Amy & Sue & a couple of knits

It's been another busy week here!  On Monday night Chloe and I went to see Amy Butler (on the left with Valerie Wells) talk about her new book, patterns, paper goods and how she got where she is today.  It was very interesting to hear her story.  Chloe was impressed and really wanted her book, so we got that.  Amy was a delightfully warm person as well.  We were tnrilled to find out that the proceeds from the tickets for her talk were donated to the local Spay and Neuter Project- quite a worthy cause!

On Tuesday and Wednesday I got to attend a workshop with Sue Spargo.  What a treat that was!  Sue is so creative and her quilts are full of things to notice.

The best thing about the class was all the tips about embellishing.  We tried couching and various types of embroidery stitches.  It's amazing the difference between a block that's not embellished and one that is.  This next one is one that Sue is working on now.  I like the bright colors!

I had never worked with cotton and wool together so that was a new experience.  I like the variety you get working this way.

Sue's new Folk Art quilt is a favorite of mine for the animals. 

Sue is also currently working on this amazing quilt inspired by her African childhood.

Even though the class was for the Flower Bed design, I couldn't help sneaking in a horse block!  Here are the class blocks. 

If you ever have the chance to see Sue's work in person, it really is worth it.  These photos don't do them justice. 

I have been knitting a bit.  I managed to finish these socks which are not for me, and so don't fit me for a modelled shot.  This is a mishmash of sock parts from Cat's new sock book.  They are knit top down with the sky architecture.  They are made with Lorna's Laces Sock Yarn and Louet Gems (both doubled) on size 4 addis.

Finally, a hat made with Lorna's Laces Shepherd worsted in the leftover bin.  This is the Live Dangerously, Don't Swatch hat.  I added the purl ridge to give it some definition and it has the Half Linen stitch near the bottom.  It's finished off with i Cord.  This hat is knit top down.  It would probably fit a toddler, but since I don't have one I'm not sure who it would fit. This will probably go in the charity pile.

This weekend we are off to Kahneeta to camp and swim.  It's supposed to be in the 90's tomorrow and the 80's over the weekend.  Should be fun!  I'll check in next week before I leave again.

Comments

[Jeanne]

I was fortunate to take a workshop with Sue. I love her quilts. Great blocks you made. Thanks for sharing the photos.

[Roxie]

Wholly Crow! You have been one busy, busy woman! And what beauty you have been creating. Good on you!

Love the haircut, by the way.

[Stacy A]

Those classes look like so much fun! I am dying to be able to take some. I'm with you on the folk animal one. She uses such rich beautiful colors! That is so neat that you can take Chloe to these things as well. She will always remember them!

[TLC]

You are so lucky to have met Amy Butler. I love everything she designs. And thanks for sharing all those pictures. So inspiring!!