Birds and Berries hand-applique for beginners class announced

We are so excited to announce a new class here at Alewives: "Birds and Berries" hand-applique for beginners, taught by the most fabulous Barbara Martin.

Barbara's enthusiasm for hand-applique is super-infectious, and we're beyond thrilled that she's finally agreed to teach a beginner's applique class (we've been shamelessly begging her for YEARS!).

If you like knitting or binding or crochet or any other type of handwork, you should really give applique a try.

All you need to learn are a few simple stitches and tricks and you're on your way to making any number of gorgeous projects.

On a personal note, I learned to hand-applique a few years ago, and I love it.

For those of you who scoff at the idea of doing a block entirely by hand, think of it like this:

I always equate applique to reading a good book: you like reading a good book because it's so much fun to be "in the middle" of something, and you can read for five minutes here and five minutes there when you have a moment.

Then one day you finish your book and you are almost disappointed to be "done" (until you start another good book...).

To me, applique is the same thing.

It's portable (all you need are your needle, thread, a small pair of scissors and your project) and it's so much fun to have a "go-to" project that will save you from being bored in so many different situations.

You can work on hand-applique in front of the TV, in line at the DMV, at your kid's soccer game, at the beach, in the garden, on the back porch... any ol' place!

You'll really look forward to working on your Birds and Berries block and remember: this class is geared towards absolute beginners, so we're keeping things simple and you'll be able to finish most of your block in class under Barbara's supervision.

The pattern is free (it's a collaborative effort between Barbara and myself... can you tell I'm a proud mama?) and you can turn your "Birds and Berries" block into a pretty pillow, a patchwork bag panel, a quilt block, a wallhanging, most anything you like!

I love how this block would work well in any type of fabric: from contemporary to batik to reproduction. The personality of that little bird could really change depending on your fabric choices and he'd be perfect in anyone's home!

If you would like to sign up for the "Birds and Berries" hand-applique for beginners class with Barbara Martin, the workshop will be held Saturday, June 18th from 9:30 to 12:00. The class is a real bargain at just $25 per student. You can call us (207 563 5002) with a credit card number or stop by the shop in person to reserve your space.

We'll see you there!

XO,

Rhea