08T00:10:00.003-04:00

My new 2012 block of the month Earth 'n Twig is now available online. It is filling fast and we only have only a few openings still available. Sign up soon before you miss out.
www.suespargo.com

Sue Spargo Twee

2011-09-26T07:52:00.000-04:00

I have 4 wonderful gals that work with me Cathy, Peggy, Mary and my eldest daughter Kelly. With my busy schedule they all keep me very organized as well as run the online store and our ever popular BOM.

Kelly has started a new blog Sue Spargo;Twee (which means two in Afrikaans) She posts with a younger eye all the new happenings here at Sue Spargo Folk-art Quilts online store.

I invite you to visit become a follower and keep up to date with all our new happenings. The new 2012 BOM which will be available for sign ups on October 1.

Take care
Sue
suespargotwee.blogspot.com

Tucson Quilt Guild

2011-09-25T12:50:00.002-04:00

I just spent a few days with the wonderful gals at the Tucson Quilt Guild. I was treated to dinners at wonderful restaurants and was able to see a little of this great city.

I always love to see finished projects from past classes, Roselee brought her lovely Flowerpot Quilt to share with me. She took a class with me in Grand Junction, CO.

Don't you love this fun Folklore Quilt?

We worked on my Greta Needle Roll one day and each student designed their front cover using wools, cottons, velvets and roving balls which we made in class.

The second day was the Flowerpot class where we worked with wonderful ribbons, beads and layering of the flowers and leaves.

Manya shared her version of my Ginger Grove quilt. I love her striped scalloped border.

I had a wonderful time and thanks everyone for taking such good care of me.
Keep Stitching
Sue

Contemporary Folk Art Retreat - Camp Sherman, OR

2011-09-14T18:36:00.007-04:00

I have just spent a wonderful weekend co-teaching with my friend Tonye Belinda Phillips in Camp Sherman Oregon. The retreat was sponsored by the Stitchin' Post in Sisters OR. We had 40 very creative students who worked on wonderful pieces using ideas from our collaborative quilt.

Late last year Tonye sent me a couple of house blocks she created and the idea was I would continue by adding borders and do a little embellishment. I really got into the embellishing needless to say I only finished the one so I still have a little homework to do so we each can have a finished quilt.

This is Tonye and Doug's home in Camp Sherman. You can see where she gets her inspiration from for her wonderful house quilts.

I was lucky to be invited to stay in their little cabin. It was so peaceful!

Just down the road was the community hall where the retreat was held. Tonye and I spent the whole day before hanging quilts and making the room really cozy. If I say myself it looked fabulous.

Tonye had this great 15 minute warm up exercise that all the students did cutting out of magazines and creating funky houses.

Now that they were warmed up we got to work creating for three days. We talked about color, using pattern, cotton appliqué, wool appliqué and embellishment.

During the weekend we had three surprise guests visit. Jean Wells explained how to make a quick snap bag, Kathy Deggendorfer a watercolor artist did a slide presentation explaining the collaborative art pieces her and Tonye do together. Jackie Erickson made small pincushions using roving balls.

I always feel very fortunate to be asked to do collaborative pieces. It always pushes me out of you comfort zone and makes me appreciate other artists work. Tonye and I will be collaborating again next year in Santa Barbara November 12-16 2012 for Santa Barbara Quilting Retreats www.santabarbaraquilting.com

I will also be teaching a collaborative workshop with Gwen Marston in Sisters October 18-22 2012 in Sisters, Oregon www.stitchinpost.com

I flew to Tucson on Monday to teach for the Tucson Quilt Guild. I am looking forward to my time here in AZ.

Keep Stitching

Sue

Spokane with Family

2011-09-05T18:33:00.001-04:00

I have just returned from spending a week with my family in Spokane. It was great as Jason was visiting as well as he is waiting to start Culinary School in Portland. While visiting he managed to make us another few sets of hand stamped words for the website.

I took a few pictures to show each stage he goes through to achieve the words we all love. He cuts the strips of copper, hand stamps each letter and drills and files the holes for attachment.

He then patinas them, buffers them, hand cuts the strips into individual words then hand files each piece so they are nice and smooth.

