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What a week!

Last week I was honored to be a tutor at Quilt Encounter 2009

Thank you to the organisers and of course students - the days just flew by in the company of such talented quilters. I really appreciate the love and support that shone throughout the encounter. The end of day get together of tutors and meeting new people was a definite highlight and reminded me again just how rewarding sharing quilting techniques can be. I cant wait to see some more examples of stenciling shining through in upcoming showcases...stenciled blocks: I know you're out there....

Now I'm finally home and finishing off my quilt (more pics early next week)

Vic Showcase (Jeffs Shed) is around the corner - doors open Thursday morning

Do come and say hello, I will be there everyday milling about

Cherry Blossom

Block 9: Cherry Blossom

Block 9 is now available. For those of you who have been experiencing trouble with Scribd.com (or just don't like using it), have you considered joining the Esther Aliu BOM Yahoo Group? It's free to join and you have access to the available blocks easily once you are a member. It's also a great place to discuss ideas, techniques, and post pics of your fabulous finished blocks (my favourite bit!)

Unpeeling the Stencil

Unpeeling the stencil!

Yes, it all turned out just right

I love peeling back and revealing

It's seeing your design fleshed out for the first time

and you never really know how

it will turn out until this moment

I don't do 'drafts' so I love the unvealing

Phew!

Busy Working

Stenciling has begun and I am hard at work

I like to build up a flow and finish an entire piece in one sitting

and it looks like I wouldnt be able to walk away anyway,

as my cat has an intent look in her eyes,

which is following the tip of my brush

"honestly I am not planning anything!'

Stencil Day!

Today is stencil day. This is always such a fun and exciting part of designing - getting it down. Even my cat can sense something interesting is happening as she's given up her spot by the heating duct to see what I am up to!

I finalised my design and centre panel stencil yesterday. It's moving quickly and taking on it's own shape- but still no name has come to me. Oh well...

I have prepared the fabric and am just about ready to start. This is a picture of the stencil being arranged on the fabric. I can't wait to see the result. This is the part of stenciling I like the most - total control over your design and of course the anticipation as you start working with your brush...

Found!

This year is apparently a yellow year, so it's fitting that I have found inspiration in my stash....yellow and grey.

Just perfect for the sketch I have in mind. I was thinking all yesterday, and was torn between applique or stenciling for this quilt and I even dug out some great greys to applique with...but as I spent more time working on the design, it was just so obvious that it had to be a stencil quilt! The yellow is a beautiful rich butter tone in silk linen, and I am excited with what will come of it. I also can't believe how good stash busting still feels...and what treasures can be found tucked away and forgotten.

I am inspired and ready to stencil. This quilt is taking shape quite quickly so I will keep you posted...

Morning Inspirations

It's nice to have some sunshine to work with in the morning. I've been busy designing my latest quilt - as yet still unnamed. I do consider that quilt names are important and sometimes I know the title right away, and other times, like my latest design I think I'm going to have to decide only when I've seen it finished on the wall! What is it? Well, it's still a sketch, but it's one of those quilts that seem to be in a hurry - I'll be working on it right away until it's finished.

This is what my designing morning looks like: a bit of a mess! Just leafing through ideas and finding ways to link new ideas to existing fabrics. Whenever I see a fabric I love in a shop, I am just so sure that I will be using it in a hurry - and you know what happens - it's so predictable. It sits on my shelf! Well I'm still commited to stash busting, so I'm going to work through my stash today and FIND and DIG OUT some serious inspiration!

Ring of Roses

This is a front pic of Ring of Roses.

I've been a little lapse with my blogging I'm afraid - I'm in the zone of designing at the moment and the days are going past!

I really can't believe that I just posted the 8th block in the Red Delicious Mystery BOM! How has the time flown! I've enjoyed seeing what so many quilters have done with Red Delicious, so as we draw closer to to finishing the Mystery, I become more and more excited.

Unfortunately, 8 blocks also means 8 months that I havent managed to brush up on my EQ6 skills.....yet......

Scribd.com

Having Difficulty Printing out Block 8?

