Friday, March 30, 2012

Teaching (..and not teaching)

It's occurred to me more than once, that this scene is my comfort zone. 

No matter what kind of chaos, minor ailments, grief or stress is going on in daily life, I step into this scene and feel like I'm home. 

It's wonderful to meet so many other people from the sewing-tribe, who are interested and enthusiastic about the same things that I am.  Best of all, I get to see them take a journey from uncertainty and self-doubt to bustin-out-all-over pride in their achievements.

Thank you Bargain Box in Mornington and all the fab people who came to the class and trunk show on Wednesday.  (Apologies to those of you who read my mailing list false-advertisement about the sewing machines being included in the 30% off special on the night.  I can't read or write late at night, obviously, and somehow read "EXCLUDES" and wrote "INCLUDES"...).


I'm currently gathering up my kit  and packing my bags to fly up to Canberra in the morning.  I'll be at Addicted To Fabric all day Saturday and Sunday.... and loving it.
 
Of course, there are other times when my teaching is unwelcome forbidden.... My knows-everything-about-sewing 6-year-old is on the home straight with the quilt she began in the last school holidays.  It's a lap-quilt for me, for when I'm working at the computer in winter.
 ...and it's coming along quite nicely thankyou, without any input from me. 

Rather typically, this quilt designer has opted for a less-than-traditional approach.... leaning more towards the art-quilt end of the spectrum.  Each block has been an experiment in colour combining, fabric origami, fibre and texture.... and all has been shoved under the poor little Mini Elna with great confidence and lots of singing.


My heart swells....


15 comments:

willywagtail said...

Ah. Now this is the installment I was keenly waiting for. Further work on Missies art quilt. Be sure to take many pictures of the finished product in it's pristine state because I can see years of use ahead!! Cherrie

Unknown said...

I notice some of those edges have been trimmed with pinking shears, and are some of them turned under as well? It looks like somebody is moving on to the next level! I bet that quilt will keep you all kinds of warm :)

Gwen said...

This quilt is already gorgeous! It's so precious, something for you to treasure :)

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Jenny from Ohjoh said...

You can pop that quilt over your legs at her first fashion show in Paris!

Lisa H said...

My daughter's first quilt at age 10, although more traditional (made from pre-cut 5" squares) is so precious. She would not allow me to have any input in the placement of the print or colours. It is only small and makes the most beautiful wall art in her room. She is now 15 and it completely clashes with the darkness of The Hunger Games & Harry Potter posters, but she keeps it there, as a reminder of what she achieved on her own. I love it and hope that when she moves out she doesn't take it with her.
Congratulations on your daughter's passion and I know it will keep your legs and heart warm for many years to come.

Leonie said...

When I see pics of your classes I always wish I was there. Love the lap quilt. Got me all teary.

Karen said...

She really is amazing Nikki - such confidence!

Fiona said...

Please just hop on a plane and come and do some classes in Europe! Please!!

Your wee girl has certainly inherited your crafty genes - love her quilt (and her confidence!).

CurlyPops said...

The wee girls fabric origami quilt is going to be a family heirloom for sure!

Gemma@prettybobbins said...

LOVE the quilt your daughter is making! So special. I might have to teach my 3 kids now... Mr 3.5 is particularly keen to sew and I'm sure that he couldn't damage my old Husqy, I'd just be worried about sewing over fingers. Is your daughter using a machine especially designed for kids?

Fer said...

That child is so beautiful! (although I'm still waiting for photos of the Suzi Q hairstyle....)

Have fun in Canberra!

A Peppermint Penguin said...

she'd find me very boring!

so do you teach a class on how to remember to sew your label in before you finish a bag that was so tricky you can't unpick and it has nowhere you can stick it on outside?

Katy Cameron said...

Oh that quilt is going to be one to treasure!

meli B said...

The quilt your daughter is making is amazing! I can't imagine a child that age making more than a sock puppet! It's in her blood.