Thank you Marlene!

Today's post is a big thank you to Marlene Chaffey. I have done 3 workshops by Marlene - all of them at Step by Step in South Molton. I would have liked to have had a link to a website of Marlene's, but I can't seem to find a website for her. Anyway, last Saturday I went to a workshop, with the title - Tropical Breeze. Marlene told us that she had learned the technique from Caryl Bryer Fallert at a class in America - the link shows the quilt that Marlene did a workshop in. Marlene has since gone on and designed her own piece, using the techniques she learned in America. On Saturday she showed us the technique, which uses freezer paper, spray starch and monofilament thread in both the needle and the bobbin. The technique also uses washable non-toxic non-acidic (I think) glue. The glue allows the pieces to be put together without using pins, and makes it very easy to manage the curves.

I spent a little time after the workshop to put a bit more of the piece together - so I had a bit more to show mum and Super Uncle George and Fantastic Aunt Helen. Having got back from my travels yesterday, I spent time today in my room - and put together the whole piece. It isn't finished yet, as I still need to quilt it. It took quite a bit of time today to decide on the colour of the stems; Marlene emphasised that the stems needed to be a strong contrasting colour. Pink was the best fit colour that I could find, having auditioned others - the others just didn't have quite the right effect.

The next piece is the first workshop that I did with Marlene. The title of the workshop was 'Devon Landscapes'. It was the first workshop that I did using freezer paper, and stitch and tear. The quilt that was on display showed a landscape in pastel colours, and that was what most people at the workshop did. However, as my blog tends to show, I don't really do muted colours! I decided to show a Devon landscape in the summer - bright colours. I couldn't decide on the colour for the surround - but eventually I tried the pastel fabric, and thought that it went quite well. After that, I tried to find the right fabric for an inner border; as the song goes - I still haven't found what I'm looking for! I have seen a couple of fabrics that I could use - both of them are grey fabrics - one lighter, one darker. I need to trial them both again, and try to get it finished. It is due to have some foxgloves on it, just outside the the oval border.

The last piece I was going to show is going to have to wait until another time now, as it is about time for me to warm up a bit - and read in bed. I hope to do some more work in the sewing room tomorrow, but I really need to do some school work (don't you hate doing work during a holiday); I've got reports to write, books to mark, homework to mark, coursework to sort out and comments sheets to write; schemes of work to get on with, and also positive comments sheets to compile for my tutor group - as well as another couple of surprises I want to do for them - there are only about 30 teaching days left with them until they go! So - until the next time..... - this is me signing off for the time being.