Quiet a lot of work for one word! They are unique and I feel anything handmade is worth the wait. I am hoping he can make us a little stash before he returns to school as I know we will not see anymore for a long time.

Jason treated us to home made pizza as well. He loves to cook and experiment!

Wendy has been very busy in her studio dyeing new colors for next years Block of the Month. I am really excited as once again it will be very different. Here is a sneak peek of the start of the color palette.

I have been longing to sew with my sister Wendy. For a long time she has been saving the off cuts and double dye scraps from her dye pots. On Wednesday we snuck into her studio, dumped out all the wool and spent the whole day cutting and sewing all the pieces back together. She had just ordered a new Juki sewing machine which we set up. What an amazing machine, I could not believe how wonderfully it sewed on wool. I will be ordering myself one as soon as I am home for a few days.

All I can say is I know I will be playing around with this idea a little more.

My family lives in a more rural area of Spokane. I love the view they have overlooking the valley. They have an amazing vegetable garden as well as perennial gardens which surround the house. It is so peaceful here. I always feel very refreshed when I return home.

I am now home for a couple of days preparing for Sisters. I am co teaching a Folk-art Retreat this weekend with Tonye Phillips. I am really excited as our styles are very different but complement each other. I know the students will be in for a treat.
Happy Stitching
Sue

Buggy Barn Outdoor Show

2011-08-29T17:35:00.000-04:00

On Saturday morning my mom and my youngest son Jason joined me at the Buggy Barn Outdoor Quilt Show. There were about 200 quilts displayed all over the farm hanging from all the buildings, along the fences and on clothes lines.

The store was very busy with many quilters buying fabric, patterns and books.

It was a really fun day surrounded by everything I love. Thanks to Pam, Janet and all their family for making the week so much fun. As my family lives in Spokane I am staying a few extra days visiting. I hope to be of help to Jason as he plans his move to Portland.
Keep Stitching
Sue

Teaching at Buggy Barn - Spokane WA

2011-08-28T19:58:00.000-04:00

This week I taught 2 two day classes on a sewing envelope I designed especially to teach at the Buggy Barn outdoor show. It was full of great techniques, lots of color and many pockets and compartments to hold all your special sewing supplies. I had about 25 students in each class and they worked hard all two days assembling and embellishing. It has been a long time since I taught a machine and appliqué class. The pace was much faster than my embellishment classes but everyone kept up and I was amazed how much each one got done.

The classes were held at the Grange with great catered lunches including wonderful deserts.

I was delighted as many students brought their quilts to share with me.
Manya from Tucson enlarged my Flowerbed quilt and made it out of all cotton fabrics. It was so bright and cheery.

Gayle took a class from me at Empty Spools in Asilomar, CA earlier this year and started her Folklore Quilt. She had personalize many blocks with images from her own travels. It was wonderful and we decided that she needed to border it with chartreuse wool.

Karen from Canada finished and framed her Flowerpot quilt from a previous class. It was wonderfully embellished. She also brought her Robin Run the Hedge quilt to share.

Susan also shared her Bluebird Needle Keeper.

Pam and Janet did an amazing job organizing everything for this week long event. Every detail was carefully thought out with wonderful touches. The weather was perfect. No humidity so I was in heaven! As it was the 15th Anniversary they hosted a 'Garden Party' on Thursday evening. It was in Janet's garden at the farm. It was the perfect spot, the food was great and the entertainment entertaining.

Jennifer Keltner the editor from American Patchwork and Quilting took in a little shade at the Tiki Bar prior to her lecture.

She entertained us with a peek preview of quilts from the new 'Quilt Sampler' magazine as we were served these scrumptious strawberries for desert.

We also were treated to a very entertaining 15 year history of the Buggy Barn by Janet and Pam overlooking the wheat fields.

Once class was over on Friday Jennifer had organized for Ron Pam's husband to take her out on the Combine as it is harvest time. I tootled along having never had that experience either. We laughter a lot as the city girls experienced a little farm life. It was an amazing experience! Ron harvests 3000 acres in Readon, WA and he was a wealth of knowledge about something I know nothing about.

