Recently, I signed-up
and attended an English Paper Piecing class.
My quilting
activities have been on hold for years.
Now, I was feeling the urge to return to an interest that had once been
my passion.
Maureen, a wonderful
customer of Becky’s from the Staunton Farmers Market, was going to be teaching
English Paper Piecing, a two-session class, through the Staunton Parks and
Recreation Department.
I had previously
taken classes (cheese making, soap making, cake decorating, jewelry making)
sponsored by this program and was always much satisfied and so satisfied with my
efforts.
Knowing Maureen ahead
of class time was a bonus. Maureen is
very friendly and sharing, so I knew the class would be a hit and a perfect
beginning to my return to quilting.
Unfortunately for
Maureen, I was the only student.
Fortunately for me, I was the only student. The one-on-one, private lessons were
marvelous.
I had tried English
Paper Piecing once before without much success.
Maureen passed along new techniques, amazing worksheets complete with
detailed photos, and the encouragement I needed to continue with an art I had
abandoned for other, new pursuits.
My biggest hindrance
was that, over the years, my eyesight has been deteriorating. The close handwork was more of a challenge
than I had anticipated. But, purchasing
an inexpensive pair of reading glasses was a blessing. Yes, I am getting older but I can still
manage the detailed handwork with the proper tools. The old saying, ‘If there is a will, there is
a way’ is so true.
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Appalachian Piecework - in Staunton...you must visit this shop |
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| Our work area - what a fun spot to have class! |
An unanticipated
benefit was class location. Maureen held
her classes outside a most wonderful shop, Appalachian Piecework. The shop is located in a charming old
depot. Behind the building, we sat on
the wide walkway next to the platform surrounded by flowers, old train cars,
and towering old buildings that comprise what is known as ‘The Wharf’. And, modern tracks.
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| Maureen, my fabulous instructor with a couple of her amazing 'hexie' projects |
Occasionally, a commuter train would pass us,
stop at the current operating station to unload/load passengers, and continue
on its route. The Engineer would wave as
he passed Maureen and I stitching. I
waved back. I was quickly reminded of my
childhood when waving at a train’s Engineer was a must as we sat in the car
waiting at a railroad crossing as a long and slow train passed.
The English Paper Piecing
class was a success.
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| my home workspace for this English Paper Piecing project |
Class is over and I
am still stitching on my project, a table topper for daughter Becky. I decided to use the typical Grandmother’s
Flower Garden pattern with my paper pieced hexagons, more commonly called
‘hexies’. After all, the topper will be
going on the table I gave to Becky which, originally, was my Grandmother’s
kitchen table. My fabric choice was
based on the beautiful sunflowers Becky had growing around her barn and silo
this summer - so bright and happy. I have no doubt that this is a project I
will finish.
Now that the class is
over and Becky’s Farmers Market days are over, I am sure Maureen and I will
stay in touch.
Making a new
friend…so worthwhile!
P.S. Check out
Maureen’s blog at pursuitofquilts.blogspot.com
We also have a pile
that was ready to split at the beginning of spring. It is also not cut, not split, not stacked.
