Stitching News From Jan Vaine

January News

Happy 2020! Are you excited about all the new stitching opportunities that await us this coming year? My mind is full of ideas, probably more than the minutes in a day will allow! I'm almost finished with one more show and share for the upcoming Academy of Applique. Then I can hardly wait to start the new project that's been on the draft board for months. There's so much to share with you!

On the Design Wall

There have been a lot of "firsts" for me on this quilt, including designing using Broderie perse, English paper piecing clamshells, and using colors usually not in my wheel house.

The finished quilt will be about 100" x 100", much larger than any quilt I have made lately.

It will have six borders, one of which is the clamshell border shown here. Sue Daley's clamshell tutorial was helpful making the borders. Mitering the border was a bit of a challenge. It was a learning experience mitering clamshells! I love a challenge!

I'm working day and night for a finish by next week. I hope it comes together as I envision!

Academy of Applique

The 2020 Academy of Applique in Williamsburg, Virginia is almost here! Have you signed up for a special class or two? All the available classes are listed in the catalog of classes .

I pulled out both of my samples this weekend to began class handout preparations. I'm even more excited about these classes than when I first stitched the blocks!

The Grape Wreath & Chalice (pictured here) and t he Floral Urn feature lessons in hand embroidery, ribbon work, beading and stump work techniques, all beautiful additions to any of your applique projects. Please feel free to email me with any questions about either class. I would love the opportunity to stitch with you! You can register for classes here .

In The Classroom

NEW! Embroidery Sampler Book - Take 2

2nd Saturday of each month, February through July 2020, 10:30 am - 12:30pm

Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe

If you missed the first Embroidery Sampler Book, here's an opportunity to join in the fun. We will make another book with even more hand embroidery stitches, this time focusing on border stitches and how we can use them in our projects.

Join us as we play with needle and threads!

Information and Class Registration

Hand Applique Table Runner

2nd Saturday of each month, February through April, 2020, 1:00 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.

Cinnamon's Quilt Shoppe

This hand applique class is for the beginner and experienced. We will make a table runner using this tile quilt design.

You will learn how to stitch smooth curves and pointy points, along with all the basics you will need for your hand applique adventure!

Information and Class Registration

For Your Library

This month's selection is an oldy but goodie. While working on my latest three quilt projects, using Sharyn Craig's, Setting Solutions, helped give me a fresh perspective on my designs.

Sharyn's book contains great information for finding solutions to problem blocks, size dilemmmas, color clashes, orphans and what to do with plain old boring blocks.

When figuring fabric and cutting, I love the handy decimal equivalents and setting triangle charts included in the book.

Pulling this book off the shelf every once in awhile will spark your imagination and help give your quilts a fresh vibe.

Stitching Companions

Doogan is exhausted after the holidays! How about you? Rested and ready to hit the ground running into 2020?

I'm grateful everyday for another year with this precious pup! He's loving, kind, always happy, and not a mean bone in his body.

He's taught us so much about living in the moment and being content no matter the circumstances. We love you Doogan!

In Closing

May your journey through 2020 be filled with all three. Happy New Year!

Until next month,

Stay stitching,

STAY CONNECTED:

Graham Cracker Collection | 904-725-7499 | grahamcrackercollection@gmail.com