American Patchwork and Quilting Creative Circle - Des Moines

After market I was invited by American Patchwork and Quilting magazine along with 22 other designers to be a part of their 'Creative Circle' retreat. We travelled by bus to Des Moines on Sunday night arriving at a local hotel.

The next morning we were introduced to all the staff and to the creative concept for the next couple of days. We were all to be ourselves and leave our businesses behind. As we walked into the workshop we were all amazed at all the wonderful supplies that were provided for us to play with.

The tables were laden with fabrics, craft supplies, ribbons, and buttons. What a feast for the eyes!

Our first challenge was to cover a small journal which told a little about ourselves. We had an hour to do this and could use anything from the share table.

Our next challenge was a group project. We were given a basket with a few odd items in it and we had to make a useful quilting project that everyone would want. After designing it we had to present it to the group and sell the idea. Many of them were very creative.

My group designed a must have 'Travel Sewing Caddy' with all the trims. Our challenge was to use a pinwheel and some plastic clasps.

The other groups designed an array of fun items like a 'sparkle machine' to identify all you sewing products.

'Lola' to hold all you sewing items.

'Magic Fairies' to help with your sewing projects.

The 'Invisa Necklace' to make all your sewing purchases invisible when bringing them into the house.

A non slide foot cover for your sewing machine pedal.

We had a great time with this challenge and many laughs.

The second day we spent the morning at Meredith Corporation. They do many magazine publications including American Patchwork and Quilting. The building is full of wonderful art work. One of the most striking was by Dorothy Gillespie these wonderful forms which filled the entrance.

The older part of the building also had these wonderful painted walls by Richard Haas.

I was amazed to find out that every recipe in Better Homes and Gardens is tested before publication. We were treated to a wonderful salad lunch at the test kitchen.

My favorite part was the test gardens which were in full bloom. What a wonderful place to work in the middle of a city!

Later that afternoon a couple of us went to see this amazing stone sculpture by Andy Goldsworthy.

Many thanks to all at American Patchwork and Quilting for a great few days. It was very rejuvenating.

Creative Stitching

Sue

Spring Quilt Market - Minneapolis

The energy at market was wonderful. Everyone was enthusiastic and interested in trying new products in their stores. I was very fortunate as Melissa Becker joined me to help in my booth. It was great to spend time with her as she now lives a fair distance from my home.

At the last minute Lori Baker decided to come to market to shop and was able to share our room. We all had a good time together.

My booth was filled with quilts from my two new books 'Robin Run the Hedge' and 'Contemporary Folk' as well as my wonderful Genziana wool thread that I wholesale.

I love the Japanese fabrics and I am always excited to see what Seven Islands new lines are. You must admit they are always really fun. As you can imaging I bought quiet a lot of new fabrics for my website. These should all arrive late July.

My friend Anni from Australia was at market with her husband Peter. Her booth 'Hatched and Patched' is always full of wonderful sweet designs. We had a great dinner outdoors with them on Saturday night. I will also be teaching at her store in Australia in August.

Melissa and I had a little time out on Thursday and spent the day down town shopping. It was the day of the Farmers Market. The sun was shinning and the streets were full of colorful fresh produce. It reminded me how much I love to garden and how I can't wait to get my hands back in the dirt.

The most amusing sight we saw was the Pedal Pub which passed down the main street each night. It was filled with happy and laughing participants having a drink and peddling down the road. Minneapolis is one of my favorite destinations for market. Everything is very convenient.

I am very fortunate to have be invited to the 'Creative Circle' in Des Moines by American Patchwork and Quilting Magazine so I will be spending the next few days as their guest.

Keep Stitching

Sue

Workt By Hand - Tipp City Ohio

I just spent a great weekend teaching at our 'Workt by Hand' retreat with Melissa Becker, Alice Strebel and Sally Korte. This is an annual workshop which takes place in Tipp City, Ohio. This year we had 48 participants including students from Australia, New Zealand and England.

The theme was a cube using 9 different applique designs. Each one of use used these designs in a different way. I chose to do a wall piece and made boxes to mount on my wall at home. I pieced the backgrounds and used different fabrics and stitches for texture.

Sally made a swag making cubes using different fabrics, cross stitch designs and fun edgings.

Melissa made great slouchy cubes to set in a basket. She then wrapped each one with hand dyed rick rack and ribbons.

Alice stacked hers and made them into a lamp.

Each piece was unique and very creative.

We also do a surprise project on Thursday night. This year Sally designed this fabulous bird pincushion on an olive tray. It was a great success!

Here are a few of the beginnings of the student works. I hope you enjoy them. I can't wait to see the finished products.

I am now at market in Minneapolis with Melissa. We set up the booth today and hope to go shopping tomorrow. Market starts on Friday and I hope to find new and exciting products to embellish my wool quilts with.

Keep stitching and creating

Sue