Thursday, July 17, 2008

Jo Morton Class

So much has happened I don't know where to start. The most exciting part was 2 classes with Jo Morton in Washington State. We drove down early Sunday and came home late Tuesday. Each class was a different project, the first class was the baskets you can see in the above picture. I don't know about you, when I go to a class I don't seem to accomplish much, it must be all the talking and visiting around the room. I only came home with one basket done, but I have to tell you that since I've been home I've got all the handles appliqued and the basket all cut and ready to sew today. Jo is a fun teacher, she is very open and answered all our questions on patterns, her quilts, publishing books and getting fabric lines out. I think it must have been all the chatting we did....that must be why I came home with one little basket block....Well the days were fun and very informative with helpful tricks for making little quilts, I would take it again if she was in the area.
Here's Jo telling us about the process of designing another basket quilt, the black baskets are the same as the blue baskets above, she's just done a different setting and fabrics.
My one basket that I finished in the all day class, the handle is a little wonky but that's the character that I love. Some girls took one class and some took both classes, you'll see further down the second class project. We were spoiled with a wonderfully large room and a whole table for each person and wow the lunches were excellent, and fresh baked cookies in the afternoon. Lee owner of Two Thimbles was our host and she pampered us with goodie bags, not the food kind but treats for quilters....Jo's FQ's, spray starch, ruler, needle, bobbins and chocolate...did I mention chocolate....LOL. Lee really knew how to take care of us well.
This is Jo's quilt, mine will look similar to this one when done, except mine won't be hand quilted like she did.
This isn't all the stars I got done. The second day we are making a much bigger fall quilt. I love the fall greens, reds, yellows and oranges.
Here are some more of the fabrics I'll be using, sorry the picture is sideways. You get the idea anyway.
There's Jo and some of the girls from the class holding the quilt we are making. Isn't it gorgeous! the black alternate block has little tiny stars, you might be able to see in the picture above. I've got 100 of the star blocks to make. Oh I just love it, the picture doesn't do the quilt justice....It's stunning girls trust me. There is a picture of me with Jo but it's on a another camera, but I don't think I'll get it anytime soon so I went with this one instead.
Jo brought some show and tell for us to drool over. Here is one of her beautiful quilts.
Another one, and boy oh boy is this simply stunning. Those stars are all hand pieced and very tiny, can't remember the size, it's in one of her newer books.
Jo was usually hiding behind the quilt when we took pictures, I was lucky and got one with her head peeking over the top. This quilt is another beauty.
The day after Jo's class was my monthly Little Jo's Women club at Two Thimbles. The girls were very productive in getting the piecing done and quilting AND binding on baby rose block. I didn't get mine done, too much painting going on for me. By the way I've finished the painting the bedroom walls, trim, closet door and ceiling, yes I even did the ceiling, that's hard on the neck. Hubby installed the new light fixture, knobs and heating vent while I was away. I bought the first piece of furniture for the room, is it every sweet, that will be for another post.
I just had to take a couple of pictures of Two Thimbles.
More shop pictures for you to enjoy.
When I got home this sweet kitty was waiting at my door. Karol-Ann and I were exchanging emails and she was looking for BH&G magazine...well to make a long story store, she made this for me and she got the magazine she wanted. I think I'm the lucky one. She even sent along the kitty fabric, how cute is that. I love it! Thanks Karol-Ann.
After the painting was done I had a little time before heading to my classes with Jo. I made this little wallhanging. Of course the stitching was done before, I'm not that fast...LOL The piecing was made up as I went, no pattern I decided on the fabric and piecing as I sewed.

That's all I have for now, if you made it this far, I Thank You for sticking with me and my ramblings. Have a great day!

33 comments:

Karen said...

Oh, how lucky you were to get to take the Jo Morton classes and to see her quilts up close and personal.
I'd say you are on a roll with getting packages with goodies in them. Good stuff!

Darlene said...

Wendy, thank you so much for sharing your Jo Morton class with us.

Wonderful Kitty from Karol-Ann!

Louise said...

Wendy,
I am really enjoying getting to know all of you ladies from north of us. What a fun class and I absolutely love the Autumn Song quilt we are doing. So far it is one of my favorites. Louise

sewkalico said...

So pleased Kitty arrived safely (I see now it's eyes are a bit wonky, but that's 'character' I hope *LOL*)
Just love those large stars in squares - simply gorgeous!!
So pleased you had a great time!

sewkalico said...

ps that store looks very appealing. What a fantastic place to meet up (and shop)

Andrea said...

