Did you miss me? No? You might get another chance!

Summer is winding down, and soon, my kids will both be back in school. When I have a day off, I will REALLY have a day off. I'm looking forward to having a couple of hours strung together to work on my quilting and/or designing instead of a few minutes here and there. I'm hoping the extra time will inspire me to really get back to work.

I've been designing and publishing my patterns for ten years now. I've had some success, made some money, been published in a dozen different magazines, taught hundreds of classes, made lots of friends and enjoyed nearly every minute of it. I've been disappointed and taken advantage of, too, but for the most part it has been a wonderful experience.

But....I have had some new doors open up recently, opportunities I think I want to explore and see where they take me, so now I have to decide where my heart is. How do you know when the time is right to make a change?

Fortunately, if I decide to focus on something besides quilt designing I'll still be doing something creative and sewing related. I've got a lot to think about, I guess. If you've ever made a big change in your life I would love to hear about your experience.

Officially Spoiled!

I am back home after one of the most wonderful weekends I have ever had. I got to spend this past weekend at Ariel's Bed and Breakfast in Mayville, NY, making new friends and teaching my special paper piecing techniques. There were 5 of us staying at the B & B and our wonderful hostess is a quilter, too, so the weekend was even more special than I thought it would be. Margo Stuart is an amazing cook, baker, and quilter, among other things, and has lived such an interesting life I really looked forward to the times she was able to take a break from taking care of us and just sit and talk.

This is the first time I have had any reason to go up to the Chautauqua Lake area in the winter time and I loved it! Unfortunately, I forgot my camera so I am waiting for one of my friends to send me some pictures to share here. I had to check on my own little cottage that is on Lake Erie while I was in the area and got to see the lake partially frozen. What a surrealistic view we had from the cliff overlooking the lake. It was so quiet and the landscape was completely motionless so that it felt like I was looking at a photo. It was eerily beautiful and I feel so lucky to have had the opportunity to see it.

If you are ever looking for a comfortable and cozy place to stay in the Chautauqua Lake area I highly recommend Ariel's Bed and Breakfast!

Here goes nothing! Well, I hope not.

I have decided to try Craftsy! I have uploaded my Peppermints Mug Rug and Ornament pattern and it is now available by pdf download at http://craftsy.com

I hope you'll check it out since there are so many wonderful patterns available without having to wait for the mailman! There are also lots of classes to choose from. I will be adding other designs as often as I am able so check back often.

Upcoming Classes

I have 2 classes scheduled at one of my favorite local quilt shops--Quilter's Corner in Finleyville, PA. Here is a link to their class list: http://www.quilterscorner-pa.com/newsletters/print_news/print_news.php

 

There are so many wonderful projects in their newsletter I'm sure you'll find something you're interested in learning how to do!

 

Both of my classes are my original designs and are paper pieced.

 

COUNTRY CLAUS
 

This project is a wall hanging but could also be used to make pillows. One of the things I teach in my paper piecing class is how to use directional fabrics in a paper pieced project. Its not as difficult as you might think!

 

WE ALL SCREAM FOR ICE CREAM!

This table runner is also paper pieced but the center of the block is added using a Y seam. Lots of fun!!!

 

Upcoming Class!

This is one of my newest designs called CHRISTMAS ANGEL. I will be teaching an all day workshop at Sew Special in Uniontown, PA on August 11th. My sample angel is paper pieced and done in Christmas colors but she looks beautiful in other colors, too! Her hair color can be changed to signify or honor someone special in your life. Now is a good time to start on your holiday projects! There are a couple of spaces still available so if you're interested call the shop to reserve your spot. 724-438-1765

To clear up any misconceptions

It has come to my attention the class I was supposed to teach at The Original Sewing and Quilting Expo in Pittsburgh, that I was told would be cancelled, is now being taught by someone else. I am very sorry but, for reasons that are beyond my control, I won't be teaching the class I proposed. I want to clarify this was not my choice as I offered to teach the class regardless of whatever else was going on in my life. I will probably offer MY class in a local shop at some point, in the not too distant future, so send me an email if you want to be notified when it is scheduled. larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

*sigh*

My regular students, who know me well, know that I am very generous with my knowledge, my time, my talents and my tools. They know I put in a lot work when I get ready to teach a class for which there is no compensation. I don't get paid for the time I spend looking for or designing a suitable project or the gas I use to go shopping for supplies. I am not reimbursed for the supplies I need to purchase to make a sample. Yes, I usually get to keep the sample but since it needs to be kept looking like new I don't really get to use it. So it really bothers me when I get a complaint about someone having to purchase a pattern for a class.

