| These past few months have been a learning
experience for me, as a new leader of Rising Stars.
My goal is to have interesting speakers, showing us
techniques we may not know of, different ways of doing
something, or learning something entirely new!
Another goal is to give you a handout for reference.
At the January meet I will have a short survey for you.
I would like to know what YOU would like to see, or what
you would be interested in for the upcoming months.
I have already been given some suggestions, such as
having the small groups speak, or the "table" ladies go
into what they offer. I belong to the Crazy Quilt
small group, and these ladies do amazing things with
fabric, thread and embellishments. So, in
January, I have asked
them to come and show us how to construct a Crazy Quilt
block. As quilters, fabric keeps us coming back
for more. Add to your stash with silks, satins,
velvets or wools, men's ties, and yes, you can use
cottons! Part of the fun of this is going to a
fabric store and finding remnants, or a garage sale and
finding a satin or velvet dress for pennies! We will
have a block for you to start on, and a sample of
fabrics. We ask you to bring a needle, sewing
thread and scissors! Dee Ackley and Rose
Kahler are wonderful, patient teachers who love their
craft. When you see some of their work you will be
amazed.
Crazy Quilting began in the Victorian era. Each
square is an individual process. Finding a
combination of colors and fabrics, printed and plain,
that say something to you. You can be a purist,
sewing these by hand or by machine which is quicker and
gives you more time to do the real "creative' part which
is embellishing. Some people have done fabric
printing of grandparent, parent and sibling wedding
pictures, incorporating them into a crazy quilt block.
They can be framed, hung, put into a quilt, kept or make
wonderful keepsake gifts. The unique thing with
embellishment is it can be as simple or as ornate as YOU
the creator wish it to be! And what fun to go on
the hunt and find "treasures".
In February, I
ask you to bring your block back. You will
also need a needle that embroidery floss will fit
into the eye, and a pair of scissors. We will
have stations set up, so you can learn some basic
stitches. I will have a reference list with some
of the internet addresses and books if this is
interesting to you. We will also let you know when
our group meets, and welcome you if you'd like to join
us. The thing I have found with Crazy Quilters is
they share! Not only their knowledge, but fabric,
beads, buttons, yard, jewelry, but most important, their
friendship! The best thing that has happened to me
in years! I also have to tell you, I am still
taking baby steps in this craft.
Please join us in January and February, learn
something new, step out of your comfort zone, and enjoy!
Mary Dudzinski |
