Annie's Play Day

I can tell I really stirred up the pot when I mentioned my current addiction to making covered buttons. The comments really have been flying! I can tell I'm not alone, because I was informed by some that "I have been bitten by a bug, have button fever, and have even started a world wide epidemic." Some have reported back to let me know they have already purchased jars to put their covered buttons in. The only thing I can say is "Buttonaholics Unite!"

Today I took the most fun class. The above laptop bag was designed and made by my friend Annie Unrein. I knew when I saw it, I wanted to make one too.

Annie offers a "Play Day" at a local quilt store once a month. You can spend the day with her and she will guide you through any of her patterns.

Annie made this one in batik's.

Mine is not finished yet, but I can give you a sneak peak and let you know it is going to be made with some Joel Dewberry fabric.

Can I just say it was a good thing Annie was there for me today to guide me through step by step. This bag has A LOT OF PIECES. Annie provides terrific written instructions, but I am such a visual learner. I needed her to SHOW ME. Now that I've made it, and seen each part, the bag makes complete sense.

Annie taught me a terrific technique for putting in the zipper. That alone made the class wonderful.

Annie ran around the room today helping everyone with their projects. She helped iron, cut out pieces, thread machines, etc., etc., etc. She's going to sleep well tonight because we were there from 10:30am to 5:oo pm.

You can find her patterns at http://www.byannie.com/

This is from one of Annie's classes "Quilted Photography" where you take a picture and break it down into pixels.

Look at all these little itty bitty pieces!

She teaches a wonderful applique technique.

Linda was making Annie's "Star Fire" pattern.

This is her "Seasons" pattern. * Annie informed me that this pattern is actually from "Acorn Quilt and Gift, Co."

Annie and Heather Purcell have just designed the cutest baby quilt using a new product from Superior Threads called "Texture Magic".

I am in love with Texture Magic! You stitch it to the back of a piece of fabric. Add steam and it shrinks 30% in every direction.

Babies love texture, and I think this application will be a big hit. The pattern comes in blue and a pink version. and is called "Bubbly Babies".

Thanks Annie for a wonderful day and for all your help!