This happened recently for a class I teach. These are new students to me so I guess it makes sense they might not understand that I am not trying to get them to spend as much money as possible but only trying to follow copyright laws. Usually, I use one of my own designs for this class and I give it to the students for free but since the summer session is 2 weeks shorter than the other sessions I had to find a simpler project to give them the best chance of finishing. The pattern in question retails for $9.95 and I give the students a 25% discount on it so they are paying less than $8 for the pattern. If I am teaching someone else's design it is illegal for me to teach a class without requiring each student to have their own copy of the pattern. I cannot photocopy it and hand it out and the students cannot share a copy or purchase one and make a copy of it themselves. To be perfectly blunt, that is STEALING, and if you do it, you are a THIEF.

Believe me, I understand wanting to get the most for your money but when the shop where you are taking a class is already letting you use one of their machines instead of making you bring your own or allowing you to use their tools and their classroom you are already on the plus side. There is no benefit to the shop to have additional wear and tear on their floor models, to have to replace needles that are broken due to the user not knowing how to use the machine properly or to have rotary cutter blades and mats wear out before they should.

The shop where I teach this class is not compensated for the use of their classroom either. The only thing they ever get out of it is an occasional machine sale or the wholesale price of a pattern or other supply. We are using their space that they pay for with their rent or mortgage payment that they could be using to teach their own class. We're also using their tools and their electricity.

Teachers that aren't nationally or internationally known aren't getting rich teaching. We do it because we love it. We love to share what we know and we love knowing that other people are enjoying learning a new skill and being successful in their creative endeavors because of our efforts.

I don't know if the right people will see this post but I hope that I have at least educated a few people out there who may be tempted to complain about having to pay for something they don't think they should. I would love to hear other peoples' thoughts on this subject, even opposing views.

Sewing and Quilting Expo coming to Pittsburgh!

In case you haven't heard, The Original Sewing and Quilting Expo is coming to Pittsburgh for the first time! The show is August 2, 3 and 4, 2012 and registration for classes has begun. Lots of big name teachers and wonderful classes! I even have the opportunity to teach my tips and tricks for paper piecing with directional fabrics!

Pictured above is my project. They are ornaments with a little pocket in the back where you can hide a gift card or other small gift for someone special. Both ornaments are made with the exact same fabric but used in different positions. If you've ever wanted to use a directional fabric in a paper piecing project but found it difficult to get it just right I can show you how!

Here is a link to the Pittsburgh show: http://sewingexpo.com/PittsburghPA.aspx

Beginning Quilting

I teach a beginning quilting community college course a couple of times a year. The project I teach has all of the elements of traditional quilting, including strip piecing, applique, adding borders, quilting, binding and adding a hanging sleeve. This is one version of that project. In the first class, I talk about choosing fabric and the supplies each student will need. I also show my first quilt and point out there are almost no points on any of my stars. In addition, I show some of my more recent quilts but I want to make sure they know I was a beginner once, too. In a recent session of this course, I met a lady who was as passionate as myself about quilting and she inspired this design. The project I usually teach has a simpler applique design but as soon as Nancy learned how to piece the background she began making more backgrounds in different fabrics. Each background had a different theme so it needed a different applique design. So far, between the 2 of us, we have created 4 other applique designs. Our idea is to do seasonal banners and this rose is the banner for February. We have also finished designs for December, March, April and October. I will post pictures of those soon. Did you take a beginning class or are you self taught? What was your first project?

Ready, Set, GO!

I am getting ready to start teaching my own independent classes. This will be our first project. It contains all of the elements of a traditional quilt so it is the perfect beginner class! I have been teaching for about 10 years but it has always been through a shop, Community College or Chautauqua Institution. I am so excited to be more in control and be able to concentrate on what my students want. Wish me luck!

What I'm Working On

This is a Christmas version of my design called Lexa's Angel. This is a design I use to raise funds for my friend's family. My friend Nikki lost her 7 year old daughter in a car accident almost a year ago. A young man, after having too much to drink, crossed the center line and hit Nikki's car head on. Lexa died that night and Nikki spent a month in the hospital and about 5 months in rehab. I think this block would make a wonderful holiday decoration or gift! If you are interested in making a donation to The Cleland Family Fund and getting this block design as a THANK YOU send me an email at: larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

The reviews are in

I always look forward to getting my evaluation after teaching Special Studies at Chautauqua Institution and was particularly proud to read them this time. So I decided to share!

The class I taught was paper piecing and I used a project I designed specifically for CI. I call it Lakeview (this photo was taken with my phone so I apologize for the quality). One of the things I teach in the class is using a directional fabric in paper piecing. I have asked other teachers who teach this technique how they handle directional fabric and have been told by most they instruct their students to avoid them but I have come up with a simple way to handle these difficult patterns and have taught it to many students over the years. I would love to teach it to many more so if you are looking for a workshop for your guild and might be interested in learning this technique and others feel free to get in touch with me!

