Sunday, February 27, 2011

A day of needle turn appliqué!

I have had a full and inspirational couple of weeks on the sewing front… I’m sure that each day I have discovered at least five pieces of sewing thread attached to my person while on social outings – every ‘stitcher’ out there would have recognised me as one of their own!


But the highlight for me was last Friday, when I had the great pleasure of welcoming the lovely Gail Pan and Simone Gooding in to my home to wile away a few hours chatting, eating cookies and learning the wonderful art of needle turn appliqué.


I met Gail and Simone at the AQM last November, and they’re such lovely ladies! When admiring Gail’s exquisite needle turn appliqué, she kindly offered to teach me along with Simone. And what fun it was! Gail is such a fantastic tutor!


Here is my first practice piece, a little ‘May Blossom’ birdie designed by Simone!


May blossom applique birdie


This birdie proved to be a great shape to practice on – with some inward and outward curves and a couple of points. I then went on to practice some more…


Heart applique


I purchased some Straw Needles by Jeanna Kimball’s Foxglove Cottage, and some silk thread from here. This needle is the same thickness all the way along its shaft and therefore doesn’t leave an unsightly hole in the fabric when it is pulled through. The silk thread glides effortlessly through the fabric and is a sheer pleasure to work with.


Thank you so much ladies, for sharing your time and your skills, and for an absolutely fabulous day! I thoroughly enjoyed myself! :-)


We didn’t take any photos during our get-together, but here is a photo of me with Gail at the AQM. We are standing in front of Gail’s “Berries & Bluebirds” quilt – isn’t it stunning?


AQM Gail Pan and me


Simone is a bit more camera shy, but you can see her beautiful face smiling on her blog, along with a link to her gorgeous designs, here. :-)


~~~


Before I bid you adieu, I’d just like to send out a prayer to our friends (known and unknown) in Christchurch, NZ… and a big hug and kiss for our lovely Deb. I can’t begin to imagine what these courageous people must be going through, but I hope they are feeling the love and support that is being sent their way.


Until next time…


Hugs! Vikki :-)

10 comments:

Deb said...

Hugs and kisses right back at ya Miss Gorgeous Lady!
How lucky were you, spending a day with Gail and Simone, wahoo. Private tutoring, I am definitely feeling left out now-lol. I love that quilt of Gails, its stunning.

Raewyn said...

Beautiful needleturn - wow what a privelege having two on one tutoring!! Gail's quilt sure is gorgeous and I have been very tempted to do it.

Abby and Stephanie said...

Beautiful! Although I don't care to applique, of the methods I've learned needle turn is my favorite.

Joy said...

Ya know I'm jealous don't you ;o)!!!
What fun to have such expert tuition from Gail :o)!!! Looks like you did a fabulous job on your blocks too.
Love n hugs,
Joy :o)

Kerryanne @ Shabby Art Boutique said...

What a creative and talented gathering Vik. I'm sure the tutoring was priceless and the company very inspiring. You did a great job sweetie.
Hugs ~ Kerryanne

Jenny of Elefantz said...

Well done, Vikki!! There'll be no stopping you now - I expect to see lots of lovely needle-turn gracing your precious designs in the future. Thanks for sharing those tips about needle and thread...you know I need to learn this myself. :-)
Hugs
Jen
xxx

Allie said...

How fun to learn needle turn right from an expert! Your applique is looking very lovely, my dear - something I would love to learn myself, just don't have the patience, lol!

John'aLee said...

That sounds like so much fun! Nothing like getting together with some like minded ladies.
Your applique looks great. It will open up a whole new world for you now.
I too love the straw needles and silk thread! Only way to go.

PatchworkPottery said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
PatchworkPottery said...

Vikki, Thanks for the link to the needles! I just purchased a bunch of sampler packs :o) Hugs, L

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