I've heard that some of you are experiencing difficulties printing from the Scribd.com. website. I'm sorry to hear this and have been looking into it today.

I don't know why this is happening as the file is fine and I've had it double checked. I have been advised that if you want to easily print out the block, simply select the "download" tab and select PDF. The file will then download to your PDF reader for easy printing.

Hope this helps!

Forest Reds is launched

Block 8: Forest Reds is launched!

RIng of Roses

Ring of Roses is finished (phew, just last week!) and is having it's first outing at the Sydney Quilt Show!

What can I say? I love last minute quilting! Now you know why my blog has been a little quiet - I have a habit of working in waves...

Thought I'd share some pics.

Manor House

There is something I look forward to everytime a quilt of mine is featured as a project in a magzine - and that's the professional photo that gets taken.

I am really a bit too lax with my quilt catalogue, often it's just to hard to snap everything hanging nice and staright with good detail. When I photograph at home, there's always the issue of size (and getting a straight shot) as well as lighting...so I really like it when I can get that shot in a mag!

If anyone is interested in making this applique quilt - it's being featured over two issues

Dream Fountain

It's always nice to flick through a magazine and find your quilt there!

Dream Fountain is in AP & Q AQC Challenge Quilt Finalists Page

This is a nice start to the day, but now I have some serious quilting to get back to!

Sneaky Peak!

Sneak peak at what's been keeping me busy and away from my computer

Of course I'm running late again, but it's still a delight to be quilting

This little beauty has been keeping me busy all week

Yes I know....more ROSES!

Craft Fair Friend

What a nice suprise! My Challenge Quilt, Dream Fountain is featured in the Craft Fair Friend booklet which is out now.

I'd love to go to Sydney again this year - I have some tentative workshop bookings that I'm waiting on so I'm still not sure if I'm going to be able to make it this year....but I will try. It's great catching up with everyone and seeing the quilts of course!

Tulip Delight

Tables runners can't be too interesting in my opinion ...and in my case, they also help me keep my tables clear from clutter. But who needs an excuse to try their hand at a beautiful stencil project anyway??

If you've wanted to try stenciling, or have been looking for a rewarding project, Tulip Delight is a lot of fun. You can buy the pattern for this project via my Etsy shop. Why not start a stencil project today?

Workshop at Home is Launched

The next best thing to a stencil workshop, is a stencil workshop at home.

I'm always being asked about workshops, and many of you have asked about the best way to start stenciling if you can't make it to a class.

Well, I've created 'Workshop at Home' : an instruction guide that you can download in PDF format (just like your blocks) and work from at home and at your own pace.


I simply love stenciling, it's a great technique and if you haven't yet given it a go, why not make today the day to start?

You can purchase Workshop at Home: Stenciling via my Etsy shop. As well as Workshop at Home, I will also be new creating stencil pattern projects so that you can use your new stenciling skills!

So now there's definitely no excuse...stencil brushes at the ready!

ABOUT BOM

For everyone taking part in the BOM: I’ve had a few queries about this latest block

About downloading blocks: It’s important to ensure that your printer (or whichever printer you use) prints at 100% ratio. Although this seems obvious, it does happen that some quilters are printing off blocks that are not full sized.

Don’t worry if this has happened to you. If there is a discrepancy between the document sizing and your printer’s print outs, I suggest that you enlarge/reduce the image to bring it to size. Each block is a specified size. Therefore ensure that your shapes are the same size as the block.

There have been some comments about the Give & Take Swirly block and the issue of a ‘1 inch’ shortage. If this has happened to you, simply continue the curve to the edge.

For those of you who are still a little bit confused, I have scanned in an image of the block showing this ‘add on’ to assist you.

Feel free to post any questions you may have, I will be checking in to answer any as they arise.

What have I been doing all month?

Ok so I am still working on getting my studio a little neater...but every now and then I get distracted. This is a detail of my new project! Yes I started it a while ago, packed it away and have re-found it, so technically it's a completed UFO!

Why? Well it's a suprise...more info this weekend!

Red Delicious Update

It's the 15th again!

This month it's time to work on the filler blocks: 'Swirly Give & Take Blocks'

The perfect opportunity to get through some more reds!