The view was spectacular as the wheat just glowed in the sunshine. We could see for miles.

What an incredible machine we learnt lots and it was a neat experience.

We finished the evening around the pool having margaritas and visiting with Pam, Ron, Janet, Tom and their friends.

What a wonderful ending to a very busy week!
I also was fortunate to be able to stay for the outdoor quilt show. Mom and Jason joined me on Saturday morning. I will be blogging about the show tomorrow.
Take care
Sue

Student Work

2011-08-22T12:48:00.001-04:00

I was delighted to receive this note and photos in my email last week.

"Hi Sue

Just a note to say I had a great weekend at the Festival of Quilts in Birmingham, England. I won first prize in the contemporary section with my version of 'Dear Jane' I called mine - "Dear Jane, Welcome to the 21st century" made from 100% Spargo felt - so thank you for your great shop, inspiration and ideas, thanks to Wendy for her fabulous wools and Cathy and the girls for sending wonderful selections of colors. The only down side is I won't get my quilt back for a year while it tours around bit. Anyway, I have the block of the month to keep me going.

All my best

Valerie Mullally

Ireland"

Well done Valerie! I love what you created and even better a wool quilt won at Birmingham. We love our wools as well. I agree Wendy is an amazing dyer.

I have received many wonderful photos from my students showcasing their work as well as many who have shared their pieces in my classes. Her are a few to inspire you.

Gabrielle attends my Monday evening group and brought her wonderful Flowerbed quilt to share. I think she loves Bullion Knots as much as I do!

Edith from Renaissance ribbons sent me this photo showcasing our ribbons.

Another wonderful piece from Gabrielle.

Carol for our Monday morning group shared this quilt she made using a colorful floral Japanese print she bought from our store.

Ellen shared her Robin Run the Hedge quilt with me at Sisters.

Estelle from Brittany France sent me these lovely pictures of her Greta Needle Roll and a tree using my leaf technique. It is wonderful to receive pictures from my international customers.

Susan finished her 'Altered Texture' piece from a recent workshop and made it into a pillow.

Keep up the great work and keep sending photos.

Take care

Sue

Hershey Quilt Show

2011-08-19T05:43:00.002-04:00

At the end of July I taught at the Hershey Show in Hershey, Pennsylvania for the first time. My friend Melissa moved to the Philadelphia area earlier this year and I was delighted as she was able to attend the show and she also signed up for 3 of my classes.

During the three days I taught 5 classes, 3 full day and two mystery wool stitch classes in the evenings. It was a very busy 3 days but lots of fun.

The first class was my Red Clover quilt which has three blocks. I love the variations on the theme. Many used different colors and a variety of ribbons for stems.

Sue, Monica and Heidi brought there wonderful Victoria bags for me to see.

During the afternoon we played with our embellishment threads adding stitches for texture.

The Second day was the Early Pincushion. Even though this is an old pattern it is a great one day class as it is small enough to do some great embellishments on.

The third day was the Teaberry Sac. This is a great winter purse! All had fun adding stitches to the berries and leaves.

We had one finished project along with another student who brought one to share.

I thank Missy for the opportunity to teach at Hershey and I look forward to returning in the future.
Keep Stitching
Sue

Jean Wells Lecture at Sisters

2011-08-17T06:06:00.003-04:00

I am sorry I have been quiet but I have been home for a few weeks catching up on paperwork, gardening and generally organizing my life. I have also managed a little catch up sewing. As promised in my last blog I was going to finish up my lovely teaching experience at Sisters with the wonderful lecture and outdoor walk of Jean Wells quilts which I attended on the Sunday morning after the show.

I have long been an admirer of Jeans work and it was wonderful to enjoy her creative journey as her early quilts to the present day quilts were displayed from all to enjoy. It was great to see how her work has evolved. I love the simplicity of the lines in her quilts as well as the use of solid colors. I use a lot of solid wools in my own work and I think that is one of the reasons I am so drawn to her work.

Wendy and Aimee had the pleasure of taking a two day class with Jean at Sisters this year. I was very envious as taking a class from Jeans is on my too list. I am hoping next year to be able to do that.

