What a wonderful day out it was. There we were, a group of keen club members all ready and waiting to learn all about the best way to use vintage doilies and linens from our master tutor, Griet Lombard. The exquisite samples were on show, and we gathered around for some words of wisdom. The first thing to consider, we were told, was how we were going to piece the finished blocks together – quilt as you go, or bagged out. Mmm, that got us thinking. Back we went to our tables to begin.
Janneke had been scouring the Op Shops and had purchased some doilies to sell at class for those who required a few more – these went like hot cakes. It was interesting to discover that several ladies from Griet’s first class returned for a second time. Barbara, Alison, Ruby, Madalyn and Lynne enjoyed themselves so much they were couldn’t wait to come back again, and happily joined in Class 2 with the rest of us.
All busy creating
Griet walked around the room, offering advice to those of us who had trouble getting started. Lois had brought along her Mum’s wedding dress to use, but the advice was to practice on smaller blocks first to get comfortable with the technique before taking the scissors to such a treasure. I needed help too - I had decided to make a bag and had gone along with a plan in my mind, but was gently dissuaded. My idea was to use a vintage doily, with added stitched words, on the front of a bag. But no, you just can't plonk it right in the middle, I was told, it needs to be off centre. Oh dear – I “don’t do” asymmetrical! But perhaps this once I will give it a try – after all, we were being shown the ropes by an amazing tutor.
At intervals during the day we were called to gather around and Griet passed on various tips and techniques to us. It was just as well that these were spread out as our poor little brains wouldn’t be able to retain too much info all at once. Speaking for myself, I know my head was spinning – thinking is hard work!
Demonstrating on the sewing machine
The hall was buzzing with activity all day, with pretty blocks being created with small pieces of lace, doilies, and vintage linen. Some were adding extra hand embroidery to their blocks, and Cheryl free motioned stitched a spider’s web to one of her blocks, for luck. Thanks must go to Cheryl for bringing along a big bag of embroidered organza samples for people to rummage through and take away.
Cheryl stitching a spider web, with Alison seeing how it is done
There was some lovely work done by the end of the day, beautiful blocks covered in lace, doilies, and Griet’s speciality, pretty little birds. We all had a great time and learnt all sorts of hints and tips. Griet stressed that in this class anything goes, do what makes you happy! With advice like that, we can’t go wrong. Thank you Griet, you are a wonderful tutor, and a valued club member too. And thanks to Lynne for organising the class for us.
Maureen with her pretty block, with Ute’s blocks on the wall
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