Grace Frame Class January 17th 2012

This time last year we were all struggling to get to work - this year we've had a few frosts (minus 7 at home this morning - quite fresh) but nothing like the chaos of last year.   At least it means that our classes aren't disrupted by people either unable to get to the class or getting stuck trying to go home.  So another full day class of Grace customers learning how to load a quilt on the frame, a bit of needle theory and threads with hands on before lunch to load the quilt.  After lunch we focused on the quilting using Pam Clarke's 8-Line and Straight Line Stencils. 

Joy demonstrating the 8-Line Stencil

Practising quilting designs

Putting it into practice on the Gracie Frame 

It's Christmas!

Happy Christmas to all our customers - we thank you for your custom during the year and wish you all a very merry and festive Christmas and a Happy New Year!


We'd like to share a few photos with you - putting a face to a name when you call is always nice.  They were taken earlier this week when we got together with all the Cotton Patch Staff for the annual Christmas lunch - a lovely meal at a local hostlery!  There are a few people missing from the photos but most of us are here...

Geoff makes an unusual entrance by doing an imitation of the Adams Family "thing" (note the hand on the table). We wonder why he didn't pick the more appropriate seasonal route and come down the chimney!

With a bit of help from Ken he finally makes it in one piece!

Nikki pulling crackers

Rob, Simon, Rosanna, Ellie and Catherine - some of Santas helpers

An attractive ring from one of the crackers!

Nik and David discussing when the sale should start!

Dawn, Jayne, Ken and Margaret with Joy who teaches classes at The Cotton Patch Studio

Paula

Pat and Cherrie

Joy and Jayne with Ken 

Dawn

Jean and Geoff

Lorraine, Ellie and Catherine

Alan and Denise

Rob (who has a new arrival due any day now!) and Simon

Alison

Julie and Liz

The reaction of one of Santa's Helpers when the words "Felting Tool" and "Kirstie Allsopp" were used in the same sentence.  

If this doesn't mean anything to you just need to click on the Channel 4 Link here. 

Delia's Cranberries comes to mind! 

Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting Class

It's been a hive of activity these past eight weeks down at The Cotton Patch Studio and now we can post the results of all of this creativity!


Well done to everyone for completing the Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting course which is for people who have either never done patchwork and quilting before or who would like to learn more about the basics such as rotary cutting, using templates, getting the most from your sewing machine, making colour choices, hand and machine piecing,applique, hand and machine quilting as well as basic construction methods.  


The fact that they've signed up to do the Beginners Lap Quilting course next term says it all!  We look forward to see you in 2012 at one of our Workshops or Courses. More details can be found on our Classes Page.

Picture below are a few of the Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting Students with their patchwork and Joy.  Credit has to go to Joy Edgington, the class tutor, for making it all happen - the feedback included comments such as "Excellent course + Briliant tutor" and "Excellent tuition. I didn't feel rushed and was able to work at my own pace." 

There are still places available on the afternoon "Introduction to Patchwork and Quilting Course" on Friday afternoons from 1:30pm to 4:30pm - so if you're looking for a friendly and welcoming environment in which to learn please check the latest status of our classes by visiting this link.

Grace Frame Workshop on Saturday

Joy and I enjoyed our day with four Grace Frame studenti on Saturday. It's great to see everyone enthused by their new-found skills and ready to put them into practice when they get home.

Joy enjoying some of the drawing attempts!

No Cribbing!

Continuous Line Drawing

Honing drawing skills before doing it for real - Muscle Memory!

Putting the learning into practice - Pantographs

Class Photo!

More Grace Frame Workshops are being run in January 2012 - check out our website for our Class Schedule for more information and if you would like to join us call us to book on 0121 702 2840. We look forward to seeing you!

Grace Frame Workshop 16th November

Lots more quilting and learning happening at The Studio today...here are a few pictures. Everyone seemed to enjoy getting plenty of hands on practice of the various techniques and hopefully that new-found confidence will mean lots more quilting at home!

The Group with Joy

How to use the 8-line Stencil

Caroline doodling on the 8-line and getting creative.

Myrna doodles

Hands On

If you have a Grace Frame we now have a Grace Frame Owners group for Europe on Yahoo Groups - share your knowledge, experience, solutions, photos and problems with likeminded quilters!! The link is GraceFrameOwners