And....only 4 blocks to go...

Apologies for the 'quality' quilt image above: as you can see, my EQ6 studies have NOT progressed since I started this mystery BOM and my example above is simply a cut and paste job! Yes, I know that EQ6 can create lovely quilt diagrams...I'm just not there yet

I've used the same fabric for all 3 blocks, please do experiment and change if you wish - I just know that there will be some great reds to swirl with...I think smaller print work best. Once again I'm looking forward to seeing what the Red Delicious Yahoo Group members do with this one! The photo albums are just a DELIGHT, absolutely inspiring

Thanks Pam!

Pam Holland has added a gallery of Paducah images on her blog - and it's fantastic. If you are interested in seeing some of the creativity and talent on display, drop by: http://pamhollanddesigns.typepad.com/ you won't be disappointed!

I am very happy to see that Peony Pride was hanging nicely this year- I always wonder if my quilt will hang well...so thanks Pam for sharing this great resource with us all.

Esther's Occassional Quote for the Day

Who know's what will happen during your morning coffee?

Expect the unexpected!

PADUCAH QUILT SHOW WINNERS ANNOUNCED

BEST OF SHOW

Renaissance Revival, Mariya Waters, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

Congratulations to Mariya!

For those of you lucky enough to have seen this quilt up close, you'll know just how much work and dedication has gone into this magnificent quilt. You can read all about it here on Mariya's website: http://www.mariyawaters.com/index.html

I'm doubly lucky as I know Mariya personally and it's so nice to know someone who has taken out this prestigious award...congratulations to all the quilters who received at award at this years show.

See full winners list here: http://www.americanquilter.com/shows_contests/paducah/2009/contests/quilt_winners.php

As for me?...oh well, there's always next year...and frankly, I'm just happy to have hung at such a prestigious show

Quilt Festival Spring 2009...Nightshade

Nightshade

Spring Quilt Festival 2009 - What a great idea. We all have a favourite quilt, and here is mine so far - Nightshade.

Made in 2007, Nightshade is entirely stencilled from my own original line drawings. This quilt is my favourite because it taught me to appreciate cool tones (I'm an earthy hue person usually) and it expanded what I thought could be done with the stencilling technique in quilting. And I'm still learning...

Stencilling is actually a traditional quilting technique, it was practiced by the earliest quilters...yet it seems that it's also somewhat forgotten noawadays - or looked upon as a 'new take' for quilting. With Nightshade I wanted to honor this history and create something entirely original without looking too modern.

A lot of people regard stencilling as a fast track to making quilts - but actually it's a true labor of love and I can assure you that a stencil quilt takes me as long as an applique quilt does. The pleasure lies in having total control over your design (it's printing your own fabrics!) and the cost is also comparable to purchasing quilting fabrics. Stencilling is something you do when you want to have a totally hands on creation.

I thoroughly enjoy stencilling and I'm not finished in this technique yet, but for me, Nightshade was a turning in point in my quilting journey.

Interested in hearing about other Quilter's favourite quilts and the stories behind them? Visit the Spring 2009 Festival here and browse through for an afternoon of great reading and inspiration. Thank you Amy for coming up with this, it's a fabulous idea! : http://parkcitygirl.blogspot.com/2009/04/quilt-festival-spring-2009.html

Yes, it's BOM time again

Red Delicious Delight is launched!

...and is it just me or are the months going by faster?

Baking is my Inspiration

When I should be getting ready for some Easter baking, I've been getting stuck into some Easter sketching instead...

Inspiration strikes at funny times.

Sometimes in my household, I'm accused of having selective hearing and today I think I've self diagnosed a serious case of selective inspiration, as I'd rather be sketching Easter applique designs than getting my Easter shopping done!

I have a feeling that this will end in a long queue at Coles tomorrow....

Not eggs-actly a stash buster

Where are the months flying? It's nearly Easter which means it's nearly half way through the year. In many ways I feel like I've done a lot...however I also feel like I havent done anything!

