fused applique

Quilt Fun Beginning With Paper and Scissors

Saturday March 16th was National Quilting Day, and I was fortunate to have been invited to teach an abbreviated version of my paper cutting workshop to members of the Thumbstall Quilt Guild in Marcellus, NY. Being a member of this guild made sharing my love of paper, scissors and fabric even more special. We had three hours together and these quilters played hard! Let’s have a look over some of the students’ shoulders as the day unfolded:

Denise Bell invited me to teach my workshop, and I have to say that I could make an entire post on solely her paper cuttings and fabric pieces! She took the ball and ran so far with it that she might still be running! Denise recently returned from Mobile, Alabama and used the lush vegetation as her inspiration. Of the many layouts and ideas Denise explored, each and every one of them had such a painterly quality and an undeniable liveliness. For me, her work inspires jubilation and celebration. Keep going, Denise!

Denise Bell smiling through the entire workshop!

Denise Bell smiling through the entire workshop!

Denise made this piece inspired by her recent trip to Mobile, Alabama.

Denise made this piece inspired by her recent trip to Mobile, Alabama.

Carol Armstrong used her class time to take one basic motif and apply it to each of the folded papers we reviewed at the top of the class. So industrious, and so inspired! She took a bold step out of the box and began layering her paper cuttings and coming up with compositions for really intriguing pieces. I, for one, will be anxious to see what comes of her paper play!

Carol wisely cut several variations on a theme.

Carol wisely cut several variations on a theme.

Pam Mueller tracing one of her unique designs.

Pam Mueller tracing one of her unique designs.

Pam Mueller (right) had a small mountain of paper cuts to choose from and decided on this one for fabric. During class, she pulled a turquoise watercolor batik from her stash, which will make for spectacular results! I can’t wait to see Pam’s finished piece!

Marion Lutz (below) wowed the room with her gorgeous leaf and stem design! Back at her home studio, Marion continues to make progress. She has big plans for this piece, and all I’ll say is that I already put in my request for a pre-order! It’s going to be so good!! You can find Marion @fauxsister.

Marion Lutz tracing her lovely design.

Marion Lutz tracing her lovely design.

Marion Lutz’s original design. Stunning!

Marion Lutz’s original design. Stunning!

Camille DiSanza took one of my Flower templates and enlarged it free hand, then cut the original template from the light green fabric and her enlargement from the dark green. She set out to create a shadow effect and nailed it! She’s a shining example of giving oneself permission to play and letting the magic happen!

Camille DiSanza with her fabric panel destined to become a pillow cover.

Camille DiSanza with her fabric panel destined to become a pillow cover.

Sue Hopkins traced and fused my Tulips template onto an asian print before fusing it to her table runner. The original table runner pattern had a different flower appliqué, but Sue decided to venture out on her own! Using only the fabric she brought, she cut a total of seven Tulips. She decided to place four Tulips across one end of the runner and three across the other end. I can’t wait to see your finished table runner, Sue!

Sue’s fabric choice gave added movement to her Tulips!

Sue’s fabric choice gave added movement to her Tulips!

Sue Hopkins fusing Tulips to one end of her table runner.

Sue Hopkins fusing Tulips to one end of her table runner.

Four Tulips down, three to go!

Four Tulips down, three to go!

Typically, I offer this workshop as a full day, so I can attest to how hard these women worked in three short hours! When I see the progress and the fun people have, I often feel this should be a multiple day workshop. It would allow for a comprehensive exploration of the process, as well as allow students the space and time to really develop their own ideas and get valuable feeedback from the group.

If your guild or quilt group is interested in this paper cutting and fused appliqué workshop, for one day or two days, please email me. It’s a lot of fun, very inspiring and the results around the room are as unique and beautiful as the people creating them. See more of my work on Instagram @tierneybarden.

I’d like to thank the Thumbstall Quilt Guild and all of the students shown above for their permission to share their unique work with all of you. As always, I’d love to hear your thoughts and questions below in the comments!