I finally did it! I finally attended my first Trunk Show! I
didn’t know what to expect, but I think I lucked out with my very first being
with Cheryl Arkison!
didn’t know what to expect, but I think I lucked out with my very first being
with Cheryl Arkison!
Don’t know Cheryl? Well, she’s based out of Calgary, Alberta
and is the author of several quilting books, including: Sunday Morning Quilts (the first quilt book I ever got!!), A Month of Sundays and You Inspire Me To Quilt.
She’s also a teacher, freelance writer, an epic quilter and that’s just on the
professional front!
and is the author of several quilting books, including: Sunday Morning Quilts (the first quilt book I ever got!!), A Month of Sundays and You Inspire Me To Quilt.
She’s also a teacher, freelance writer, an epic quilter and that’s just on the
professional front!
Not only is she crazy talented, but she’s charismatic,
approachable and super funny too! I’m all about discovering new possibilities
and exploring my potential within the quilting world and that’s exactly the
message Cheryl imparts: just play! I love that J
approachable and super funny too! I’m all about discovering new possibilities
and exploring my potential within the quilting world and that’s exactly the
message Cheryl imparts: just play! I love that J
You can tell she takes her own advice to play. Check out
these gorgeous quilts she shared at the trunk show the Montreal Modern Quilt Guild hosted on Friday night:
I also loved hearing all the stories behind each quilt. No
matter what the quilt inspiration is, or what the outcome, there is always a
story that accompanies a quilt. It could be as simple as how you were feeling
when you made the quilt. Or what was transpiring in your life at that given
time. They are a stamp in time in our quilting journey and I adore that it’s
always more than just a quilt.
matter what the quilt inspiration is, or what the outcome, there is always a
story that accompanies a quilt. It could be as simple as how you were feeling
when you made the quilt. Or what was transpiring in your life at that given
time. They are a stamp in time in our quilting journey and I adore that it’s
always more than just a quilt.
The next day was our perfect circles tutorial. Clearly I was
excited as I woke up at 4:30 am and couldn’t fall back asleep!
excited as I woke up at 4:30 am and couldn’t fall back asleep!
I’d tackled improv curves before in the Over The Hills mini, which I loved. And had done appliqué circles for my Dresden Plate quilt
(which hasn’t seen much progress since I hurt my hand), but I was curious to see what perfect circles techniques she had
up her sleeve. By the end of the day, we worked through a new appliqué method,
the “6-minute circle”, which she confirmed was not 6 minutes (ha!), the quarter
and half circle, as well as, a quick lesson on improv techniques. Oh the fun!
(which hasn’t seen much progress since I hurt my hand), but I was curious to see what perfect circles techniques she had
up her sleeve. By the end of the day, we worked through a new appliqué method,
the “6-minute circle”, which she confirmed was not 6 minutes (ha!), the quarter
and half circle, as well as, a quick lesson on improv techniques. Oh the fun!
In the end, as far as perfect curves go, my favourite was
hands down the “6-minute circle”. I not only love the approach, but love the
result as well. I can see myself using this method a lot in the future! The
workshop also reinforced my love for improv. Gosh, what is it about free-form
modern quilting that just steals my heart?!
hands down the “6-minute circle”. I not only love the approach, but love the
result as well. I can see myself using this method a lot in the future! The
workshop also reinforced my love for improv. Gosh, what is it about free-form
modern quilting that just steals my heart?!
I decided to focus on Melon (which I just can’t seem to get enough of) and Wasabi by Kona Solids as my
practice fabric and I’m so taken with the combo. I’m thinking I’ll continue to
play and keep adding until I see where I end up. I may also add some
coordinating prints from my stash that I’ve been itching to use. I’m trying to
be better about using my fabric rather than just staring at it 😉 #thestruggleisreal
practice fabric and I’m so taken with the combo. I’m thinking I’ll continue to
play and keep adding until I see where I end up. I may also add some
coordinating prints from my stash that I’ve been itching to use. I’m trying to
be better about using my fabric rather than just staring at it 😉 #thestruggleisreal
Aside from learning new quilt techniques and being inspired
by Cheryl’s work, during the trunk show she quoted Marie Forleo and it completely resonated with me: “create before you consume”.
by Cheryl’s work, during the trunk show she quoted Marie Forleo and it completely resonated with me: “create before you consume”.
My creative
juices are often the strongest in the morning, but sometimes life gets in the
way and I miss out on tapping into that creative vibe. This was a great
reminder to prioritize my own creativity before allowing the day to take over. Watch the quick video here.
juices are often the strongest in the morning, but sometimes life gets in the
way and I miss out on tapping into that creative vibe. This was a great
reminder to prioritize my own creativity before allowing the day to take over. Watch the quick video here.
If you have the chance to take a workshop with Cheryl I would encourage you to jump at the opportunity! This was by far the best
experience I’ve had both in terms of Trunk Shows and quilting workshops and
would love for you to experience the fun as well J
experience I’ve had both in terms of Trunk Shows and quilting workshops and
would love for you to experience the fun as well J
Happy quilting my friends!
xo
Shannon
Sounds like your time with Cheryl was very inspiring!
It was so much fun, Marla! Who knew curves could be so fun 😉
From your excitement you had a great day and learned loads, you make it sound great. I've only once taken a class with a well known quilter, Sandi Lush, well known for her hand quilting, I would so love to do one with a machine quilter.
I would love to attend a hand quilting workshop, Kate! I never thought I would be into hand quilting, but I just adore the tranquility and rhythmic nature of the hand stitching.
I agree with every single word!! I left the workshop on Saturday inspired, motivated and so excited about using those techniques in my quilts. Cheryl truly was amazing – I loved her attitude towards creating so much. Creating in the morning is impossible for me (I have to get to work downtown at 7 AM), but ending the day in my sewing room is what keeps me sane! 🙂
I’m so happy we were able to get her to come in and teach us, Izzy! Just one of the many reasons I love being part of our guild If the morning isn’t ideal, you just gotta do whatever works best for you! I think the important thing is that we make time for our creativity and passions! Keep up the great work!