My Secret is Safe!

I have been waiting for a long time to be able to write this post.  I wanted to wait until after the event so that the family would have the first chance at sharing pictures and such.  This post has been kept a secret since December 2012.  It is not about quilting, but it is about sewing.  Now my secret is safe to share with you.  I offered to make a christening gown for a special little girl, thinking that the parents would not take me up on the offer and knowing that I had a good 6 months or so to complete said gown if the offer was accepted.  I guess all of that holiday sugar had gone to my head.  What WAS I offering???  Well, lawsy mercy, they said 'YES"!  The sugar rush ended and the panic began.

I can do this.  This baby lives 7 hours away from me.  I can do this.  How will I know if the mama will like the fabric I choose?  I can do this.  The mama wants 'simple'.  I can't find a 'simple' christening gown pattern.  I can do this.  What size will the sweetie be when the big day arrives?  I can do this.  I haven't sewn heirloom style in years.  I CAN DO THIS!!  For crying out loud, just do it.  So I marched myself down to the fabric store and bought a pattern, silk batiste, entreduex, beading, thread and lace.  And guess what?  I DID THIS!!

And so it began.  Pattern cut out and pleats finished.

 Pleats, lace, entreduex and embroidery.

Packed ever so carefully for the journey.  But will it fit?

YES!  It fits and the sweet family is happy with the whole thing!
Notice how her hands are positioned for prayer?

It was a wonderful day making sweet, tender memories.  And I thank this special family for allowing me to participate in such a personal way!  I will forever love and pray for this little one.

LISTEN AND LEARN

This past Friday and Saturday my LQG hosted a class taught by the talented and entertaining Debby Kratovil.  On Friday she taught two different classes, one morning, one afternoon.  Saturday brought one longer class that was fabulous!
I chose not to 'participate' in this classes.  *sigh* .... Live and learn.  I had purchased yards and yards of fabric and more than one or two books and patterns for a class at my LQG last year and had to forfeit my spot due to an unfortunate family emergency.   Sadly recalling all of this when it was time to sign up for this years fun, I dutifully walked away.  *sigh* (a little louder) ....Live and learn.  But since I am an officer in the guild I felt a responsibility to be at THIS class.  So I volunteered to be there and to  be the 'gopher' (my apologies to gophers around the world).  I schlepped in machines, ironing boards, irons, food, water, food, food and more food.  I warmed things and poured things and sliced things and slopped things.  In the middle of all of this I sat in the back with my needlework and my knitting.  I listened to Debby while I knit and stitched.  I absorb the spoken work best when I my hands are busy.

So I left with a brain swimming with knowledge of positive and negative spaces
http://www.quilterbydesign.com/MeetTheTeacher/CookieCutter.html

how to 'measure, mark, slice and shuffle,'
http://www.quilterbydesign.com/WashingtonPuzzle-Sugarloaf.html

and new methods of paper piecing from her newest book 'Paper Piecing Perfect Points'.

This is Debby, she is a lovely person!

My point?... I did 'listen and learn,' but I now know that I wish I had participated in the class as a hands on student.  For that reason the blog is titled 'LIVE AND LEARN'.  Debby is a great teacher!  If she is in your area you won't want to miss an opportunity for a class with her.  She travels extensively with the Original Sewing & Quilting Expo.  Go here to her website and check out your next opportunity to meet her and have an excellent class or two!
http://www.quilterbydesign.com

Others enjoying the class....