Anyway, back to my reviews. The things we are evaluated on are as follows:

Class was well organized
Class was well prepared
Instructor had knowledge of subject
Instructor communicated effectively
Instructor made efficient use of time
Instructor enthusiastic about teaching
Students free to ask question/opinions
I would recommend this instructor

I received EXCELLENT in all of the above categories which made me feel really good but the actual written comments are what I am really excited to share.

"Can not wait to take this course next year"
"Wonderful"
"Best class I have ever taken"
"Sue was the best teacher. She is very patient and willing to take extra time with each student"

I hope you don't mind me using my blog as the refrigerator door!

Back at Chautauqua! Yay for me!

I'm back at Chautauqua Institution to teach again this week and I remembered to take a picture of the sign next to the chair that I took a picture of the last time I was here!



I love this!

While I was on the grounds of CI yesterday, I tried to take a few more pictures but my phone said my memory was full. So I have spent the morning at my cottage sending photos from my phone to my computer and then erasing them from my phone so I am ready for the next time.

Here are a few of those photos:

I know this last photo doesn't show it well, but this was a double rainbow around the sun!

Back from Chautauqua Institution and missing it already!

It is a different world there. My favorite word to describe Chautauqua Institution is "magical".

This chair sits on the corner of one of the brick streets with an invitation to sit awhile. One of these days I am actually going to sit in this chair and use it for the purpose for which it was intended. I wish I had had my good camera so you could see what the sign says or that my memory was better so I could remember exactly what it says but its something about taking a break to dream. I will be going back in August to teach again and will try to remember to get another picture of it and a close-up of the sign.

Lake Erie Sunset July 2011

My family and I are fortunate enough to own a little cottage on Lake Erie in New York. This is a picture from the bench at the end of our street on the path that goes down to the beach. We had one incredible sunset after another. This past weekend was very busy because of the holiday but we still had a wonderful time. Our cottage is in a nice, little neighborhood, with a lot of year round residents that we only get together with a couple of times a summer, but we never feel like outsiders. We had a potluck supper and Bingo at the pavilion Sunday night. Time seems to stand still here. Someday I hope to spend whole summers there and maybe build a small studio on our lot in which to teach. When I am there I tell people this is my "real life" and, what I do elsewhere, I do to finance my real life.

Do you have a favorite place to be? How often do you get there? Are you fortunate enough to live your "real life"?

An Exclusive Offer To Quilt Shop Owners



LEXA'S ANGEL

This is a picture of the actual quilt I made for my friend Nikki. It is hanging in Nikki's room at a rehab center where she is recovering from a car accident. Nikki's car was hit head on by a drunk driver in early December 2010. Sadly, she lost her beautiful, 7 year old daughter, Lexa, in the accident.

I took my design to my favorite, local quilt shop, Quilter's Corner in Finleyville, PA and spoke to the owner about using my design to raise funds for my friend's family. Mary Beth Hartnett went way beyond my expectations and produced a kit that she offered for a suggested donation of $6, of which, every penny went to the fund. Her total donation consisted of the fabric, the paper and ink to print the foundation, the packaging and the hourly salaries of her employees while putting the kits together!

She has had numerous inquiries from people in other states about getting the kits mailed out, but as you can see from my description above, she has done more than her fair share considering the only thing she is getting out of this project is a little extra foot traffic in her shop.

So I had the idea to offer this block to one quilt shop per city. The first quilt shop to contact me, from each city, about getting the block in their shop and agrees to use it as a fundraiser, to benefit THE CLELAND FAMILY FUND, will get a PDF of my design to use in any way you choose.

If, at some point, my friend and her family no longer need these funds, I will offer them to another organization, such as MADD, but for now, this design is solely intended to be used to help raise funds for my friend.

If you have any questions or want to reserve the block for your quilt shop, please feel free to contact me via email at: larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

By the way, if you don't own a quilt shop but are interested in getting this pattern, feel free to pass this information on to your favorite, local quilt shop.

So Anyway...

This is a better picture of the project I was teaching when I had my little heart "episode". Its a design I worked on a few years ago and then got distracted and moved on to something else. People have been asking me for awhile when it will be ready as a pattern and I can finally say, "IT'S READY!"

It measures 26" x 33", and is a paper piecing project. The pattern retails for $12.50 because of the buttons that are included (3 rain drops, 2 ladybugs and beads for the eyes).

If anyone out there is interested in purchasing this pattern send me an email and I will make arrangements to get it to you. larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

2011 Quilting and Needlework Seminars at Trax Market

I am pleased to announce that I have been asked to participate in Quilter's Corner's seminar day at Trax Farm! Every year the ladies from my favorite local quilt shop plan a wonderful day of demos and lectures. I have never been able to attend before because I always had to work but this year I have been able to make plans to be there as a lecturer.

