Viewing posts from: Barbara

30
Aug

Barbara M. Burnham 5 Questions

By Barbara|Five Questions|Be the first to comment!

Burnham_222

 

1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?
That’s easy! Hand appliqué, of course! Now, give me a day all to myself, and you will find me basting a top and hand quilting. There are many quilts waiting for completion!

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?
My husband, Ed is totally supportive. He helps with the technology I use to teach appliqué and quilting. Students love the overhead camera projected behind me. It allows every student to see what I am sewing almost as if they are looking through my eyes, and when I “Zoom,” extreme close-ups are better than I can see with my own eyes. My sister is also a quilter, but she does not appliqué, so she is happy to have some quilts I have made. The rest of the family is just glad to know I am enjoying life.

 

BluebirdQuilt-222

3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?
These embroidered bluebird blocks were sewn when I was maybe 5 years old with my grandmother. It is about time to get them quilted, don’t you think?

Up next is a set of appliquéd bluebirds, waiting “in the wings” for me to hand quilt. A vintage 1940s quilt in an antique booth caught my eye, but I could not afford it at the time. So, when “Quiltmaker” magazine offered the pattern, I had to make it! Mine will have some lovely feather wreaths quilted in alternate blocks.EmbrBluebirds-222

4. What is on your “bucket” list?
Retirement from “9-to-5” is coming soon! Maybe another book? Design more patterns? There will lots to do, appliqué samples to sew, and workshops to teach! Appliqué and hand-pieced blocks and tops of all shapes and sizes wait “in the wings” wondering what they will become someday. So many, I think my “bucket” runneth over!

What do you want to be known/remembered for?
At a quilt show I attended sometime in the 1970s, a lady was demonstrating hand quilting and she invited me to give it a try. She so patiently taught this beginner how to hold the needle and quilt with a rocking stitch. Her name was Carole Blankenbeckler. I have never forgotten her kindness and patience. I have been truly honored to attend workshops with many wonderful teachers. Every one of them taught me something useful, and I think that is something worth being remembered for.

5. Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?
Antique and vintage quilts just make my heart sing. I feel very fortunate to live near Baltimore, especially when the classic antique Baltimore Album quilts are exhibited at the Maryland Historical Society and the Baltimore Museum of Art. One of those exhibits brought about the founding of Baltimore Appliqué Society in 1993 “to preserve antique quilts and promote the art of appliqué.” I became a charter member. Being active with BAS programs has provided me a fountain of inspiration and encouragement, as well as many wonderful friendships.

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27
Aug

Cori Blunt 5 Questions

By Barbara|Five Questions|Be the first to comment!

Cori Blunt

Cori Blunt

1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?

An hour…all to myself? That rarely happens around here! When it does, I get out my pencil and paper because quiet time is when I can gather my thoughts and draw up a fabulous design to applique, or make a much needed “to do” list. I will sometimes even spend it designing on my computer. I work much better in a clean and organized space, so I may even spend that time tiding up my studio. I really enjoy those times, and I am almost always found in my crafting space if I get the opportunity.

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?

What my family thinks?…. well, at least my husband is proud of me. He thinks it is pretty cool that I sell patterns all over the world, and even says nice things about it every now and then. I put up a map of the world in my studio and a little sparkle goes on every new destination my patterns are being sent. After 8 years in business it is becoming quite blingy, and I sure enjoy watching my map become more and more sparkly. Although my kids complain….and can’t really see the magic in my madness yet, they continue to be very helpful putting together patterns and taking trips to the post office with me. I have always appreciated their help. Occasionally I get complaints…like “What’s for dinner?” or….”Mom…you said you would be ready 10 minutes ago.” but I am only helping them learn patience….and cooking! My oldest daughter is now working as a pastry chef…and I am taking all the credit for that. If I hadn’t starved her, well then she would have never discovered her talent with food, now would she? It is all about finding the positive…lol. All kidding aside, I am thrilled to be able to work from home and be there for my kids when they need me. They all think what I do is pretty “cool” but do you know what is the most “cool?” I get to call them mine! They are a treasured crew.

3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?

The biggest project I am currently working on is my Paper Ladies Collection with Madame Samm at Sew We Quilt. This is a year long block of the month program that we started back in March. It has been nothing but joy creating these patterns with Madame Samm, and we do have plenty of pictures on both our blogs showcasing our work. I am doing two versions of this applique quilt. A fusible version, and a needle-turn version. I cannot wait to get them finished up. As our year is coming to an end, I am really looking forward to my next big project with her and I hope that it is as beautiful as this one is turning out to be. I cannot wait to show you the completed quilts and should have them both finished up to showcase at Academy.