I'm afraid that I came across 80cms of the rose print fabric above....and I just had to have it, as my green egg really didn't zing with any print I had in the stash at all. Well, nearly didn't - because I'd already decided to go with a black background (from my stash)...but fell in love with this print....Oh well.... I am going to be using it all up right away, so it's not like I'm 'adding' to my stash or anything like that...AND I am supporting my local patchwork store!

Esther's Easter Block

Easter is nearly upon us, and every year I love to come up with a new table design, and usually end up sewing a few things too. This year, I designed a block that would be suitable for several designs and the only problem now is….I don’t know which one to make!

So I’ve decided to share this original block and invite all you talented quilters out there to let your imagination run wild….what will you make with this design? A table runner? A 3D egg? A felted egg gift bag? I’m still undecided myself...what I do know is that it lends itself to appliqué, stenciling, embroidery…..it’s all open to interpretation. So why not get sewing for Easter right now?

After Easter I will post all images of created pieces on this blog as an ‘ Easter Parade’ of creativity, so don't be shy, share your talent!

JOIN IN: download my free Easter Block via Scribd.com

SHARE YOUR WORK: forward images of finished pics to my email and I will post them here after Easter, in a ‘Parade’ of talent.

The Joy of Computing!

My email server is offline. That means I haven't received emails in the last 24 hours. For those of you who have contacted me, I will reply to you asap. I'm expecting to be back online and sorting out the backlog within 48 hours.

Raiding the stash...

What's going on here?! A little bit of space in my stash....and it's so suprising that even my cat can't believe it!

That space is where some reds were...which are now in Red Delicious blocks - the best place for them.

I love seeing my shelves lighten (even just a little)

Starter Pack is Launched

Due to popular request: The Red Delicious Starter Pack is now available

For those of you who missed out on the Red Delicious launch 5 months ago, here is your chance to catch up - buy blocks 1,2,3 & 4 for $15. Simply visit my Etsy shop via the link on the left.

(BLOCK 5 IS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE FOR FREE VIA THE APPLE LINK)

...and don't forget to show off your blocks by joing the Red Delicious Yahoo Group! There are a lot of suprises in the photo album.

Fanfare is launched

I've been so happy about Peony Pride's Paducah entry that I almost forgot it was (almost) the 15th!

I spent today clearing out my sewing studio (I've finally unpacked since my workshops at AQC)....and I feel re-energised (and organised) for lots of finishing off of waiting projects....as well as a few new ones too.

If you're taking part in Red Delicious, don't forget to join the BOM Yahoo Group and share some pics of your work - the photo section is already inspirational and frankly puts me to shame! I'm delighted that you're all making it so much your own.

Let's see how you all interpret this months block - I can't wait!

Drum roll please!

Peony Pride has been juried in to Paducah this year!

Needless to say, I'm delighted.

More from AQC

Inspiration is everywhere!

Teaching upstairs at AQC was especially fitting this year - as the the building has been restored with traditional stencil designs...and I had a wonderful time just looking up.

A stencilled building is my dream! So I really looked forward to arriving early each morning and taking a moment during setting up the class to just soak up and appreciate the art of the stencil - wall or quilt, stencils have played a big part in the beautiful and complex history of arts and crafts.

I just had to share some pics with you.



I can see a graceful, scrolling, traditionally based quilt design coming on, inspired by the edging and bannisters....








...or from this ceiling I can see a very simple but stylish yellow flower quilt...



I'm filled up with ideas. I love that this building can be such an evocative place.

You just feel like you should be doing something creative the minute you walk in.



I will definitely look up a lot more often now - no doubt I miss many beautiful features of building as I go about my day...and it takes a building like this to just remind me once again...yes, inspiration is everywhere...

AQC is over for another year

For all you lovely ladies, (and not forgetting Peter), who attended my workshop,

Thank you for a great weekend!

It was a pleasure to share stencilling with you, and I'm impressed with how well you all did....I'm always amazed that the same stencil can look so different, and seeing this process grow over a day class is just great.

- everyone focused and finished their panels with a gusto.

Thank you all for making it so enjoyable to teach stencilling this year, and please keep me posted with your progress!