I have much to share with my teaching at The Hershey Show and many new projects so please return soon.

Take care

Sue

Saturday Sisters Quilt Show

2011-07-23T08:08:00.004-04:00

'Baby Hexagon' quilt designed and made by Brigitte Giblin from Sydney Australia.
www.brigittegiblinquilts.com

Wendy, Aimee and I rose really early to help hang the quilts. It is an amazing experience and so well organized. Within a couple of hours all 1200 quilts are hung on buildings and in parks through out the small town of Sisters. The whole town is transformed and thousands of enthusiastic quilters arrive for the day.

'Carmen Miranda' quilt designed and made by Brigitte Giblin from Sydney Australia.

There is also a teachers tent that features quilts designed by all the teachers who taught at the show. The quilt above is Kathy Doughty from Australia.

These two were designed by Tonye Phillips from Camp Sherman, OR.

Pamela Goecke Saint Cloud, MN.

The Gees Bend Quilts

Relaxing in the late afternoon

Wendy, Aimee and I stayed for a couple of extra days. On the Sunday after the show we attended a Lecture and quilt exhibit by Jean Wells. Will post about that soon.
Take care
Suehttp://www.brigittegiblinquilts.comhttp://www.brigittegiblinquilts.comwww.brigittegiblinquilts.com

Sisters, OR classes

2011-07-19T07:45:00.000-04:00

Wendy my sister and Aimee my youngest daughter joined me at Sisters this year. They took classes from Janet Bolton, Jean Wells and the Gees Bend ladies. We had a great time together and it was also wonderful to see friends from all over the country. An extra bonus was that the weather was perfect!

Many of my students brought finished projects to share with me. Carmen made my Duffel Bag from my 'Urban Sacs' book. I love the way she incorporated our new 'Animal Train' ribbon on the base. Leslie finished my 'Robin Run the Hedge' from the class I taught at Sisters last year.

I taught a two day 'Travel Journal' class. Each student incorporate a story about themselves in each piece. I love teaching these classes as the end results are very personal and incorporate many techniques.

We had a lot of fun during the two days and I am looking forward to seeing these completed quilts in the future.

I also taught the 'Pomegranate Table Rug' many students incorporate fun ribbons and stitchery along with velvet, wool and cotton applique.

Michelle brought her lovely Mimosa Tote and Greta Needle Roll to share with me. As always it is great to see variations of my patterns. Keep them coming!

We also had fun creating blocks from my new Kids Flower Quilt. We have a little of the Japanese fabric left which I used in this quilt and have made up a few more kits. If you are interested in a kit give us a call or email us as these are limited and will not be available again as these fabrics have been discontinued. A picture of the finished quilt is on my previous blog post.

I also taught my leaf class and we all had fun creating with textural fabrics and hand dyed fibers.

I had a great week teaching and am looking forward to returning later this year to co teach with Tonye Phillips and will also be back at Quilters Affair next year. I will post pictures from the outdoor show later this week.

Creative Stitching

Sue

Sisters Quilt Show, OR

2011-07-03T00:08:00.007-04:00

I am on my way to the Sisters Quilt Show. My sister Wendy and my youngest daughter Aimee will be joining me as they will be taking classes all week.

This is one of my favorite places to teach. I love the area as well as the show is so well organized.

I am teaching a new children's quilt made out of all cotton fabrics, my Leaf Sampler embellishment, The Pomegranate Table Runner from my Crimson Tweed book and a creative design class from my 'Travel Journal' series.

This week Kelly and I played in the wool as we choose 100 fat quarters for an order. Wendy does amazing dyeing and her colors are so scrumptious that it is hard to part with many of them. We have an ongoing joke in the office that no one wants to pick wool for an order as it is normally one for me one for the order. That is why we all have such large stashes!

Wieke van Keulen from Holland sent me this wonderful picture of her version of my Ginger Grove Quilt. I love her colors and that she made a smaller version of my quilt.

We have a few friends who have been coming to my house for our new 'Stitch Group'. It has been fun as we have been concentrating on embroidery stitches.

They also brought a couple of completed projects to share.

It will be a busy week in Sisters. I will post my classes as soon as I get a little free time.