4. What is on your “bucket” list?  What do you want to be known/remembered for?

Bucket list…..hmmmmm, as far as this craft goes, I am going to finish up this Nursery Rhyme Quilt. It will be the most applique on a quilt I will ever attempt.

Known for…wellllll I suppose I want to be known for my lighthearted style and creative quilts. I truly enjoy breaking the rules – quilting rules. I love to think outside of the box and attempt what has not been seen or done before. I love the challenge of creating something all my own. I want to be known for my attention to detail, and uniqueness of the quilts I create.

Remembered for….I want to be remembered for being fun, quick to learn, fast to admit a mistake, and a joy to be around.

5. Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?

My inspiration is found in my love for others. The quilts that I have created are all created as a treasured memory of a loved one, or a special interest of someone I love. I draw inspiration from anything and everything, but the original idea for any of my quilts is born out of love for another. I think that is why I get so attached to my quilts. I stitch all of my thoughts and wishes into that special project for them. It may be for child, parent, sibling, or friend, but always my love for them is where I find the inspiration to create something they would cherish. If I do not have this special connection to my project, I seldom, if ever finish it and wind up giving or throwing it away. Love for another is the only tie that binds me to a quilt.

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25
Aug

Becky Goldsmith 5 Questions

By Barbara|Five Questions|Be the first to comment!

Becky Goldsmith

Becky Gold Smith

1. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?

That almost never happens but when it does, depending on the time of day it is I do the following:
Catch up on reading my favorite blogs
Read a book
Lately I’ve been watching episodes of Battlestar Galactica (the new one) while appliqueing

2. What does your family think about your quilting business?

They love it! Only my husband has known me before I was a quilter—my sons came of age after Linda and I started Piece O’ Cake. Now my boys are grown and married. One of my DILs,  is my office manager. Their youngest son, who is 2 1/2 now, has lately started ‘filling orders’ when he’s here and his mom is working. He’s busy and we have to watch what he picks up, and pay attention to where he puts it.
I am lucky that my family has always supported my efforts, and that they are always willing to help when needed.

3. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?Preview

I have a new pattern that will work well as a block of the month going right now. I wish I could share pictures, but it’s a secret for now.

4.  What is on your “bucket” list?  What do you want to be known/remembered for?

Bucket list:
I want to travel more for fun, not work.
I plan on making quilts that don’t necessarily look like ‘me’. I have several ideas but I need to begin before I know how they will turn out.
I want to be a better photographer.
In quilting, I’d like to be remembered for the patterns that I have drawn and for the instructions that I have written that help others make the quilts that they want to make.
In life, I want to be remembered as someone who was a good person. Every day I try to do my best to make that true.

5.  Where do you get your quilting/appliqué inspiration?

Everywhere.  I pay attention to what I see knowing that inspiration can come from anywhere, at any time.

Thanks Becky,
If anyone would like to visit Becky’s wesite for additional information please go to http://pieceocake.com/

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19
Aug

Barb Eikmeier’s Five Questions

By Barbara|Five Questions|Be the first to comment!

Barb Eikmeier1. I read on your website http://barbsfavorites.com/ that you have a family of writers. What does everyone write about? 

My son writes poetry and short stories, his wife is a screen writer -she writes for The Flash, which is on the CW Network, my daughter dabbles in screen writing, and my husband is writing a story about a Korean War veteran. I do freelance writing for quilt magazines, and have been writing memoir – most recently stories about when I was 22 years old and a new graduate nurse working in a critical care unit. Do you know how many nurses end up as quilters? Lots of us! And I’m working on a novel with a quilt in it- an appliquéd quilt, of course!