I'm back home, I have a carload to unpack and my feet are aching!...but I just had to quickly blog and thank all the students - I had a great time and as every tutor knows - it all comes down to who's in the class.

its nearly time for AQC

Well I'm still trying to get through my shelf of UFO's and then I started Red Delicious to get through my serious stash of reds....but I havent been able to keep up with the comments generated by Red Delicious as much as I would have liked to, so now my free monthly BOM has a new home, via yahoo groups, if you're making this BOM and you haven't already- join in and post your pics - the blocks being made look so good it's putting me to shame!

Tonight I'm preparing for my AQC workshops. I'm going in tomorrow for set up, I cant wait to catch up with everyone on the weekend.

I don't know why, because it doesnt matter how well I plan, I always end up with late nights of preperation....even when I promised myself I'd be better organised this time around...so you'll probably see me with a strong coffee in hand...
see you there! Stencils at the ready!

Workshops Next Week

This weekend I'm winding down in preperation for next week. When I say winding down, I mean not starting any new projects! I am still committed to finishing my UFO's, working my way through my fabric stash and being more organized. I have 'nests' of papers and patterns and designs throughout the house which drives everyone crazy....but I find that if I file them away neatly...I forget all about them! For me, out of sight really is out of mind, so I've positioned my next few 'due for finishing' UFO's on the edge of my sewing machine table as a constant reminder.

I've had a very busy week, writing up some magazine patterns, testing some new designs and sourcing supplies for my workshops next week- this is a never ending issue. Sourcing the best possible supplies, always looking for new ways to make things easier for students...but I have to admit, I love teaching stencil workshop classes. Stencilling is something that can really transform your ideas about what it means to make your own quilt...it takes you on a journey where you can deisgn as much or as little as you want. Stencil blocks in a quilt can be a great feature - and entire stencil quilts where you 'stencil' your own fabric and really make it your own is somewhat addictive.

This is a stencil detail from Not Quite Shabby Chic. I've been preparing kits for my workshops next week at the AQC. For those of you coming along to one of my workshops, it's going to be a great day. I've already received some emails from students and I'm looking forward to meeting you all very soon!

the Red Delicious yahoo group is launched!

What's one woman to do with thousands of emails and hundreds of fabulous block photos? Well it got me thinking ....I know all of you would love to see the variety of blocks that I get treated to every month....and I know it would be great if all questions and comments could be directed into one focused spot:

So Red Delicious the Yahoo Group has been launched and is now running!

If you are taking part in Red Delicious, please join and upload your block photos for everyone to enjoy

Little did I know 4 months ago that Red Delicious would be so rewarding. Who knew that a free BOM could inspire so much creativity? Maybe it was the stash busting, maybe it was the red hues, maybe it was just enjoying a free block... whatever the reason, the feedback, photos and encouragment from everyone joining in on this mystery challenge has been inspiring to say the least.

The images of blocks that were emailed to me every month were too great to just leave in my inbox, they deserve to be posted and enjoyed. Yes, it was all too good for me to keep to myself: so please join.

For those of you who have posted me images of your blocks: please note that I will NOT be uploading photos on anyone's behalf (there's just too many!).

The Link to the Red Delicious yahoo group is below: and also on the left of this screen:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/estheraliubom/

block 4: Peony Bloom

Block 4 has proved difficult for some of you to download due to the size of the file.

So that no one need miss out, I have created a second 'block 4' which is an identical file (with the images downsized - it still looks just the same).

This file is listed as Block 4 on Scribd.com and simply states 'smaller file' beneath.

Peony Bloom is launched

Block 4 : Peony Bloom

Have you joined the mystery BOM?

Click on the Red Delicious Apple link on the left of this screen to join in

Block 4 is almost ready to launch

Please download block 3 if you have'nt already,

it will be removed in less than 24 hours

Esther's Occassional Quote for the Day

White Hydrangea

Sometimes you just have to love beauty for beauty's sake

PS.