Happy 4th of July!

Sue

Atlanta - East Cobb Quilters Guild

2011-06-27T07:26:00.002-04:00

I just returned home from a wonderful few days in Atlanta, Georgia. I taught 3 full day classes which were all full to capacity and shared my passion at the Guild Meeting where I talked about my quilting journey and shared my quilts.

The first day was my 'Flower Vase' altered texture class. It is such a creative class and each student were encouraged to layer and embellish using their own unique techniques. I was amazed at how well they all progressed.

We fussy cut fabrics and used our Chenille and Seagrass to embellish flowers

Did fun stitching on leaves

Used great fabrics on the vase

Couched yarns

Attached ribbons for stems using French knots

A few students share their pieces at the Guild Meeting

Played with silk rayon velvet

Attached beads using our 24wt silk thread

Embellished with Seagrass and Valdani threads

Used ribbons and buttons

Organza ribbon to make a dimensional flower

Our mini pom poms used to add texture to this flower

Embossed silk rayon ribbon

Layering of stitches on this leaf

Fun use of variegated #8 Valdani thread

The second day I taught my 'Nifty Notes' journal. We used my kits but I encouraged each student to embellish theirs using different stitches. On my return Kathy Collins had already sent me a picture of her finished project. She quilted hers and added a few extra stitches.

If you would like one of your own to keep yourself organized kits are available on my website. www.suespargo.com/smallgifts.html

Heather Kosbab also had a completed project!

One of my students played around machine stitching using our Genziana wool thread.

More stitching and beading

Wendy my sister and I have two new lines of ribbons from Renaissance Ribbons. I am starting to use them on many of my own projects but I love the use of the 'Folk art Flower' and 'Animal Train' ribbons on these projects.

Rushing

Couching

More uses of ribbons

Embellished flowers

and stems

They all made a wonderful start to a unique piece. My classes were so well received I have been asked to return to teach a two day workshop in 2014. Thanks everyone for making me feel so welcome.

I was also delight as many students shared projects they had completed using my patterns. Barbara Barnes finished my Peony Bloom pincushion.

Jan Cunningham made my 'TeaberrySac' adding some of her own embellishments.

She also completed my 'Silk Road' quilt adding her unique touch.

This pattern is available in my 'Contemporary Folk' book along with kits on the website. www.suespargo.com/kits.html

Paula Wexler also shared her Teaberry Sac.

My fingers itch to stitch when I return from teaching embellishment classes. Oh how I love to hand stitch!

Keep creating

Sue

Teaching In early June

2011-06-19T06:12:00.013-04:00

Cathy and I travelled to Indiana to teach at the Indianapolis Quilt Guild. A couple of my students brought projects of mine that they had previously done in class. I am always excited to see the progression of individual pieces and how they are embellished. Dawn had done my Flower Vase class as well as the Sew Your Seeds Needle Case.

I also taught my Small Bird Play. It is a fun class as you come to class with the kit appliqued then you spend your time in class layering and embellishing.

As we drove we were able to fill the car with wonderful goodies to tempt my students.

The layering and stitching of these flowers and leaves made each students piece unique.

This week I travelled to North Coast Needlers in Westlake OH. I had a full class of enthusiastic stitchers all layering and embellishing my Bird Play sampler.

Susan brought her version of my Coneflower Pillow to show me. I love the stitching she did on her piece. www.suespargo.com/kits.html

We worked on Bullion Knots,

layering, combining ribbons and stitches and

the textural pistil stitches.

As well as the Fly Stitch we had fun using some of our new fabrics for layering.

It was a fun day and as and added bonus Aimee my youngest daughter assisted me and we got to spend the day together.

I gave a lecture in the evening and Sue brought her Peony Bloom and Saffron Needle Case to share. Patterns and Kits for these can be found on my website. www.suespargo.com/smallgifts.html

I have also spent a great deal of time catching up with emails and general day to day chores after being away for a few weeks. I still feel like the I have a long way to go.

I am off to Atlanta to teach for three days this week.

Creative Stitching

Sue

Last few days in Venice

2011-06-05T13:00:00.016-04:00

I am sure you all think that all mom and I have done while is in Venice is eat. Actually we have had one great meal each day. The seafood is amazing but not cheap.