2. Are you as good a pie baker as you are a quilter and will you share recipes?

I think my pies are a little on the rustic side, I don’t know how to keep them from boiling over so they usually have that opps! look. I’ve won a few ribbons at the County Fair but not the Best of Show; it’s the ribbon I want! It’s fun to enter contests but mostly I make pies for people who love to eat pie. I’m including my favorite Army Wife Pie Crust recipe. My mom taught me that fruit pies are all the same basic recipe: 4 cups of fruit or berries, 1 cup of sugar, 1/4 cup of flour, and 2 Tablespoons of butter. She also taught me to bake my pies in a hot oven, 425 degrees for fruit pies. My quilting buddy, Kathleen Webb taught me to follow the pie recipe on the can of tart cherries. (She HAS won the Best of Show ribbon!) I think my cherry pie is tasty but my best pie is apple. The secret is in the apples – half Gala and half Golden Delicious. Recipe For: Never Fail Pie Crust AKA: The Army Wife Pie Crust recipe From the Kitchen of: Barb Eikmeier via Pat J. Year/History of Recipe: This recipe was given to me by another army wife in 1994 or 95 at Fort Irwin, CA. I had it in my recipe box for 16 years before trying it. If I had tried it sooner I would have made pies much earlier in my life! Pat’s tip of using a pastry cloth and a sock on the rolling pin was what I needed to know to be successful at making pie crust. Ingredients:3 Cups flour1 ¼ cup shortening1 egg, well beaten5 T water1 T vinegar Directions: Cut shortening into flour and salt. Combine beaten egg, water and vinegar. Pour liquid into flour mixture all at once. Blend with a fork just until flour is all moistened. Roll out with a pastry cloth with a rolling pin with a sock.  Bake at 450 for 10-12 mins for a pie shell, or 425 for a two crust fruit pie for 35-45 mins.  Makes 3-4 crusts.

3. When you get an hour all to yourself what do you do?

Clean up my sewing room! I am a messy quilter and I tend to go from one project to the next with barely a pause between. I actually find it relaxing and even fun to have an hour to go into my sewing room and tidy up. The mess is all on the surface, if you open drawers and peek inside you’ll discover that I’m actually quite organized.

4. What does your husband think about your quilting business?

My husband works fulltime so he seldom travels with me although he does his share of airport shuttles. We’ve been married for 31 years and he understands that I am at my best when I am pursing my own interests. My quilting business has taken a shift in the last year with the addition of designing fabric and filming a class for Craftsy. Sometimes I get a snippet of what he thinks of my business like when he came in while I was doing a Craftsy rehearsal via Skype. Afterwards he told me, “You sounded so professional, like you really know what you’re talking about!” He puts up with a lot, like my messy sewing room, and having to make his own dinner, but he has been known to draw the line like the time that I had some quilting friends coming over for a morning of sewing. It was the day after his birthday and I had baked him a blueberry pie in lieu of cake. He was on his way to work when he turned around and drove back home, came into the kitchen and asked, “You aren’t going to give my birthday pie to the quilt ladies are you?”

5. What big project are you working on now or next, and do you have pictures?

I have half the blocks completed on Sue Garman’s, Ladies of the Sea – I’m doing them in Back Basting Appliqué. It’s a big project!

Ladies of the Sea

Thanks for the fun of 5 questions!

Barb

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05
Jul

HAPPY 4th OF JULY

By Barbara|Academy Business, Quilts|1 Comment

HAPPY 4TH OF JULY!  A day when we celebrate our nation’s independence.  It occurs to me that a relatively small group of men, with passion and commitment for their cause, ultimately convinced a nation to follow their lead.  How impressive is that!  And how similar to us (The Academy of Applique) a relatively small group of women with passion and commitment for our cause; that of practicing and spreading the love of appliqué.

Ever since my boys were little, I was known as “The Quilt Lady.”  I think I have worked with more classrooms (in school and church) sharing my passion of quilting, than fireworks celebrating the 4th.  Sharing the history of this art form, and watching the pride in the students upon their completion of a “handmade” project; gave me hope for the future of this generation.  I LOVED working with the kids (and now have a greater respect for actual teachers).  Kids from the “immediate gratification” and “the world owes me” generation, opened their minds, if only for a bit, to the values of a previous generation.  How wonderful!  Do you have a similar past?

And then, at some point, I found appliqué.  This offered another layer of the art form for me.  It is ANYTHING but “immediate gratification,” but I love the hand work.  I love feeling that I am creative (although I use commercial patterns), I love the process, and I love the feeling of pride upon completion.  I talk constantly about what project I just finished, what project I am going to start, and what project I would ultimately like to accomplish.  I talk about teachers, designers, and hero appliqué’rs.  Those that know me, at work or at play, know that I am an Appliquér.  Do you share the same credentials and your passion for this art form?

To keep this passion, commitment, and art form alive . . .and in honor of the 4th of July . . .  the Academy of Appliqué offers this “SPECIAL:” Invite, coerce, drag a new attendee to the Academy of Appliqué in historic Williamsburg in 2016 and receive $50.00 off of both your and the new attendee’s tuition.   I am convinced that once they experience the Academy, and see your works as well as those of our nationally known teachers . . . they will be hooked.  The goal is to increase the number of followers to our cause and art form – appliqué.   This can be ANYONE that did not attend the Academy this year (2015).  The offer is valid for main academy classes, or Add-A-Day classes.  The offer can be “stacked” – if you invite two new attendees you will receive $100.00 off of your tuition, and each of the new attendees will receive a tuition reduction of $50.00 each.