It's nice to know that just looking at this flower has inspired so many emails today, so many that I had to add this little update:

It's very beautiful isnt it? With so much ugliness and pain at the moment (and even whilst fires are still burning), I think it's so important to acknowledge the awfulness...and press on...it's healing and important to remember that there is still so much beauty abounding.

a patch of Lavendar

Lilac and Lime, Simply Sublime

I took this photo years ago in my lavendar patch. I'm so glad now that I took so many garden and plant photos when everything was blooming- I find everything about gardens inspiring and love to sit down with a steaming cup of coffee and go on a sensory journey of my gardening history. Sometimes it's colour, or remembering the texture and sometimes it's just a craving.

For those of you who havent enjoyed the taste of Lavendar, go out of your way to grow, pick and enjoy some Lavendar biscuits laced with sugar, Lavendar and Mint Tea, or some lavendar clotted cream with your scones...it's a delightful taste. I've even made a Lavendar Sponge which was an absolute hit. And no kitchen is complete without a tin of caster sugar slowly absorbing lavendar heads tucked deep within.

But back to quilting thoughts....I don't think I have a quilt top with a strong design of lilac and lime, these colours go so well together -they're just waiting to be made. I would love to have a splash of that colour in my home, it's such an evocative combination. I have a great lime green in my hand dyes but I think the lavendar colour will be quite hard to find. I want an intensity which doesnt go into purple, but keeps a strong hue. Maybe I will have to stencil the colours.

I think it's definitely about to make my list. I'll keep you posted!

Victorian Bushfire

It's been a horror week. The death toll from horrific bushfires across Victoria this weekend has reached 131 and is still climbing. This tragedy is worse than the 1983 Ash Wednesday blazes.

There is very little that I or anyone can say to describe this situation justly. I don't know anyone who hasn't been touched by this disaster. This past weekend, a close family friend evacuated her property in Gippsland and is waiting in Melbourne whilst the bushfire continues to threaten homes and lives. The feeling is surreal and frightening. Watching it on TV, it's hard to believe that it's really happening. Unfortunately, it is. It just reminds me, and I'm sure many others, that nothing is more precious than life.

This is a terrible time, however there is something that everyone can do. Please, if you are able, donate to the bushfire appeal: there is much need. There is a direct link posted at the top of the blog on the lefthand side.

Behind Every Great Quilt...

Behind Every Great Quilt....

You probably have a favourite quilt....but do you have a favourite quilt BACK?

I do, its the back of my quilt 'Bed of Roses' ( although I don't actually have a photo of it!)

If you're anything like me, you love to read what's on the back of paintings, you lift up objects of pottery to look beneath, you turn books over in your hands to see any hidden design elements ...Or you can't help looking beneath saucers...sometimes there's a beautiful suprise there- a detail to reward you and confirm that it was worth looking...and sometimes it's just stamped: dishwasher safe. But you never know unless you look underneath.

This pictured quilt back is the back of my quilt 'Soaring'. At the time, I just thought it would be nice to have something intersting to look at on the back. I was experimenting with my own designs and just went for it.

Right from the moment it was quilted though, my daughter dismissed the top altogether and fell in love with this back. I've even promised to do a re-make just for her (it's on the list)...but that just begs the question: what will I put on the back of the Back Quilt?

The beauty of back quilts is that they allow you to be a little more creative than you would usually be...without having to think too far ahead...because (well for me anyway) if it doesnt work out, it doesnt really matter. Actually it's all for the better because each quilt becomes a journal entry of sorts...a marker of what thoughts were working themselves out.

Like most quilters, I know my quilts very well. Sometimes when they've been away for a while, I'll get them back and look over them and wonder about what I was doing when I designed- pieced- or quilted a particular quilt.

'Soaring' is nothing like it's back. But what it is, is a marker that I was stencilling rambling rose designs at that stage (when looking through my quilt

records, it doesnt indicate that I started doing that until months later (my record keeping is a bit haphazrd)...but now I know that I was actually months into it by that time.

Whilst I like using my backs as visual journals of progress, I've also thought about making a 'negative' of the quilt top on the underside - the only thing that's stopped me is time. It's such an interesting idea, and it's been my personal wish that all quilt shows would hang quilts individually suspended so that both sides can be fully appreciated.

I think quilts backs have an interesting story all of their own. What do you think?