Fresh scallops and tuna from a Beccafico in Campo Santo Stefano.

Everywhere we go you can sit and eat in the piazzas and watch the world go by. Every table has table cloths and wonderful fresh flowers. The sun has not stopped shining since we got here.

The evenings have been beautiful and everyone is in the streets visiting in the summer months.

The next day we walked to Piazza San Marco. It was hot so we had a little drink in the square at Caffe Florian. If you can believe it cost about $45. Wine was cheaper than coffee so guess what I had! Mom had a bottle of water. Snacks and music were included in the price.

The Basilica San Marco was amazing. I fell in love with the tile floors. I was not able to take any pictures but managed to buy a couple of postcards.

I have collected so much imagery that I could make quilts for the rest of my life! I am in heaven.

We had another wonderful meal at Trattoria da Fiore - this time lobster

At our hotel they have a lovely little courtyard we have had our morning cappuccinos here.

Today our last day we took a ride for a few hours on the Vaporetto around Venice. It was very relaxing and it was great to see many sights from the water.

We finished our day with a very late lunch at Acqsa Pazza in Campo San Angelo. The food was amazing zucchini flowers filled with ricotta and fresh seafood.

We have had a great time in Venice. Mom and I fly home to Ohio tomorrow. This has been a very special trip together.

Thanks for sharing our journey.

Sue

First two days in Venice

2011-06-04T10:58:00.009-04:00

We traveled from Orvieto to Venice by train. It was a 5 hour journey through the country side.

When we arrived in Venice it was a short walk to the Vaporetto (waterbus) which took us up the Grand Canal to San Marc where our wonderful small hotel is.

Rather weary we took the advice of the receptionist at the hotel and had a superb fresh fish meal at the Trattoria da Fiore. Venice is known for the wonderful fresh fish as it is so close to the Adriatic Sea.

Graffiti for Jason The ever changing colors and texture of Venice

It is the Bicentennial art festival this year in Venice. This incredible structure is made out of bamboo by Mike and Doug Starn from the USA.

The Sculpture Garden at the Peggy Guggenheim Museum

Wonderful colors of Venice

The Grand Canal

The Rialto Market - Incredible fresh fish, fruit and vegetables as well as on lookers looking for fish scraps

Picture of baby artichokes especially for Pete. Wish you were here to cook some of your wonderful meals with all the fresh produce.

The Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge

The back streets of Venice

Venice is know for its incredible embossed velvets and silks as well as Murano glass. The shopping here is amazing loved these colorful silk scarves and artist pigments.

Two more days of Venice to follow.

Loving every minute! It has been as special time with my mom.

Sue

Last Days in Orvieto

2011-06-02T17:00:00.002-04:00

The last few days mom and I spent in Orvieto were quiet but filed with wonderful visual experiences. We visited a couple of the local churches along with walking some of the back streets.

This little church is at the convent that we stayed at.

Saturday was a wedding at the Duomo. The bride was Scots and the grooms dad from Orvieto.

Mom took me to La Cocco for a birthday dinner and we had lemon gelato served in a lemon it was delicious.

Last gelato Last pear, gorgonzola and walnut pizza at our favorite pizza restaurant. It was wonderful!

Wash day in Orvieto. On Sunday evening we watch the local parishioners preparing for the Festival of the Madonna in the old district in town. They walked the Madonna from their church around town stopping at local homes to bless them.

We also visited the local ceramic museum. It was really interesting to understand what the imagery symbolized and how the colors changed over the years.

In town is a Folk Artist 'Michelangeli' www.michelangeli.it/bottega_eng.htm I was really drawn to his style all made out of carved wood. As you strolled through the streets his work was on many streets as well as in many businesses.

The Duomo glowing in the afternoon sun

Over the weekend the Wisteria and the Magnolia tree in the courtyard of the convent started to bloom. I can't imagine what these must look like in full bloom.

The jasmine and roses in the small garden in the courtyard were so in full bloom and were so fragrant.