Help spread the word!  And again, Happy 4th of July!

Currently in Progress..

In Progress Sue Garman

 

Keep Stitchin’

Barbara Blanton

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26
May

Blessed Memorial Day

By Barbara|Uncategorized|Be the first to comment!

Blessed Memorial Day to our extended Appliqué family who served, are serving, or have family members that served or are serving our great country.  Regardless of your political views currently or previously; regardless of your views on the current war or previous wars – I respect and am grateful for those that were called or felt the calling to serve and protect our freedoms.  It is true that “Freedom isn’t free.”  Thank you for your service!

As you can see below, I use any and every excuse to hang the bunting.  I love the house all decorated up.

House Bunting

Having (3) days off of work, I forged forward with the Lily Rosenberry quilt by Sue Garman.  I will show pictures in a couple of weeks when I hope to have the top complete.  I even took an EPP (English Paper Piecing) class from my good friend Lee Wallingford during my time off.  She is definitely a pro and had lots of tips and tricks.  Inspired by Judy Severson’s quilts, I can’t wait to combine EPP with appliqué.

Just a couple of thoughts on the Academy:  I hope you are as excited as I about the 2016 Academy of Appliqué!  I hope we are able to offer MANY styles of appliqué, as well as many techniques.  We cater to the absolute beginner, the skill builder student, as well as the advanced student.  We have projects from Baltimore, to whimsical, to wool.  The class “schedule” will be posted on August 1, 2015 and registration will begin at noon (Eastern time) on Labor Day, September 7th.  If you are receiving this blast via your personal email account, then we have you registered to receive updates and a countdown to registration.  If you are reading this blast via a social media (Facebook, etc.), please go to the website www.academyofapplique.com at your earliest convenience and register to receive personal updates (if you have not already done so).  You will not want to miss out on our 4th of July discount special!  For those that have not had a chance to attend the Academy – when registration opens, some classes WILL fill within an hour.  MARK YOUR CALENDARS!

Enjoy the beautiful Spring weather!

Keep stitchin’

 

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06
Apr

Happy Easter

By Barbara|Quilts|1 Comment

HAPPY EASTER!  What a beautiful day it was here in Williamsburg, VA.  The sun was shining, the birds were singing – Spring is in the air.  For me, almost the best part of the day was that the Hallmark channel ran the “Love series” movies by Janette Oake ALL DAY!  What a great day to stitch, and stitch I did.  I decided to put Sarah’s Revival aside for a bit as I am having trouble with the corner blocks of the outside border and thought the best thing was to walk away so no one got hurt (Ha Ha).

I stitched this mini Dresden plate since the Academy, for my soon to be fourth grandchild – Elias Gerl – due any minute. I think I will scallop the outside border after it is machine quilted, and bind it in blue.

Baby Quilt

Then I went back to my Lily Rosenberry Quilt (yet another Sue Garman quilt.  Do you see a pattern?  I LOVE her quilts) and am having a ball with the 1200 (or so) berries.  I am stitching this one in red and greens, but can’t wait to finish and stitch another in Sue’s brown, pinks, and Kelly greens.  It is BEAUTIFUL!  Check out her website, if you haven’t had a chance www.comequilt.com.  I wonder if she would share what brown she used.

I am still basking in the glow of the Academy, and with your suggestions and help, am finishing up contracting teachers for the 2016 Academy.  Boy, did you guys have some wonderful suggestions.  Some of the teachers I knew, and some were new to me.  I contacted MANY of them – all of whom were very warm and gracious.  Some were already booked for 2016 (but the Academy put in a reservation for 2017), and some are going to join us immediately.  I can’t wait to review their conceptual class descriptions, and am getting excited to get to know them better.  Wait until you see the “staff!”

Some upcoming dates that you will not want to miss are:

April 15 – The teaching staff for the 2016 Academy will be posted on the website  www.academyofapplique.com

August 8 – The classes for the 2016 Academy will be posted on the website

September 6 – Registration Opens

Keep watching your emails and the website, as we will post a “SPECIAL” soon for those that bring either a new Appliquer and/or an attendee new to the Academy.  And remember, I am always available if you have questions, comments, or just want to chat Barbara@Academyofapplique.com or (757) 565-5299.

 

Keep stitchin’

Barbara

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17
Mar

First Academy Of Applique A Success

By Barbara|Uncategorized|Be the first to comment!

