Batik Beauties

Back in 2001, I was a fairly novice quilter. I was also pretty narrow-minded. As in, I didn't think much outside the box. I find something I like and go to town with it. So when I found this book in my local quilt shop, I set out to make all of them. Every quilt in the book. I often confuse craziness with ambition. I set out to build a batik stash. I carefully stacked and folded my newly acquired batiks, petting them and murmuring sweet nothings. In a very short time, I was a batik addict and completely enamored with Laurie Shifrin.

Fast forward two years down the road....

I'm at work one day, when the local quilt shop calls me (at work!) to tell me that my quilting idol is in town on a cruise ship and is IN the quilt shop. NOW. I couldn't get there fast enough. And there I was, standing in the quilt shop, meeting Laurie Shifrin, gushing over how much I love her books. She was so friendly and genuine. We talked like old friends, and then she gave me her card and wrote a message on the back about how nice it was to meet me. I told her how much I wished to invite her back to teach some classes.

And that's exactly what we did two years later. Let me tell you, it is not easy getting a quilt instructor up here. For starters, after the big plane to Juneau, you have to ride it's baby into Skagway. This does not go over well with a lot of people. In fact, the first time I ever came here, I was certain I was being punked, as surely no one rode these tiny planes on purpose. I think the words disposable and airplane came together in my mind. Right before I hyperventilated.

 

That's our dear friend Laurie, arriving in style. Isn't that neat how you actually get to climb onto the wing to get in and out of the plane? It doesn't get any better than that. I didn't tell her about this part until she got here. I was afraid she wouldn't come. 

 
Laurie taught two classes while she was here. Native Rainbow from her book Batik Beauties, and Patchwork Puzzle from her second book Batiks and Beyond. And then Friday night she did a trunk show. That was my favorite part of the whole weekend. Each and every quilt was just gorgeous! And I can't tell you how cool it was to see the actual quilts from her books. And her stories were hilarious! Laurie is a natural story-teller. She has had so many adventures in her life, and shares them in a way that keeps you laughing for two hours straight.

 

 

Here's her Patchwork Puzzle, from the cover of her second book. 

 

This quilt was a fun quilt to make. Fast piecing. I have a feeling I intended to enlarge mine, because as I dug it out this weekend, I found all the pieces cut for several more blocks. But I just wanted to get it done and off the UFO list, so I stuck with the original plan. It's more girly-sized this size anyway.

Our other class was Native Rainbow, but I'll save that for another day. I finished all the piecing for the center, and still need to put my final borders on. I'm hoping to get to that this weekend.

 
Have a great weekend!

 
 
 

 

Comments

[Nicole]

Isn't it wonderful to get to meet someone you have admired from afar? A few years back Lisa and I had signed up to take a class from Carrie Nelson. When she walked into the shop that was sponsoring the class, Lisa and I were like teenagers who had spotted their favorite screen idol. "OMG, there she IS!" Poor Carrie was just trying to shop and the two of us were peeking over the tops of bolts of fabric to get a look at her.

[janice]

I LOVE Laurie's books! I feel like they don't talk down to you, most of the patterns are difficult enough to be interesting, but still totally obtainable. How exciting for you! Can't wait to see the next post!

[Christine Thomas]

What a FUN story!! And how nice of the LQS to call you down to the store to meet her. I do not think the little plane intimidated Laurie at all if she is that adventursome.

[Lesly]

You made EVERY quilt in the book? Crazy awesome!

[Jayne Honnold]

Your enthusiasm for this quiltmaker and author spills out into your writing, making this blog post a real treat to read. I could feel your excitement. I, too, go too far off the deep end for some quilty things, like my enchantment with Kaffe Fassett or my love of reproduction quilts. Anyway, loved reading about your experience with Laurie, and your fun way of telling the story!

[Laura]

How cool to get to meet Laurie. I also bought that book when it first came out and I have yet to make even one quilt from it...and I love batiks! Go figure. But I do like flipping through it and enjoying the eye candy. Good for you for making them all.