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.  

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33 comments:

  1. MariQuiltsMay 20, 2012 at 11:21 PM

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

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  2. ClareMay 21, 2012 at 12:08 AM

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

    Bet both of you had a great time.

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  3. JanetMay 21, 2012 at 12:57 AM

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

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  4. RachaeldaisyMay 21, 2012 at 3:25 AM

    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.

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  5. UnknownMay 21, 2012 at 3:51 AM

    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!

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  6. AnonymousMay 21, 2012 at 4:52 AM

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

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  7. Ann ChampionMay 21, 2012 at 5:06 AM

    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

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  8. QuiltdivajulieMay 21, 2012 at 5:37 AM

    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.

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  9. Pinkadot QuiltsMay 21, 2012 at 5:40 AM

    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!

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  10. Michele BilyeuMay 21, 2012 at 5:42 AM

    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!

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  11. fiberchickMay 21, 2012 at 6:46 AM

    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!

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  12. KarenMay 21, 2012 at 8:15 AM

    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.

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  13. Sujata ShahMay 21, 2012 at 8:17 AM

    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 :)

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  14. BarbMay 21, 2012 at 8:50 AM

    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~

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  15. BrendaMay 21, 2012 at 9:34 AM

    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!

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  16. JanMay 21, 2012 at 10:57 AM

    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?

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  17. EmMay 21, 2012 at 11:09 AM

    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.

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  18. Mary KeaslerMay 21, 2012 at 11:50 AM

    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.

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  19. YankeeQuilterMay 21, 2012 at 12:35 PM

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

    Love your pink study!

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  20. HelenMay 21, 2012 at 3:14 PM

    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!

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  21. MaritMay 22, 2012 at 1:08 AM

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

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  22. patricia belyeaMay 22, 2012 at 7:47 AM

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

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  23. KimMay 22, 2012 at 8:12 AM

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

    Happy Sewing

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  24. Victoria Findlay WolfeMay 22, 2012 at 6:15 PM

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

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  25. CarlaMay 22, 2012 at 8:12 PM

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

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  26. Glen QuiltSwissyMay 24, 2012 at 7:46 PM

    I do so like that pink one!

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  27. Cathy @ CabbageQuiltsMay 25, 2012 at 6:37 AM

    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

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  28. VesuviusmamaMay 25, 2012 at 6:53 PM

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

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  29. smazoochieMay 26, 2012 at 6:51 PM

    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!

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  30. Theodora quiltsMay 29, 2012 at 10:20 AM

    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

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  31. Tonya RicucciMay 30, 2012 at 8:32 AM

    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.

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  32. Quilter KathyMay 30, 2012 at 7:04 PM

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

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  33. Amanda JeanJune 25, 2012 at 12:06 PM

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

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