THANK YOU, THANK YOU, THANK YOU!  I have NEVER had so much fun in my life – and all because of you.  The first Academy of Applique went off, relatively, without a hitch.  I have now had a chance to read, and re-read, the evaluation forms. You were all so gracious with your comments.  By far the most well received changes were: 1) including breakfast and lunch with the registration fees; 2) the relaxed atmosphere; and 3) the Taste of Williamsburg for a dinner option.  The short lunch programs and evening programs were also a hit! I have always said that the two things appliquers love to do is eat, and stitch.

So, hands down, we will keep this daily schedule for next year.  All evening events will be scheduled from 5:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. as this then allows plenty of evening socializing and stitching.  Lunches will be “tweaked” a bit next year (per your suggestions) to offer (2) food choices each day.  Wasn’t Chef and staff WONDERFUL?  And that breakfast buffet – Yummy!

Reviewing your teacher suggestions, Rick and I are busy contacting and contracting the teachers for the Academy of Applique 2016.  Thank you again for the beautiful flowers (which are still in full bloom), and the exquisite chatelaine.  What great gifts simply for doing what I love.  WOW!

Stay tuned, and again . . . THANK YOU for being such a wonderful group of ladies.  I am confident that I will see you all again next year.  Don’t forget, keep those suggestions coming.  After all, this Academy is for YOU!

 

Keep Stitchin’

Barbara

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25
Dec

Merry Christmas

By Barbara|Uncategorized|Be the first to comment!

Sometimes it seems that life just gets in the way of my stitching plans.  Has that ever happened to you?  You have your day, or week, or month planned with ample stitching time allotted, and BAM!  Along comes a “time sucker.”  So it was with me during the later part of October and November.  My best laid plans were interrupted by life.  I believe that I am now back on the straight and narrow finishing up Sarah’s Revival interspersed with a fun Christmas throw for next year.

Academy tasks are in full swing as several classes are full, with registration closing January 31st.  PS – if you haven’t had a chance to register for this WONDERFUL event yet, or have a friend that would like to join you, now is the time to reserve your seats!

About 15 years ago, my New Year’s resolution was to love the dreaded “A” word (appliqué).  I had been quilting for MANY years at that point, and had successfully avoided ANY patterns that introduced appliqué.   I took a class from a wonderful teacher in California, but just didn’t “get it.”  Then I treated myself to attend the Academy and took a class from Nancy Kerns.  It was like a light bulb went off!  She was able to break each task and movement down to “bite sized” pieces that made sense to me.  Her Eagle block was the first appliqué block that I completed.  And the rest, as they say, is history.  We are SO fortunate that Nancy will be teaching at the Academy this year – her last year before retirement.  I love both of her blocks, the Albion Sailing Ship and Baltimore Harbor View – both very traditional Baltimore blocks.  I’m sure that anyone that takes these classes will come out with a thorough understanding of appliqué and two beautiful blocks well on their way to completion.  Nancy’s calm and encouraging demeanor as well as her vast knowledge of appliqué is sure to empower the student to a successful appliqué journey.  Why not register today for these classes?

I truly love to appliqué, and look forward to my time each evening to stitch, relax, and unwind.  As I finish each appliqué top (I try to finish 3 a year), there is almost a sense of being lost, until I chose the next pattern and get started.

I have (2) more borders to add to this quilt, and then it is going into my floor frame for quilting.

quilt

 

 

I would like to blog about everyone’s “studios.”  First, I guess the definition of a “studio,” for me, is anywhere that you can work and be inspired – from the dining room table, to a spare closet, to the guest bedroom, to your seat on a commuter train, to a full blown studio.  Send me your pictures, with a brief description of  the “space” and let’s enjoy each other’s work areas, and maybe get a few ideas.  Here are some “teaser” pictures of mine – more to follow.

Quilts-Room

 

 

MERRY CHRISTMAS!

Barbara

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20
Aug

How has your summer been going?

By Barbara|Academy Business, Quilts|Be the first to comment!

How has your summer been going? Mine has been wonderful . . . and busy. The Academy of Applique has been such a fun and rewarding journey. I finally have the opportunity to combine by business acumen learned over MANY long years as a Finance Director, and my “hobby/obsession” quilting, and specifically, applique. Everyone has been SOOO supportive – there are not words to express my thanks to everyone. Friends and Attendees have helped me distribute literally tens of thousands of marketing postcards. The reception has been terrific. It is fun to watch marketing cards be sent or delivered to a specific area of the country, and within days, multiple sign ups on the website from that area. How exciting. The teachers, too, have been most gracious and sharing of their experiences, thoughts, and time. They truly are an amazing group. I want to send a special THANK YOU to Nancy Kerns and Teresa Jones for helping me through this first year, and letting me bounce ideas off them. You girls ROCK!

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