So many lovely quilts here. I think I want to make them all -lol ! Thanks for the great photos- very inspiring.

Judy said...

Oh Wendy, what fun your classes must have been! I love the look of all her quilts, they just have something special about them that makes them unique to a Jo Morton quilt. Love the star quilt!! and the little embroidery one too!

Patti said...

I took a couple classes from Jo in 2004 - they were marvelous and so was she! I'd take from her again in a heartbeat. One was the same little baskets class, and the other was Emma's Quilt. She is the most delightful person, and I just love her work.

Unknown said...

Those quilts are beautiful, the colour combination is so great, thanks for sharing.

julieQ said...

That must have been the most amazing experience, getting up meet her and take her classes...yum!

Karen said...

Hello, Hello, Dear Friend,

Jo's classes were so much fun. I'm ready for another round. It was so fun to be together and exchange fabrics and ideas. You are getting so much done since you've been home. I am working on the wedding preparations. We are hosting the Rehearsal Luncheon and also helping with a party the day after the wedding,so I haven't even had a chance to think about sewing this week.
Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Hugs,
Karen

Knot Garden said...

Where do I start, all the photos are so interesting, and the star blocks are just beautiful. All Jo's quilts are awesome. You must have had such a great time.

Liz said...

Thanks for sharing such divine quilt photos from Jo Morton. They are all sooooo beautiful.
I just love the colours.
Kind regards from Liz

Teresa said...

Love the quilt blocks and oh how I would enjoy taking that class. Maybe one day I can get in a minatures class. Cute stitchery project you did too!

Leanne said...

Thanks for sharing...like you I always have lots of homework after a workshop....I talk too much.

Evy said...

Looks like you had te best of days!
Thanks for sharing them.

Kind Regards,
Evy

Carrie P. said...

Boy, I wish I could have there with you. Lovely quilts.

Carole said...

Oh Wendy, lucky you to have taken a class with Jo Morton. Beautiful work! Love your wonky handle! lol I love baskets! Thank you for taking the time to share this experience. What a cute pincushion! Hugs!

Karen said...

WOW WOW WOW - I love those quilts that you are going to be creating. There both stunning. What a treat to take some classes from her. That little mini quilt/stitchery you whipped up sure is cute and thanks for the trip through the quilt shop. That looks like a great one.

Happy Sewing - karen

Lurline said...

Oh Wendy!
I just love your blog and how lucky are you to be in the company of Jo Morton - so far away from Australia.
Best wishes - Lurline.

Julia said...

Hi Wnedy,
Wow! what a thrill it must have been to meet Jo Morton,
I love her fabrics, your blog and quilts are lovely,
Julia

Lyn said...

Hi Wendy, I wish I was there with you, a bit hard from half way around the world, however, you did with your post. Thank You, what a wonderful day you had and having Jo Morton as your tutor.I love workshops like that. The colours you chose for your basket block, are lovely. Warmest Regards Lyn

Libby said...

What a treat! Sometimes in a class you just have to sit and take it all in then put it to use at home *s* Love those stars . . . I'll have to dig around and see if I still have that fabric in my stash!

Angela said...

Oh what fun you must have had! I cannot imagine the inspirations you received!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great class. I hope to be able to take one of her classes sometime in the future. You picked some beautiful fabrics for your next quilt.

Stina Blomgren said...

Fantastic quilts and what a fantastic class you must have joined...I´m green of envy!!! *LOL* You´re so lucky!!!
And that shop is fantastic too... ;D

Thimbleanna said...

Wow! I love that quilt with the star blocks that you'll be making. Looks like you had a wonderful time!

Andrea said...

Great Job Wendy!and what a wonderful time! you´ve got a nice blog!

MARCIE said...

How exciting to take a class from Jo! I adore her quilts! Your newly painted shelf is great and I love the scrappy quilt hanging on it!

Happy Zombie said...

How wonderful... and the quilts are so beautiful. Thanks for sharing, Wendy!

sewprimitive karen said...

The Jo's Whig Rose quilts look so adorable grouped together!

Kizzy said...

Hi Wendy, I just love you blog the Basket quilt you make could you tell me what book you got that from. i would love to make it thank you kizzy

voyance said...

Anyway, In my opinion , purely formed an outstanding goal. You understand what you are speaking about, and that i has the capability to sincerely benefit from at the that will. Very good suggests this in advance as a consequence genuine.
voyance en ligne email