Tonight at Modern Domestic, I was fortunate to be able to meet and hear a presentation by Laura Gunn, fabric and pattern designer. Laura has two fabric collections with Michael Miller: Poppy Collection and Lantern Bloom. She also has a pattern company with Patti Pinkston called, Poppy Patterns. Each pattern is designed to be "sew hip, sew easy". No buttonholes or zippers on her patterns!
Laura is a painter who uses a lot of texture in her work. Her sister-in-law, Heather Bailey, encouraged her to paint designs for fabric. Here is one of Laura's paintings that was made into gorgeous fabric. You can really see the texture from the painting in the fabric, including the texture of the canvas.
Laura talked about the process of designing and printing fabric and juggling career and motherhood and presented a demonstration of an appliqué technique using her fabric and one of her patterns.
Her mother, Elinor Peace Bailey, added some additional information and perspective based on her 30 years in the business, and even did a little sewing demo for us.
The technique Laura demonstrated involved cutting two pieces of fabric for each appliqué shape, placing them right sides together, sewing around them, making a cut in the center of one of the pieces, turning the whole thing right side out, lighting stuffing the piece, placing the piece on the background fabric, and machine stitching around the finished edge.
Elinor used a machine blanket stitch to sew an appliqué piece to the background fabric. Laura recommended this number 10 Bernina foot for stitching close to the edge of the appliqué and the Turn-It-All for turning fabric right-side out. I am definitely going to get a Turn-It-All!
Here is the top for a pillow showing the technique that Laura and Elinor demonstrated. The petals in the outer ring are not stuffed, but the inner petals and the center are.
Elinor added a little extra stitching on the petals and leaf for added texture and interest.
Another great appliqué pillow with a few buttons for embellishment.
A simple but beautiful quilt made of Laura's fabrics.
Lots of talking, laughing, and mingling.
I ran into a few PMQG members:
Wendy, Michelle, and Susan and ended up staying a long time chatting --
a great end to a wonderful evening.
a great end to a wonderful evening.
With wishes, true and kind -- Joan
Sounds like a great evening and I would have loved to listen to Laura and her Mother myself but thanks for sharing her applique method. I think I'm going to have to try that sometime soon.
ReplyDeleteWhat an interesting post and fun event! Felt like I had attended! Love the hexies on the top of you header...bright, zingy and delightful!
ReplyDeleteWow, what a privilege to meet Laura Gunn AND Eleanor Bailey! I love the applique demo they did. Such a cool effect. Thanks so much for sharing this event with us.
ReplyDeleteI love Laura Gunn fabrics - both Poppy and Lantern are amazing. What a great night!
ReplyDeleteI didn't know that Laura and Heather were Elinor's daughters! Talented family! I've take a doll class from Elinor years ago! She's so much fun! Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing about the event. I had intended to go but was sidelined by some icky stomach virus. Would much rather have been looking at pretty fabric and learning more about applique!
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to have missed this! Thanks for the great recap, I should be over at MD tonite, I'll be sure to check out the great pillow and quilt.
ReplyDeleteSo jealous. Modern Domestic looks so fabulous! Are you going to Sisters?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your weekend! I'm a bit jealous that you get to see all the pretty quilts hung up around Sisters. I was there last month visiting family!
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun event! I learned a lot from your post. How I'd love to accompany you to the Sisters Quilt Show. Bring back lots of pictures!
ReplyDeleteThis makes me miss the Portland area! I love Seattle but Portland is truly is an amazing city.
ReplyDeleteGreat post Joan, looks like it was a fabulous day. Have a great Saturday at the outdoor show. xo
ReplyDeleteThat is an interesting technique, thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks for this wonderful recap! I hated to miss this event as I was out of town with my family. I love to see all your pictures from the evening.
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