Thursday, November 26, 2009

Happy Thanksgiving - Teaching in Harlingen, TX

I am so thankful for all the wonderful people I have met over the passed few years and for the life building opportunities that have come my way. Traveling this wonderful planet has really opened my eyes and enriched my life. I am also thankful for all our loyal customers. Special thanks to family and friends and a huge big thanks to Michelle and Cathy. I recently spent a few days in Harlingen, TX teaching. I taught an embellishment class which was filled with enthusiastic stitchers. Each chose a small project and we covered basic wool applique and embellishments. They enjoyed learning about using hand dyed velvet and couching threads. Many did my ever popular 'Early Pincushion' pattern which covers beading and couching as well as great finishing techniques. We used many different fibers to couch then added stitchery and beads. I also encourage my students to use my patterns as a starting point for their own creativity. Here one of the students changed the dog to look like her own and added roving by needle felting to add texture. I stayed with Jan. She made me feel very at home and we spent one day at the Gulf coast. We sampled great fresh seafood and she also drove me around town to show me these wonderful murals. Harlingen has many murals in town I especially loved these which were all painted with dots. What a fabulous quilt this would make! Today our house will be filled creatively with good company, fine food, wine and handwork. Enjoy this wonderful day with your family and friends. Take care Sue

Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Student Creations

As I have travelled around this fall I have been over whelmed with the finished projects from my patterns that my students have brought to share with me. I have always considered my patterns a starting point for each one of you to create your own project that is a reflection of yourself. Here are a few I would like to share which are available as patterns or books on my website. www.suespargo.comThistledown Table Rug by Barb Wigmer of MI.I love the golds and oranges that she used in her applique. Kenyan tote by BJ Kelly of Ohio. This is one of my favorite totes as it has leather handles and is very spacious for all my sewing and knitting projects. The Savannah Satchel by Robin Wallace from Maryland. The Savannah Satchel by Amy Lobsiger from MI. This pattern is from my 'Urban Sacs' book which included four different totes. The Journey Tote made by Judy Edenborough from Australia. The Journey Tote by Judi Daud from Chiloquin, OR. This bag is in the 'Urban Sacs' book.
When I was in Sisters, OR in October Debbie Potter from Vancouver, WA shared her tote with me. She made the block for the needle case which I had in the October American Patchwork and Quilting. Instead of making the needle case she put it on the from of her bag. It looked fabulous! Betty Holmes from Klamath Falls, OR made my Elizabeth Sewing kit using some of the blocks from the Folklore book. Tracy Brown from LaCenter, WA made the Elizabeth using a wonderful selection of wools and fabrics. Tracy Brown also made her version of the 'Sew Your Seeds' needle case. I love the colors she used.
I am in Houston traveling home. I had a great time in Harlingen and will be sharing the class once I have downloaded the pictures.
Keep creating
Sue

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Skinny Quilts II

Just released a new book by Eleanor Levie, 'Skinny Quilts and Table Runners II' published by That Patchwork Place. I was delighted to be asked to design a table runner for this book. I used a combination of wool and matka silk for the background and then appliqued with cottons, taffetta silk, hand dyed velvet and wool. It is embellished with rickrack and heishi beads. We have just finished putting together kits for my 'Four o'clock' table runner. These are available on my website www.suespargo.com
I am in Houston on my way to Harlingen to teach. I will be posting more student work in a few days. It is sunny here in Texas so I will soak up a little sunshine before returning to the east on Tuesday. I have many small projects to stitch on for an upcoming book so I shall get to work. I don't know what I would do with out handwork and my laptop while spending all these hours through airports.
Creative Stitching
Sue

Tuesday, November 3, 2009

Peacocks and Plumage - Quilts Down Under

This new quilt was a collaboration with my good friend Sarah Fielke from Sydney, Australia. The pattern has been published in the current issue of the Australian magazine 'Quilts Down Under' issue #137. www.downunderquilts.com.au/ I designed the center and Sarah designed the borders. We are delighted with the results! Wendy has now dyed all the hand dyed wool and velvet for this irresistible kit we have just put together. The kit includes all the wool, cotton, velvet, embellishments, backing , binding and label for this 56" x 60" quilt. If you are looking for a new winter project why not try this one! http://www.suespargo.com/kits.html#quilts Creative stitching Sue