I will be showing my favorite techniques and tricks for paper piecing and I am so excited to share what I know! The details for this special event are as follows:

2011 Quilting and Needlework Seminars at Trax Market


Saturday ~ March 12th


10:30am – 4:15pm


For the past several years we have spent an entire winter day in the cozy atmosphere of Trax Market. The change in scenery allows us to share over 25 different topics, both lecture and hands-on presentations, in a “round robin” format, special quilt displays, charitable opportunities, yummy box lunches, goodie bags and door prizes.


The event continues to be met with overwhelming praise – we would love to have you join us this year. Seminar teachers are already getting their plans in order, (including information about the new Bread and Butter Society, our Quilts of Valor initiative, new block of the month offerings…), so that we may share a complete schedule for the event mid February.

Please register as soon as possible as spaces fill very quickly! Fee: $39.50

I stopped at the shop yesterday and was told there were a few spots still available so if you live in Pittsburgh or coming for a visit and want to take part in this wonderful opportunity call asap and reserve your spot--724-348-8010

My Newest Angel

This is the latest version of my Angel pattern that I have sewn out. I have gotten such a wonderful response to the earlier version that I decided to work on the original design and have made some changes. Anyone that got the earlier version and would like to have the newest version can send me an email and I will send it out.

Anyone else that would like to make a donation to The Cleland Family Fund and receive my Angel pattern as a "Thank You" from me would be much appreciated.

Nicole Cleland is a friend of mine who was involved in a car accident earlier this month with a drunk driver. Her 7 year old daughter Lexa was killed in the accident and Nicole has more surgeries ahead of her and about 5 months of recovery. There is no telling when or if she will be able to return to work.

The Cleland Family Fund is set up at The First National Bank:
2550 Brownsville Rd.
South Park PA 15129
412-831-4800

Send me an email after you make your donation and I will email you the pattern for Lexa's Angel. larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com

Thank you!
Sue

Class?

I have been teaching for a local sewing machine dealer for about the past 5 or 6 years. A job which I've loved and made lots of friends while doing, but I am in the process of branching out and teaching in other cities and other states. I would also like to teach more locally and have been trying to find a room somewhere that isn't too expensive to rent for a day. I'm not sure how many local people read my blog with any regularity, but if there are any out there who would be interested in learning my techniques for paper piecing or know of a place I can teach that doesn't cost an arm and a leg, I would love to hear from you.

The project I want to teach is my Bell Door Hanger, pictured above. It is a project that can be pieced in less than a day and finished quickly. It would make a great addition to your holiday decorating or a wonderful gift!

I am teaching this class in Erie and also Uniontown, PA but would love to teach it in Pittsburgh as well and possibly Columbus, OH or Westfield or Jamestown, NY. These happen to be places that I either have a friend I can stay with or some other arrangement where I wouldn't need to pay for lodging.

I would be happy to hear from anyone in these areas to try to get something scheduled before the holidays! You can email me at: larkspurlanedesigns@yahoo.com if you have any questions or suggestions.

Thanks!

Sue

Quilting Around Chautauqua 2010

This past weekend was my annual trek to Chautauqua Institution for Quilting Around Chautauqua. This year was a little different. My friend and I had the same spots and were surrounded by the same wonderful group of vendors as in the previous years and at least one new person whom I hope to see again next year (welcome to QAC, Peter!). But normally we have a couple of friends join us who help out in our booths and drink wine on my porch in the evening and they couldn't make it this time.

Needless to say, neither of us was able to leave our booths except for a restroom break, so there was no shopping for us this year. Call it a blessing in disguise. I was also unable to take very many photos this year but I have posted what I have. The photo at the top of this post is from my newest pattern called CHRISTMAS BELLS ARE RINGING. There are 3 projects in the pattern: Table Topper, Tree Skirt and Door Banner (shown in photo).

Show attendence was good, but purse strings were being held very tightly this time. Something simply MUST be done about our economy! What is the world coming to when quilters can't afford to buy the latest fabric and patterns?

We still had a great time and are already planning for next year so its time to look ahead.

Also regulars at the show are Donna and Rick Eicher who own Sew Special, in Uniontown and Seams Like Home in Vanderbilt, PA. Seams Like Home is the new bed and breakfast they opened and have begun hosting quilting retreats like the one I am teaching October 8th, 9th and 10th. For their show special they were offering a $75 discount off the price of my retreat and $50 off of any other retreat coming up. DISCLAIMER: I AM WRITING THIS FROM MEMORY OF A HURRIED CONVERSATION AT THE SHOW, SO YOU CANNOT HOLD DONNA OR RICK RESPONSIBLE FOR ANYTHING I MAY SAY IN ERROR! Check their website for details or call their shop: 800-572-7570 or

724-438-1765. http://www.seamslikehomeretreat.com/

This house made me pull over and snap a pic. I think its my new favorite.