Back in March this year I went along to the Fashion Stitch embroidery Show at the NEC in Birmingham where I was fascinated by this quilt entitled 'Karma'.
At the time I blogged about it here and I kept going back to it at the Show. Today I have been to a workshop at the Husqvarna Studio in Nottingham and guess who the tutor was? Yep! Got it in one. Gilli Theokritoff, the maker of this stunning quilt. Gilli is part of a group called Contemporary Expressions , a very talented group of ladies who support each other and exhibit together. I was thoroughly delighted to meet her and the workshop was excellent.
As you can see from the collage above Gilli put us through our paces with free machining. (Excuse the yellow thread on cream fabric, not the best colour to choose). I have done previous workshops with Gina Ferrari which have been equally as informative and enjoyable and this was a chance to brush up on the skills that I should be using regularly but haven't been. Bad girl! Anyway, I made a bit of a hesitant start but with Gilli's guidance and a very relaxed atmosphere my confidence started to grow and I really enjoyed the day and learned some new things too. The workshop came at just the right time as I have recently acquired a much more sophisticated machine with all the whistles and bells and I've been a bit scared of it but I feel ready to tackle a bit more now. I have to say that we worked so hard that I had to wimp out before the allotted time was up and retire home exhausted but it was worth it!
Thank you all for your words of support for my friend. Her leg is broken and she should have had an operation yesterday but at the last moment it was called off as her bloods were wrong. She now has to wait a few days while they treat her so that she is as strong as she can be before they give her a new ball joint. G is so strong, she is just accepting the delay and getting on with it. I'm sure being confined to bed will pall in a day or two though. It was G who insisted that I attend the workshop today even though I wanted to visit her. A special lady.! I told her she is in good company, Zsa Zsa Gabor and the Queen Mother both had hip replacements very late in life (Zsa Zsa Gabor has of course only just had hers done).
Enjoy your weekend wherever you are.
12 comments:
Pleased your friend is so positive! A good workshop to go on! My BIL was a tutor there for digital images and embroidery - I had to give him some help with ideas!
Your machine stitched sample is great, so glad you enjoyed your workshop and got to meet the maker of the quilt that inspired you so much :o)
Wow your workshop sounded good and it was an unexpected pleasure to meet the person who had created the quilt you liked so much. Enjoy your weekend - and hope that your friend's operation goes well for her.
I can see why you kept returning to that quilt Julie - it is stunning. I like that yellow thread on the cream fabric and your sample stitch patterns, and so glad you got to the workshop - hope you haven't suffered too much for all that hard work. Glad to know your friend is coping with the delay for her op.
gla d your friend has remained cheerful - your workshop sounds great - I am going to FOQ on Frid , Sat and Sunday - I hope we could meet up for coffee if you have time?
Hi Julie,
I can see why you were inspired by the beautiful quilt.
Have fun with your new machine!
Hope your friend is well soon.
M x
Hi JP, my plans for FOQ are now a bit doubtful because of my friend's health and I do have several classes booked so I think I had best say regrettably I won't be able to meet up. I hope you enjoy the show yourself. If you should spot me as I'm strolling about say Hi, I should have my dyed patchwork bag over my shoulder and a Contemporary Quilt Group badge on and quite possibly one of Dogdaisychains brooches on.
i will keep my eye out for a Jackie type brooch - hope you get there and enjoy it
Your free machining is looking very good Julie... and a new whizzy machine... how exciting is that! Fingers crossed you don't catch DH's cold.
the sampler has me green with envy. I haven't made any progress learning to free motion. your friend is an inspiration. do take care of yourself.
Oh, that Karma quilt is stunning! I hope your friend is recovering now.
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