March | 2018 | Simple Bird Applique

Yes, I’m a little behind, but I will catch up…I promise:) This is the third block of Hugs and Kisses, a BOM I started on my website in January.

hugs

I have already finished my quilt in this cheery colorway, so I have started another one. This time in warm browns and rich pinks and burgundies. I’m not sure which one I love the most!

This is a fairly easy block and it will allow you to practice those points and gentle curves. You will be a superstar when you finish this block!

I love to share this next tip…it saves time and freezer paper. I think it’s pretty slick. Instead of cutting out a separate template for each part of the center unit, I cut just 1. So I started by prepping the outer pink circle.

I cut that outer circle away, so I am now ready to prep the brown flower.

And then I cut that section off and prepped the 2 inner circles. Easy Peasy! I see from this photo my centre circle is a little off-centre. I will have to fix that!

hug 4

Actually, I was working on this block very early this morning. Stitching first thing every morning is a really good way to start the day. I highly recommend it!

I am so excited about my upcoming Applique Retreat. It’s coming up very quickly. The March Retreat is full, but I have just 2 spots left for the Applique Retreat in April. Here are the details I’d love to have you join us:) The dates for the second Retreat are April 20-22 (Friday-Sunday). All meals will be included, starting with dinner on Friday night. This Retreat is a perfect opportunity to learn the method I use for all of my applique projects. It is also a perfect time to catch up on your own applique projects and to be inspired by other students. Your fee of $400.00 includes your accommodation, all meals, your project kit and pattern and class notes. What is the project you ask? I am having a block designed specifically for this Retreat and it is still in the works:) I know you will love it! I am limiting this class to 6, so if you are interested please contact me at burke.kerry@ymail.com

Til next time….

Kerry

It’s hard to believe The Academy of Applique has come and gone:( For me, it’s a little like Christmas, I spend the whole year preparing and looking forward to this wonderful event, and then poof!….it over very quickly. Without a word of a lie, I had the best students…eager to learn, easy to teach and just super nice and friendly people, which can be said about everyone who attended this past Academy. The fact that everyone loves to applique as much as I do is a bonus!

Here are some pictures from both classes. I would have taken more pictures in the second class, but I was laughing so hard most of the time:) We had a blast!

First, it is just a lovely time of year for us Canadians to get an early taste of Spring. This was the view outside my room.

The food is awesome, and if you follow me on Instagram @simplebirdstudio you will know what I am talking about. I posted more photos of food than quilts. The desserts….amazing!

At the beginning of my class, I tell my students that with a bit of practice their work can look just like mine. And the work that both classes accomplished did not prove me wrong (yes that is another way of saying I was right…their pieces looked just like mine). That is what I love so much about Prepared Edge Applique.