I shall miss this wonderful serene place. Thanks to everyone who touched my heart over the last two weeks. Mom and I were sad to leave Orvieto on Wednesday but knew Venice would be a different and exciting experience.

Sue

Orvieto Day 8

2011-06-01T03:07:00.014-04:00

The last couple of days of class were filled with embellishment of small parts of each students piece. This is the most exciting part for me as each piece comes alive and truly shows the individual style of each students work.

The last day of class was bitter sweet. We all met at 6.30pm for show and share and Prosecco in the courtyard. Giovanna the nun in charge of the convent made us her famous tiramisu which was so decadent.

My mom loving her Prosseco and tiramisu.

Vanelle from Montana with her lovely piece with the Duomo and symbols she loved from her visit.

Janet from Ohio with her textural applique inspired by all the wonderful images she loved so much in Italy.

Baukje from France via Holland who loved the bird images we saw at the archeological museum.

Lynn from Illinois was really taken with all the abstract images on the gates, she is also including the lovely flowers she saw at the flower seller in town.

Mary from Illinois with her wonderful artichoke.

Kathy from Utah with her lovely textural Italian buildings

Renee from Missouri with her fun owl, snail, leaf and bird. All images of Orvieto.

Angela from Dublin, Ireland with her wonderful textural grape vines

Elizabeth from Sydney Australia with her vine and leaf design

Kori from Ohio loved the cappuccinos in the morning along with the incredible jasmine that was blooming on all the buildings.

Kathy from Ohio fell in love with the twisted vine wisteria in the grounds at the convent. She also loved the mushroom dishes that were served in the restaurants.

Carole from Illinois did a lovely landscape with the vines and cypress trees from the Umbrian countryside.

Paul Carole's husband spent his days painting the local scenes in watercolors. It was wonderful to see his paintings at show and share.

Thanks to everyone in my group for making this adventure so special. I hope you will all keep in touch and share your projects with me as you add to them over the months. You are all very special!

Our final meal was at Zeppalins and Chef Lorenzo prepared an incredible multicourse meal which we will never forget.

Saturday morning we said sad farewells to everyone as some started home and others went on to other places. This was a very special group. Thanks to all my students for all your inspiring work and to Kristi and Bill for their passion for Orvieto. If anyone has thought about doing this adventure I can highly recommend it. I will be returning to Orvieto to teach in May 2012. www.adventuresinitaly.net

Mom and I are staying on here in Orvieto for a few days then off to Venice.

Creative Stitching

Sue

Orvieto Day 7

2011-05-31T03:56:00.010-04:00

Thursday is market day in town and we all visited the market and bought wonderful fresh produce for a picnic lunch.

It was also Kori and my birthday. We were treated to delicious desserts after lunch.

The courtyard at the convent is so quiet and spacious and each day we all gathered for lunch here.

After lunch we managed a little sewing then visited a local vineyard Palazzone for a tour and a sampling of their lovely wine and snacks.

The vineyard was off the main rock of Orvieto with breathtaking views of the countryside.

Giovani the owner of the vineyard was very informative as well as quiet entertaining. I could not think of a more special place to sip wine. The view was spectacular!

This is a view of the city from where we were. It was lovely to see the Duomo and the clock tower from this view.

Spectacular day!

Sue

Orvieto Day 6

2011-05-30T02:16:00.002-04:00

Each morning here in Orvieto I start out my day with a wonderful cappuccino made by Anthony at the Blue Bar which fortunately is close to the convent. Some mornings mom and I also have a delicious pastry. I will miss these treats!

In class all the students have started working on their design. It is great to see each one developing into a very personal piece. They cut freezer paper templates of their design and then started cutting out the fabrics which they started to applique. They are all using images that are meaningful to them. Many are of the hillside surrounding Orvieto and others of images we saw on the pottery at the museum and on the outside of the Duomo.

In the afternoon we went to one of the Etruscan caves. Orvieto sits on volcanic rock which was dug out in the Etruscan times to form hundreds of caves underground. The one we visited also had a well which was used to retrieve spring water. The caves were fascinating! They included a kiln, wine cellar and burial grounds. Many items of pottery which were excavated from the caves were on display.

Creative Stitching

Sue