Friday, May 1, 2009

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!

12 comments:

Micki said...

The buttons really are a great idea and you all looked like you had fun there.
Great pics!
Micki

Eileen said...

ooo.. look at all the neat stuff in this post. Love that crinkley stuff.. reminds me of seer-sucker.. do they make that anymore?

And the pixel quilt is awesome!

Wish I had a laptop to make a bag for.. that is a terrific pattern. Fun day!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I sure wish I could have been there! It can just imagine the fun filled day of all those tips and tricks! Your head must have been spinning with excitement!

Abby and Stephanie said...

LOVE the pixel quilt. Artistic daughter has done very interesting pixelated drawings and are so cool. I, too, am a show me person...I think that's why I haven't done zippers yet.

Unknown said...

Lots to share!! I just love the laptop bag and could use a pretty one myself. I may just have to purchase her pattern. It sounds like she is a wealth of knowledge. What a fun day!

dotti white said...

Now that's the kind of play day I need! So much fun happening! Even though it was busy, it looked so relaxing to be working and knowing that Annie was right there to give support when you needed it! That is awesome! I am going to have to try out the superior thread product. Have a great weekend!

Material Mary said...

What a fun way to spend your day with Annie and her great patterns. Love the fabric too!
Mary

Dawn said...

I'm going to need to check out that "texture magic"!! I love it in the baby quilt.

Karen said...

I love it all!!! The laptop bag is something I really need, the pixel quilt is awsome;) and I've got to try some of the Texture Magic. I seriously need to join the 'Buttonaholics' group...love them;) I love to take classes and when I learn something new or a new way to do something old...all the better;) Thanks!!!

Annie said...

Hi, Nedra! Thanks for blogging about the fun day that we had yesterday. I really enjoyed helping you with your laptop case and can't wait to see it finished. It is going to be awesome!

Just one note: The Seasons quilt that Sandy was working on is from a pattern by Acorn Quilt & Gift Company. I'm teaching the class, but it's not my pattern. The pattern and a starter kit with some of the fabrics is available at Quilted Works (www.quiltedworks.com).

I'm looking forward to working with you this week on my hooked rug, too.

See you soon.

Annie
www.byannie.com

Sherri said...

I'm going to have to try that texture magic one of these day! And I've been bitten by the button bug as well! I just need to get more to cover!

Nanette Merrill said...

Holy cow. Such artistic magic. It is so wonderful to take a class and pick up some new skills.