Sunday, May 20, 2012

Fun with Gwen!

Yesterday I had the great pleasure of spending the day with Gwen Marston in her class on small quilts!





Here's what I made the first part of the day.  I'm calling it "Study in Pink," 16.5" x 14".  It's my first small quilt.  It was so fun and easy.  I can't wait to make more!





Here's Gwen with my little quilt before I put the borders on.  
She is really a gem.  I've taken several classes from her, and will definitely take more.  I never tire of her generous spirit and great sense of humor.  I love hearing what she says about learning from old quilts.




Here she is at the beginning of the class, showing us some of the 450 small quilts she's made.
Can you guess who's wearing those cowgirl boots?





Do you have Gwen's fabulous new book yet?  You can order it directly from her, complete with signature.





The second half of the day I started this one, a rendition of my favorite quilt in the book.  

33 comments:

MariQuilts said...

How fabulous...I'm a huge fan of Gwen's work. Those are some seriously cool boots.

Clare said...

I know I know I know! It's Em!

Bet both of you had a great time.

Janet said...

What a treat to have the workshop with Gwen. Love the little quilt you made.

Rachaeldaisy said...

Your little quilt is so beautiful!! It must have been wonderful to do a class with Gwen. She has such a beautiful smile. That book has been on my I'll Get It One Day List. I love your next project too. Looking forward to seeing it develop.

Unknown said...

Sounds like a great day! Would love to take a class with her someday! I didn't know you were a fellow cowgirl boot fan? They look great!

Anonymous said...

Now, I really an envious. What a treat
A class with Gwen is on my "bucket list"

Ann Champion said...

I love your little quilt! Lucky you, taking a class with Gwen. She seems like such a free spirit?

I'm stalking your Spring Equinox quilt. I haven't been doing much sewing because of health reasons, but started sewing strips together to make a version of my own. There are days that I've had the picture of yours on my screen for a couple of hours. LOL

Quiltdivajulie said...

Taking a class (or three or five) with Gwen is SO SO SO on my bucket list . . . yes, I have her book with her signature inside and I love it.

LUCKY you (and others) for spending time with Gwen!

Love your study in pink.

Pinkadot Quilts said...

I love the small quilts. It is a lot of fun to work on a smaller scale and get it done relatively quickly! Your Study in Pink is wonderful!

Michele Bilyeu said...

Of course, it's Em. She can't go to bed in them All the time! Gwen is a real hoot, isn't she? And so nice but with that critical eye that doesn't miss a thing. Great lady!

fiberchick said...

Oh I'd love to take a class with Gwen... Love your "Study in Pink". The smaller scale of this quilt is ripe for experimentation!

Karen said...

I know those boots belong to Em :). How lucky you are - I would love to take a class from Gwen - guess I'll have to add that to my never ending "bucket list" LOL!! Your pink mini is wonderful.

Sujata Shah said...

I agree with everyone! Lucky you taking the class, or two or five with Gwen! Lovely quilt in pink.. I am still getting used to the idea of little quilts.
Your new quilt is very fresh and inspiring for spring. Love those squares dancing around.
Those boots made me smile... She will never have to take them off in Seattle.. Even in Summer :)

Barb said...

OMG of course I love your study in my favorite color; pink!
I know you had a great time Gwen, it is impossible not to.
I just got her Sketches book and too think its terrific~

Brenda said...

oh, oh, oh!!!!!your pink study is so great and it looks like so much fun. I'd love to take a class with Gwen sometime. thanks for sharing!

Jan said...

What a fast learner - it looks like you've been liberated before! Both of your efforts are really wonderful :) Gwen is my all time favorite. Are you thinking of attending her retreat?

Em said...

LeeAnn, what a wonderful day with u and Gwen and other friends!!!!! Thank you again for the invitation and friendship! U r a gem with your smile and giggles as Gwen was! And to see your Spiderweb and Stars with black polka dots in person was the cherry on the top! I loved hearing the ladies speak of your gift and thinking to myself how fun to play with u regularly. See u Wednesday.

Mary Keasler said...

What a treat! This was obviously a fantastic group; you, Em, Sally and all the others. I am so jealous. I just received my copy of Gwen's Sketches book and am inspired. Love your pink study. This is just what I need to do to prepare for my workshop with Nancy Crow, so as to get used to using only solids. Thanks for sharing and inspiring.

YankeeQuilter said...

I love how she starts out a class by just spreading her quilts out...

Love your pink study!

Helen said...

I adore Gwen and her little quilts. She is so very talented and fun to be with. I expect you will be doing a series of small quilts now. Love the pink study!

Marit said...

Looks like lots of fun!
And I, too love the pink study...

patricia belyea said...

You are such a natural quilter. No matter what materials or inspiration you are given, you produce wonderful work.

Kim said...

Wow all that is one day!
Fantastic.
I can't wait for her retreat in Sept.!

Happy Sewing

Victoria Findlay Wolfe said...

I recognize those boots and pig tails... ;-) Em! Looks like you all had a blast!

Carla said...

Taking a class from Gwen is on my Bucket List! Your projects look great!

Glen QuiltSwissy said...

I do so like that pink one!

Cathy @ CabbageQuilts said...

How wonderful to take a class with Gwen! I love your study in pink (sounds like a Sherlock Holmes ep!) I know I'm going to have to buy that book. xo

Vesuviusmama said...

That's got to be EM in the cowgirl boots!

smazoochie said...

So much fun! I am pleased to learn that besides being an amazing quilt maker & artist that Gwen is a good & generous teacher.
Lucky you & love your mini!

Theodora quilts said...

I love your study in pink and what a fun time you had viewing all of Gwen's small quilts ,and those boots are made for walking.theodora

Tonya Ricucci said...

love it. woohoo, so glad you got to take that class. so fabulous. Study in Pink is excellent. Do you watch the british series Sherlock? your title makes me think of the first episode.

Quilter Kathy said...

Lucky you! Wow...I'm so jealous! Love your pink study!

Amanda Jean said...

that last photo has my heart doing flip flops. it's just stunning!