Well I have just had the BEST time!! I had the good fortune of having Sue Spargo and her (just as talented) sister Wendy visit my store from the USA for a few days to run a series of workshops. I have always been a huge fan of Sue's work, with the gorgeous textures she uses of wools, velvets, silks, braids and beads to mention just a few. It was like a dream come true to actually spend time exploring her techniques and experiences.
About 24 women came each day. The first day explored embelishment. We all started with the same base design, then appliqued, stitched a whole lot of different stitches, beaded, and played until every piece was totally unique.
The following two days were dedicated to designs from her new book 'Magnolia' which is simply stunning! Unfortunately I cannot show you the piece I started, as there isn't much to see yet - because I was shop-girl for the day, I was a little slower than most, but below are SOME of the hundreds of photos I took.
I am hoping to have Sue and Wendy back again, as, not only were they very knowledgeable, but they are such genuinely lovely people too. My daughter, Samantha, was absolutely smitten with them and also had a lovely time creating.
Here I am with Sue and Wendy at the Three Sisters (in the Blue Mountains) on the way home to Bathurst from picking them up at the airport.
Sue showing a few of the girls a few of her tricks! Don't you just love the quilts in the background.
Here is a close-up of a block from Sue's book 'Flowerbed'. I love her use of fabrics and wools, with a few braids and beads thrown in for good measure - yummy!
Here is some detail from one of the girls who took Sue's one-day embellishment class. Stunning!
Here are some of the beautiful blocks created in the 2-day workshop. It was great to be part of the weekend to see so many exciting ways of creating the blocks.
Talk soon
Anni
Oh, I'm so envious - sadly we don't get many great visitors to Perth! Looks like you all had a wonderful time!
Hugs - Lurlineā„
Posted by: Lurline Geoghegan | May 01, 2009 at 02:00 PM
Ooh I love that work , just great !
Posted by: clare bower | May 01, 2009 at 03:03 PM
Oh..this must have been so much fun.. I see a lot of wonderful blocks started!! :o)
Posted by: Stina | May 02, 2009 at 05:13 AM
Wow I would love to get to meet Sue. It looks like so much fun from the lovely photos you shared.
Posted by: Meredith | May 04, 2009 at 01:55 PM
Thanks for a lovely blog with a lot of inspiration. Have just bought two of your wounderful books. Greatings from Sweden
annika
Posted by: Annika Saflund | May 08, 2009 at 07:44 AM
Hi Anni, i'm a big fan of sue spargo too, and yours of course...the workshop looks like great fun. the textures are gorgeous, and limitless, thanks for all your inspirational ideas..
Posted by: tina angel | May 18, 2009 at 11:31 AM
You're probably much too busy to read this, but I like to thank you for all your designs. I'm having so much fun making them!
So I wish you lots of inspiration for much more to come!
Posted by: Lena | May 18, 2009 at 11:11 PM